We continued the ascent, passing trees long bare, and shrouded in snow.

Riber Castle, on the next hill, was almost always in view. Unlike other heritage buildings in the area, the castle is a 19th Century creation, and hence relatively new. Unfortunately, the upkeep has been too much for a succession of owners, and the castle is at present abandoned.

After an hour’s walk, we finally reached the top of the hill, at Geoff’s Seat.

It would be a lovely place to sit in summer, when you have views like this to contemplate on. In the middle of the snow, we took a few photos and continued on.

On the other side of the hill we again have views of Riber Castle, which sits above High Tor. We certainly climbed far that day!

That’s all from Derbyshire. Next time, we’re heading south to more hospitable climes.

We are still in the Peaks district for this series – we are walking up Masson Hill, which behind the B&B. It was the day after our visit to Chatsworth, and the weather hasn’t really improved.

But we walked anyway. Matlock was free of snow by this stage, as the early views of the town atest.

But the snow was quite thick on the ground as we ascended further up the hill.

We walked over countless stiles and through many fields. The snow was two inches deep in places. Soon we were high up above Matlock.