137: Matlock, High Tor and Riber Castle (Peak District 2020)

PEAK DISTRICT WALK FEATURING MATLOCK, HIGH TOR AND RIBER CASTLE
"Matlock, High Tor and Riber Castle”
Filmed 12th September 2020
Post-production completed 29th November 2020
My journey home ends as I walk around Matlock, where I have lived for a long time now. I decide to walk around a little of Matlock’s town centre, and then do a walk taking in some of the highlights in the area. I visit Pic Tor and the dangerous, but spectacular High Tor and Giddy Edge, not for the faint-hearted. My journey eventually climbs up to the pretty Bilberry Knoll to finish my walk at the ruins of Riber Castle, from where I get the best views of the day over Matlock and the surrounding area…..
Filmed in the Peak District in the county of Derbyshire. Locations include Matlock, Pic Tor, High Tor, Giddy Edge, Starkholmes, Bilberry Knoll and Riber Castle.
Written, researched, directed, camera and sound, edited and music by Patrick Leach.
Special thanks to Visit Peak District and Derbyshire for their helpful information used in my research for this film.
Click here for a map showing the route of the walk: osmaps.ordnanc...
DISCLAIMER: Although I work hard to ensure all information is correct to the best of my knowledge, I am only featuring information I have found online during my research when putting this film together, so I cannot guarantee that there are no mistakes or errors.
As with all the films I make, this is a mini-movie of my personal journey along the walk, in which I might share some of my own personal stories, and not actually intended to be a guide to the area.
If you are new to my channel, I strongly recommend reading the description under the “about” tab, which will provide a clearer understanding of what to expect in my films: / solitaryrambler
There is also a short “Introduction to the Solitary Rambler” video, which briefly explains what my films are all about: / solitaryrambler
Many thanks and I hope you enjoy watching!
IF YOU ENJOY MY CHANNEL THEN PERHAPS YOU WOULD LIKE TO SUPPORT ME:
For a small fee you can download any of my musical soundtracks I have composed for my films: patrickleach.b...
Or if you would like to make a small donation with no obligations then you can do so through Buy Me a Coffee: ko-fi.com/soli...

[@adamflint2377]

My ancestor Thomas Flint emigrated from Matlock to Boston in 1636. Nice to watch your video. Such a beautiful place!

[@solitaryrambler]

Glad you enjoyed it, many thanks for watching 👍

[@jackmckinnon3208]

We lived in Darley Dale for four years before traveling again. Now live in Canada, have to say it was the closest I have ever felt to home. Too old to move back sadly

[@marismaris4984]

Great video! It shows why I chosen Matlock to be my new home. What a difference with busy London.

[@solitaryrambler]

Nice one, thanks for watching 👍

[@stevenkohut6395]

used to go to that old school next to the duke of William pub got so many happy memories of growing up in matlock we left when i was 9 only 48 years ago lol

[@solitaryrambler]

Ooh only a bit older than me then lol. Thanks for watching 👍

[@jeffallinson8089]

Wow, just wow. I adore Matlock, its stunning and the views from High Tor are utterly breathtaking however I will give Giddy Edge a miss!! The real highlight is Riber Castle, its a genuine Icon of Matlock and John Smedley sure had the right idea to put his home there, its just a wonderful building and the situation is simply unrivalled. This was a real treat and brought back so many memories of the town and surrounding area. Seasons greetings Patrick and thanks for a gem of a video.

[@solitaryrambler]

Thanks Jeff! Yes many don't like the idea of Giddy Edge, but I've never had any problem with it. Stick me in a tight cave or a lift then I'll have a few issues! 🤣 Riber Castle certainly is unrivalled with its situation, pity nothing seems to be happening with it at the moment, but there you go. I'm very pleased you liked this film anyway Jeff. Thanks for all your kind words as always and may you have a great Christmas 😃

[@liampbrowne5299]

I did this walk yesterday after watching your video. Thoroughly enjoyed it, especially the Hearthstone lane section.

[@solitaryrambler]

Great to hear and glad you enjoyed the walk! 👍

[@paulinehutchinson146]

Love watching these videos

[@solitaryrambler]

Thank you 🙂

[@AysenurToptas]

Absolutely beautiful places! :)

[@solitaryrambler]

Thanks for watching 😀

[@delmiller4184]

Terrific video Patrick and 'Wow' those views. Nice to catch up with you again.

[@solitaryrambler]

Thank you Del, especially glad you liked this one of my town. All the best 😀

[@garysharp293]

Another spot on video. Have a great Christmas Patrick. Gary & Becky

[@solitaryrambler]

Thank you Gary and Becky! You too! 😃

[@richardbird4702]

Every time I go to dear Matlock, I always think of my grandparents who used holiday here from Nottingham. I have old photos of my grandmother, with typical contemporary flowery hat on (with fruit!) sitting on Masson Hill with my father and sepia views of the river in a very different day and age . I half expect to see Edwardian couples (on Lovers walk?) strolling along with tops hat on and the ladies with sunshades! In my youth I have explored many of the mines around here so I know the place both on the surface and below your feet. It always holds a special place in my heart.

[@solitaryrambler]

Nice one, thanks for watching 😃

[@JoeyMarsbar]

I really enjoyed this video, Matlock looks great.

[@solitaryrambler]

Glad you enjoyed it, many thanks for commenting and watching! 🙂

[@jobybean4754]

Great video, thank you for explaining the walk so well. We hope to do it once the weather improves as it's not too far from home.

[@solitaryrambler]

Many thanks for the kind comments and thanks for watching 👍

[@jobybean4754]

@@solitaryrambler we're slowly going through your videos and making notes along the way! Perfect viewing for this time of year. Merry Christmas! 🙂

[@godfreyball6361]

I so enjoyed that. Have only just discovered your site and subscribed. I am disabled and can only go where my mobility scooter is happy to go. It certainly wouldn't do Giddy Edge!

[@solitaryrambler]

Many thanks for subscribing, much appreciated. Glad you were able to see Giddy Edge on your screen at least. Thanks for watching 😊

[@walkandcamp]

Excellent film Patrick. Happy Christmas, and lets hope for a much better 2021! Terry

[@solitaryrambler]

Thank you Terry and Happy Christmas to you too! Yes fingers crossed for 2021 😀

[@anndeakin1508]

Matlock walk 18 December 2020 nice walk Patricki have a. Safe and blessed Christmas Patrick thanks for your informative trips over the. Years.Greetings to family and friends.Have a great time from Ann Deakin Warwick UK. Have a great and safe 2021

[@solitaryrambler]

Thank you Ann and have a wonderful Christmas too 😊

[@gisellebolotin8237]

Thankyou , enjoyed very much . All the best for New Year .

[@solitaryrambler]

Thank you too and Happy New Year 😀

[@volska1816]

Brilliant video of our great county . I live at the top of Sydnope hill Darley Moor . Can't get enough of it and feel privileged i live in such a great place . Derbyshire born and never leave .

[@solitaryrambler]

Nice one, many thanks for your kind feedback and for watching 👍

[@jamiestables4283]

A great video Patrick, I love Matlock and Matlock Bath, I was there with my family today as it goes. Freezing cold but amazing. I'd love to do Pic Tor, High Tor and the like around there, but certainly am afraid of heights, even though I've conquered Win Hill and Mam Tor.

[@solitaryrambler]

Glad you enjoyed it Jamie. Matlock's been my home for 20 years now and love it here. Pic Tor would be ok for you, but I understand High Tor and especially nearby Giddy Edge are challenging if you're not a fan of heights 👍

[@jamiestables4283]

@Solitary Rambler I shall have to try one day and let you know. I'm planning a walk in the Peaks next weekend, fingers crossed. Not sure where I want to go yet.

[@martinkingston1498]

Another wonderful film Patrick, and a tonic in the midst of these rather strange times. You are really blessed to live in such a beautiful place, although if I was a local I would probably give both High Tor and Giddy Edge a miss! I was relieved when you got onto safer ground! But each to their own eh. All the best for 2021, and may you have many more walks once the weather picks up a bit, it won't be too long before spring is on the way. Kind regards.

[@solitaryrambler]

Many thanks Martin. Yes I do feel blessed, but then it was my choice to move here in the first place, it's just nice to appreciate where I live. Many people wouldn't go to High Tor or Giddy Edge, but I always love it up there. Yes may 2021 be a much better one for all of us. All the best to you too. Cheers, Patrick 😊

[@badfairy9554]

I am sure the Duke Willian pub is the one I camped at with my son some years ago. I want to go back this year, if I can still camp there.

[@solitaryrambler]

👍

[@andeeanko7079]

Absolutely delightful! All the best to you at Christmas..... 😊

[@solitaryrambler]

Thank you Andee and all the best to you too 😊

[@alisonmoxon7519]

Great to discover yr vids.. My hubby and our fav places around peak district.. Been visiting for 51yr.. Thank you for the trips.. Have subscribed and will go through yr others.. Ali..

[@solitaryrambler]

Glad you like them and many thanks for subscribing! 👍

[@alisonmoxon7519]

@@solitaryrambler yr welcome...

[@AnthonyJohnson1]

Hi Patrick. Thought I’d pop over and check out your video after a recommendation from Mark at Wye Explorer. He noted we’d both recently been to the same place. Really enjoyed the video and the history of Riber Castle. I do love how it dominates the landscape. Mark was right that I’d enjoy your video so I’ve subscribed to watch your others. Best wishes 👍

[@solitaryrambler]

Hey Anthony, welcome aboard! 🙂 Really nice of Mark to have recommended my channel. Mark's a great friend of mine and a top man. Thanks for taking the time to watch this and for your kind comments. Glad you enjoyed it. As you'll have gathered from this film, I actually live in Matlock, so last year I managed to make a few films in Derbyshire. I see you've done some films around here too, so I'll take a look at your channel very soon. All the best. Cheers, Patrick 👍

[@AnthonyJohnson1]

@@solitaryrambler thanks Patrick. Mark is certainly a good bloke. I only set my channel up a few months ago and he’s been very helpful and supportive. I watched your Cromford and Matlock Bath video also and love the attention to detail you go into. Very professional and I think you could get a gig as Julia Bradbury’s new sidekick 😀. I like to get out with the camera and do my little bit to promote how brilliant the Peak District is. Best wishes. Anthony 👍

[@solitaryrambler]

Yes Mark is very helpful and supportive, so he's a valuable friend to have. Glad you enjoyed my Cromford and Matlock Bath film too. Each film does involve a lot of work, especially with all the post-production, but it's certainly worth it. Not sure if I'd be up to Julia's standard, but a nice thought! 😀 Good luck with your channel too and hope you continue to enjoy getting out there with the camera. All the best 👍

[@bigjobs5000]

About halfway through the video I thought how similar the valley was to parts of the Wye and Forest of Dean. Matlock and the surrounding landscape is beautiful - I can see why you moved there! Another very enjoyable film my friend with lovely music all the way through. Have a great Christmas Patrick. Kindest Regards Martin.

[@solitaryrambler]

Yes I guess parts of this walk do look somewhat like the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean, although the landscape does become a lot more rugged as you go deeper into the Peak District. Thanks Martin for your kind words again and for watching 😀

[@lankmeister316]

Brilliant video I live up starkholmes just opposite high tor

[@solitaryrambler]

Nice one, thanks for your kind comments and for watching 😃

[@mickallitt7581]

thank you for making these videos they are wonderful to watch and give me and the mrs much pleasure especially during this lockdown and not been able to get out for walks ourselves, roll on more freedom... 10/10 for all your videos, hope theres more to come

[@solitaryrambler]

Glad you like them Mick! Thank you so much for your lovely comments and for taking the time to watch, much appreciated 😀

[@gisellebolotin8237]

Nostalgic , such an amazing light

[@solitaryrambler]

👍

[@gisellebolotin8237]

Looking forward to watching more videos of your journeys .

[@fehmiabbasi4874]

well done Patrick it's the best video ever and the joy on your face shows that it's really delightful. perfect scenery and you capture it beautifully

[@solitaryrambler]

Glad you enjoyed it Fehmi, I had to get this one right so I'm glad that came across. Many thanks 😃

[@maryjarvis491]

Amazing video of matlock Patrick. Spectacular scenery loved it 🤩

[@solitaryrambler]

Glad you enjoyed it Mary, many thanks 👍

[@glennwilson1633]

Had a fantastic day in Matlock Bath today and did the High Tor and Giddy Edge walk.. Definitely not for the faint hearted lol... What a beautiful place..jealous its right on your doorstep lol

[@solitaryrambler]

Nice one Glenn, really glad you enjoyed your day in Matlock Bath and that you walked to High Tor and Giddy Edge. I bet Matlock Bath was busy, normally is on a Sunday, more so on a Bank Holiday 👍

[@glennwilson1633]

@@solitaryrambler yes very busy Patrick, loads of motorbikes lol.. Enjoyed Fish Chips and Mushy peas after all that walking..the views from pic tor overlooking matlock are absolutely stunning.. Cant wait to get back and explore some more of the Peak District 😊

[@johnsparkes8963]

Another cracking video Patrick lovely scenic walk. Thank you for sharing and take care.

[@solitaryrambler]

Glad you enjoyed it John, thanks for watching and commenting 😀

[@MrMattlock]

Thanks for that, I really enjoyed the video. I grew up in Matlock, though left nearly 30 years ago. The start of the video was essentially the walk to school I did every day. Sadly the end of the video was our dreaded cross country course up to Riber & back to Starkhlomes. Brought a shiver to my spine!

[@solitaryrambler]

Hey Chris, thanks for giving this a watch. I bet that was a murderous run up to Riber then! Thanks again for watching and for commenting. All the best 😀

[@iambenjaminwild]

Haha especially when it was muddy, you could slide down, although it would hurt a bit 🤣 yeah, the other half of Highfields cross country has river to cross, plenty of challenges 🤣

[@fats1612]

Hi Patrick great channel. We discovered you while looking for a house in the area. Just yesterday we heard we have it and it looks up onto high tor. hope to follow in your footsteps soon.

[@solitaryrambler]

Awesome! Thank you! Good luck with your new home 👍

[@rwalker9644]

Ive watched this video a few times now - just what i need to help me through these dark evil days of corvid - great music as ever thanks Patrick - Cheers Rob

[@solitaryrambler]

Many thanks Rob, your kind words are much appreciated. Thanks for watching 😀

[@quickclipsbyjmj]

Excellent. I have shared this with friends across the world, via Facebook. First watched your walks around 3 years ago.

[@solitaryrambler]

Hey that's great! Many thanks for that 👍

[@gazzertrn]

Hope youre keeping well , lovely too see you are still making vids for us too enjoy . Keep safe my friend .

[@solitaryrambler]

Cheers gazzer, hope you keep safe and well too during these strange times 😀

[@frankfitzgerald5832]

Fantastic And thank you for taking us around matlock Again Patrick....this reminded us of our visit with you and how stunning high tor is even though it was covered in snow during our visit ...You are blessed to be surrounded by such splendid countryside...take care patrick seasons greetings and happy new year to you ...Frank & Lee....

[@solitaryrambler]

Glad you enjoyed it Frank and Lee and were able to see it in the sunshine as opposed to the wet weather during your visit here. All the best to you both for Christmas and may 2021 be a great one for you, as for us all 😊

[@kenwright2652]

Another enjoyable video. You are indeed lucky to live where you do.

[@solitaryrambler]

Many thanks Ken, yes I certainly appreciate where I live 😀

[@kellyshaw7271]

What a beautiful place to live, you are very lucky. Great walk and what views, i couldn't stand on that cliff edge though. You cannot beat a good carvery especially on a Sunday. I find your video's very relaxing and what lovely countryside we have here in England. Have a nice Christmas and i look forward to your adventures in the forthcoming year. Hope this finds you well. Cheers.

[@solitaryrambler]

Thanks Kelly, well the narrow path along Giddy Edge is actually meant to be one way, so you can only walk in the direction I did here. Not been for another carvery since I filmed this, but it will happen. As always thank you for watching and hope you have a great Christmas too. Cheers, Patrick 😀

[@CountrysideWalking]

It's great to do a walk from your front door. Like you say its nice to get a takeaway meal without sitting in for a restaurant on one's own. I would certainly get vertigo from those heights along your walk as I often do from our own walks!. As usual lovely rich music to back your filming. Such a pleasure to hear. (all the best for New Year 2021)

[@solitaryrambler]

Thanks for your great compliments again Shanita, especially for the music. Yes I need to have a takeaway from the Duke William again as I've not done so since filming this. Thanks again and may 2021 be a great one for you too 😀

[@cathybowsher594]

How wonderfully delightful need i say more 🙂 oh apart from I hope you have a good Christmas and we all have a lovely bright shiny new year 🤞

[@solitaryrambler]

Thank you! Hope you have a good one too! 🙂

[@annieabfab6258]

Perfect timing, thank you! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🇦🇺🐨

[@solitaryrambler]

😊

[@nathalielemay7353]

NICES VIEWS, BEAUTIFULS MANSION AND CASTLE !

[@solitaryrambler]

Thanks for watching 😀

[@lindaking9222]

Beautiful countryside...think I would have to give Giddy Edge a miss though....

[@solitaryrambler]

Thanks for watching, yes Giddy Edge is a bit scary 😀

[@comedyhunter]

Nicely edited together, thanks for making these Patrick

[@solitaryrambler]

Glad you like them, many thanks for watching 👍

[@TR3XProductions1stChannel]

Great episode as always! Nice to see you film in your hometown again, since from what I saw on your channel, the last time you filmed there was back in March-April 2008 on your first digital camcorder (I was approaching my fourth birthday then). Matlock looks like a delightful town in Derbyshire, and the views of Riber Castle from there look stunning. Riber Hall looks like a nice building, and Riber Castle would be an interesting place to live in, although as you said, conversion of the building to apartments have stopped since some years ago. The views of Matlock from the castle looks so breath-taking, it reminds me of the view of Ludlow from Whitcliffe Common! The soundtrack is enjoyable as always. Looking forward to more episodes and Merry Christmas!

[@solitaryrambler]

Thanks again for your kind comments and for watching. Yes I made my first film in and around Matlock back in 2008, but I've recently been wanting to make more in my current style of film making. Thanks again and a Merry Christmas to you too! 😊

[@1972scenic]

Nice place.

[@pete7179]

What a lovely film,really enjoyed that as I always do,have looked forward to it since I saw it had been uploaded,I hope you never stop making them,you always seem to be talking just to the person watching,they're so relaxing,how lucky you are to live there,it looks lovely,and to be able to do that walk from home,the views from High Tor were amazing and everywhere you walked was so nice,imagine if it gets completed having a view from one of the apartments in Riber castle. I don't know why but my KZbin channel randomly recommended number 5 to me the other night,mysterious forest with Nigel trying to get one up on you,so I watched it,and the following nights watched 6,7 and 8 with some of my favourite and most memorable plots and scenes,like the two bullies,the syringe attack at the level crossing,and the stalker,I loved watching those early hour long plot based films,Michael was a terrific actor,do you ever hear from Michael or Nigel ? Todays like all the others was beautifully put together,thank you so much for all your hard work,and for keeping us entertained all year,even when you couldn't get out you made some great films showing us how the films were made. All the best for Christmas and the New year and thankyou again,all the best, Pete.

[@solitaryrambler]

Thank you Pete, I do feel lucky to have all this on my doorstep, although to be fair it was my own choice to move to this area. I usually hear from Nigel each Christmas, but not seen or spoken to Michael for some years now. Anyway I'm really pleased you enjoyed this one too, obviously a special one from my point of view. Thanks for all your kind words and for watching Pete and may you have a brilliant Christmas and New Year too 😃

[@WyeExplorer]

I wondered what was in store Patrick. Wow you took us right out into the country almost by surprise via a giddy little track and awesome back lanes and dry stone walls. I really enjoyed the look of the town from above. They almost built for those reasons. That guy with the castle certainly did. Pretty spectacular vantage point he chose. Well, I hope you ordered your Sunday meal. That sounds perfect like the walk. Thanks Patrick very enjoyable. Mark

[@solitaryrambler]

Hey Mark, it is quite a surprise when you walk to High Tor and Giddy Edge especially when there are residential streets very close by. Yeah those back lanes and dry stone walls are awesome, I've always loved Heathstone Lane as it's called. Smedley certainly built his hydros in some great locations and Riber Casrle definitely shows off the view from there. I actually work in one of the old hydros too, but many of them have become apartments now. Not had my Sunday meal for some time, but it will happen. Anyway Mark thanks for watching as always, much appreciated and have a good weekend. Cheers, Patrick 😀

[@WyeExplorer]

@@solitaryrambler It looks surprising Patrick. You were certainly stoked on the video to share the view. I agree them lanes and the folly's are extremely engrossing. I to am due a Sunday roast. I will have a good weekend. Raining at present but still going out. You have a good one to.

[@solitaryrambler]

@@WyeExplorer Hope you get your Sunday roast too then Mark. Take care down there 😀

[@richardchan9595]

Merry Christmas Patrick and thank you for the gift of this fabulous video!

[@solitaryrambler]

Same to you Richard and thanks for watching and commenting as always 😊

[@JakeYorkman]

Fantastic channel Patrick, love your videos mate. It is funny how there are soo many things to see and places to visit on our doorsteps but so many of us take our local areas for granted. Happy new year to you.

[@solitaryrambler]

Many thanks for your kind words Jake, really pleased you like my channel. That means a lot. Happy New year to you too 😀

[@mikelitoris1391]

another great vid of a much loved place

[@solitaryrambler]

Glad you enjoyed it, many thanks 😀

[@MrJud62]

great video as always patrick,and again very well narrated,have a great christmas.

[@solitaryrambler]

Thank you so much Ken, have a great Christmas too 😃

[@luker2981]

good morning Patrick, another lovely film to watch. Matlock has some amazing views and thank you for sharing this film with us. What are your plans for your next films? Have a great day Patrick. Take care. Luke

[@solitaryrambler]

Glad you enjoyed it Luke, thanks for watching and commenting. Have a great weekend 😊

[@paulbeachcroft3323]

Hi Patrick. Fantastic walk, captured magnificently by your video and accompanying commentary and music. Love High Tor, Giddy Edge and Riber Castle. If you ever fancy swapping Matlock for Leigh, let me know😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 Paul

[@solitaryrambler]

Many thanks Paul for the great comments as always! I'll let you know if I ever visit Leigh 😂

[@awkwardsean5141]

Ah, Matlock, Derbyshire's seaside town. Riber Castle, I remember when it was a kind of animal park, happy memories of that place as a child, my uncle would take me out there, and the (what seemed) enormous car boot sales in Tansley at the weekend. What with the isolation of recent events I kind of wish I lived out in the town, alas i'll have to make do with my little village.

[@solitaryrambler]

Thanks for watching. The animal park was before my time, but they still have Tansley car boot on Sundays! 😊

[@slloyd12]

Patrick, so thankful that you're providing such uplifting videos during this time, or any time for that matter. As a UK-born person who has lived in Canada for a long time, I find the tours and walks to be a gift. Have been back home many times over the past 10 years, and discovered new destinations which came directly from watching your work. Stay safe and be well. Looking forward to more!

[@solitaryrambler]

Wow, thank you for the lovely comments, much appreciated. There are certainly a lot more videos that I have made for people to see, so it's great to know they have been of some pleasure. All the best and stay safe too! 😀

[@julianbeesley5059]

Wonderf... sorry Delightful 😉

[@solitaryrambler]

Ha ha yes delightful indeed, not wonderful this time 😊

[@artvanwag3257]

I used to know a artist who lived near you Lor Bird

[@solitaryrambler]

👍

[@maxdevlin1240]

I use to like Riber castle when it was a wildlife park when I was younger, but heard it was closed something to do with the treatment of animals, which is sad.

[@solitaryrambler]

👍

[@markstevenson6044]

Went to river when it was a small zoo and later stayed at the river hotel

[@solitaryrambler]

👍