The View from Tinker's Shaft (widwed280721)

A different day for us today ... plenty of rain and a couple of thunderstorms.
We went to The Heights of Abraham, in Matlock Bath, a tourist attraction based on the old lead mine workings, developed in the late Georgian period and rejuvenated in the mid 80s.  Plenty of good historical info and James really enjoyed the two caverns we visited.  I had not realised that the 1666 great fire of London necessitated much of the city being rebuilt, which in turn meant a much increased demand for roofing lead and a 20 times price hike. Good news for the mine owners,  not quite so for a child involved in washing the sand and other unwanted junk from the ore.

With the weather being as it was,  there was not much opportunity for blippery,  but this view from the top of the estate gives an idea of the local landscape, and there is probably a bridge in there somewhere :-). 

Tinker's Shaft refers to an access shaft dug to allow the lead ore in one of the caverns to be exploited.  Early tourists were lowered into the cavern rather like the miners were. The current walk in tunnels were a much later addition.

No one was keen to make dinner so we found a pizzaria in Leek - Alberto's Kitchen.  It may not look like much from the street but the service and food were very good, me wanting a gluten free base, Gill wanting no cheese and the children wanting super simple pizzas was not a problem.  99% sure the people running it are genuine Italians.

Much better weather forecast for tomorrow, we are intending a bike ride along one of the disused rail line trails.

Thanks to everyone for you generous comments and awards over the past few days - I should have the time to return the favour once we are home on Friday.