Carsington Water Day Drive Report

Club member Nick Richardson was kind enough to provide this report of a recent Barchetta day drive at Carsington Water, Derbyshire.


Yesterday Brian Poole arranged a meet at Carsington Water, near Ashbourne, Derbyshire. It was exceedingly hot on arrival at 90F or 30C, so we didn’t hang about before myself in the silver Facelift car & Brian, plus Steve Evans set off on a 25 miles scenic tour devised by Brian!

This run was through much of the best countryside in England. Luckily we were mostly alone, apart from the bikers! Derbyshire into Staffordshire produce between them quaint villages and really little indication of anything modern! The stone built houses, pubs and occasional shops must have looked like they are far back in time.

We stopped in Hartington Village for a sandwich. Myself and Brian’s brother Melvin walked down to the Tea-rooms where a wonderful choice of ice-cream was available. They made me a box of ham sandwiches, side salad & coleslaw for £4.50 & the butterscotch ice cream cornet was £1.25. I’d definitely go again.

Whilst there a Porsche 356 arrived. We decided it was likely to be a kit car, as it was quiet! (Since shown to be a genuine Porsche! )

The last time I visited Hartington was at 4pm on 10 June 2016 with a group from the Harley Davidson Riders’ Club of Great Britain, another very hot day at 97f! The road surface was iffy, and within seconds of entering the village, I threw myself and my Wide-Glide down & slid 60’ with me protecting the bike on top of me. Luckily I was the only rider wearing kevlar protective clothing!! A memorable moment! After lying in the road for a very long time I was air-lifted to Hospital! So, yesterday was interesting for me, as I got to visit more of this very attractive village!

After setting off again we found the Stepping Stones public house on the A52 south of Ashbourne for some liquid refreshment and to say our goodbyes.

This was a great afternoon run despite the heat! A huge thanks to Brian & his brother for guiding Steve & I!

My car is the left-hand end 2003 facelift version in silver with dirty wheels!

It was so hot on Sunday!