Chasing Train Tunnels

As you know I’ve blabbed on about how amazing it was to escape the city fumes and enjoy the country air, so we woke up bright and early with our focus being to take advantage of exactly that.

For our little get away we stayed at the Devonshire Arms in Pilsley, which is part of the Chatsworth Estate offering stunning rooms in the Inn and Farmhouse.

Devonshire Arms Pilsley

Equally the communal areas were vibrant with the mismatched stripes, plaids and velvet fabrics that adorned the quaint space.

Devonshire Arms Pilsley

devonshire arms pilsley

We headed on downstairs for a hearty traditional English breakfast, sipping mugs of tea and flicking through some humorous coffee table books.

Devonshire Arms Pilsley

Before saying goodbye to our new home, I cheekily asked for a tour of the property being the nosey interior designer that I am.

The staff were unbelievably friendly and were interested to show the stunning interiors that the Duchess of Devonshire had overseen the interior design.

Devonshire Arms Pilsley

We stumbled into the Moor room draped in rich fabrics oozing traditional features with a large four-poster bed taking centre space in the room.

The bedroom felt instantly comfortable with the sumptuous fabrics that brightened the room, and natural wools that added a layer of warmth.

Devonshire Arms Pilsley

The bedroom had a view overlooking the village of Pilsely.

Devonshire Arms Pilsley

The bathroom offered a large tub panelled in a warm blue for guests to splash about in and unwind.

Devonshire Arms Pilsley

Next up we checked out the fantastically floral bedroom known as ‘Hilltop.’ The vibrant room was decked out with another impressive four-poster bed wrapped in sunny shades of yellow floral fabrics.

Devonshire Arms Pilsley

The end of bed sofa was smartly upholstered in tartan wool reigning in the femininity and creating a balance within the bedroom.

Devonshire Arms Pilsley

The bed was heavily draped in side and back curtains adding a layer of luxury to this warm space.

Devonshire Arms Pilsley

Devonshire Arms Pilsley

The floor also felt extremely cosy with a soft tartan wool carpet that stretched out wall to wall and was bouncy to walk across.

Devonshire Arms Pilsley

Despite the fact we were due to leave, I had to refrain from kicking off my shoes and hopping along the wool floor and running and jumping onto the beautifully upholstered bed.

Devonshire Arms Pilsley

Each bedroom had its name marked clearly on the door that added a rather sweet touch to the farmhouse.

Devonshire Arms Pilsley

The Bubnell bedroom was one of the quirkiest rooms of all, again incorporating lovely floral fabrics in soft mint and pastel tones.

Devonshire Arms Pilsley

Traditional wall lamps and table lamps kept the room well-lit, rich timbers and metal complimented the bedroom.

Devonshire Arms Pilsley

Devonshire Arms Pilsley

The bathroom incorporated the same fabrics used in the window treatments. The tiles were simple metro bricks but were effective and created a light fresh space.

Devonshire Arms Pilsley

Devonshire Arms Pilsley

Devonshire Arms Pilsley

Devonshire Arms Pilsley

We admired the stunning views surrounding the farmhouse and Inn before we departed.

Devonshire Arms Pilsley

Devonshire Arms Pilsley

Devonshire Arms Pilsley

Devonshire Arms Pilsley

I’d heard amazing things about cycle trails in the Peak District and with the scenery we’d already encountered we were keen to explore.

We stopped for pots of tea and scones before collecting our tyres.

monsal trail peak district national park

Luckily for us the sun was beaming in the crisp autumn air, we collected our bicycles and whizzed off ready for our next adventure.

monsal trail peak district national park

monsal trail peak district national park

The Monsal Trail follows the Midland railway line that closed back in 1968. Now the route is open to the public and means you can walk, skip, cycle through the tunnels.

monsal trail peak district national park

monsal trail peak district national park

We chased each other, singing away as we rode past the friendly locals walking dogs and families dressed in wellington boots on a casual midday stroll.

monsal trail peak district national park

The stunning scenery cried out for us to stop and take pictures of course and really was such a naturally beautiful setting.

monsal trail peak district national park

monsal trail peak district national park

monsal trail peak district national park

monsal trail peak district national park

monsal trail peak district national park

monsal trail peak district national park

We cycled up to the first tunnel slightly apprehensive as we whisked into the dark depths through the 400metres long tunnel. The tunnels are lit during the daytime so not as scary as we had imagined.

monsal trail peak district national park

monsal trail peak district national park

monsal trail peak district national park

Cycling through the tunnels was exhilarating as they felt like they went on forever and then eventually you’d see a spot of natural light creep in and fly out into the countryside.

monsal trail peak district national park

monsal trail peak district national park

Any cycle trip wouldn’t be complete without some sisterly rivalry of course; so racing through the tunnels was a key part of our route.

monsal trail peak district national park

monsal trail peak district national park

monsal trail peak district national park

monsal trail peak district national park

Despite our trip to the Peak District being rather short we both felt completely refreshed and are determined to squeeze in many more little escapes in the future.

monsal trail peak district national park

Go explore Chatsworth House and the surrounding Peak District landscape it’s the perfect spot to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

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