Swarkestone 2 – Run for the Dales

    Swarkestone 2 – Run for the Dales

The hottest August bank holiday Sunday on record was just right for a scenic drive through Derbyshire!

Six 3 Wheelers of all ages, a Plus 4 and a couple of MGs met up at Swarkestone Nursery on Sunday 25^th August.  It was nice to meet Phil & Sally with their newish M3W.  They are not MTWC members yet but they were subjected to much arm-twisting during the day!

 

We then set off for Tom Cowley’s restoration workshops just outside Ashbourne where a couple more 3 Wheelers joined the group.   A wonderfully eclectic mix of Morgans was on display, both inside and outside the garages.  There were examples of the classic ‘barn find’ as well as nearly finished cars.  It was obvious that the standard of workmanship carried out here is very high indeed.  Tom had very kindly laid on hot & cold drinks, biscuits & cakes all of which were greatly appreciated.  Oh, and I mustn’t forget to mention the courgettes!  There was so much to see and do here that we stayed much longer than planned – but still left wanting to see more!

We then moved on to Tissington where we abandoned the idea of visiting the tearoom due to the bank holiday crowds, choosing instead to go straight to Tissington Ford.  I believe that everyone made it through unscathed, although Eric Eadon insisted on having another go and nearly came a cropper the second time through!

 

After this, we drove through the stunning countryside into Buxton, taking a variety of narrow back roads, as well as the nice flowing A515.  Here our plans once again went awry because it seemed that every parking place in Buxton was occupied.  Eventually, most of us managed to park in various far-flung corners and made it to Simply Thai where we had a very pleasant meal.

 

 

After lunch, we once again deviated from the plan, deciding to bypass Bakewell & Matlock Bath, preferring to go across country to see the Beam engine at Middleton Top.  When we arrived we were pleased to be reunited with some of the group who we had ‘lost’ in Buxton and luckily for us, we arrived just in time to see this historic engine in steam.  It was built in 1829 and used to drag railway carriages up a 1 in 8 inclined plane right up until 1963.  It’s now the oldest working beam engine (still in its original location) in the country.

 

After cooling drinks, ice creams & more chatter we all made our own ways home. 

All in all, a most enjoyable day.  Special thanks must go to John Jackson for providing the start location & inspiration for the trip.  Also, huge thanks to Tom Cowley for making us so welcome at his workshops and providing the courgettes!

 

Words and photos courtesy of Andrew Warren.