130 RAMBLE OVER DERBYSHIRE HILLS AND DALES. 
Catherine Mompesson’s tomb, and started on our journey to 
Padley, first providing some bread and cheese, and filling our 
barrel with excellent beer from the “ Bull’s Head,” opposite the 
church. This reminds me that Tillett, hearing one of us talking 
about the Cussy Dale, thought we were speaking of the cussed ale! 
which he immediately took up cudgels for, and heaven knows he 
ought to be a judge! 
The morning was cloudy and gray, but cleared up as we 
proceeded on our way along the Sheffield Road. We had a 
beautiful view of Stoney Middleton and Froggatt Edge, but too 
hazy for photographing. It soon cleared, and 
“ With nought to bear us company, 
Save the goodly sunlight glancing free 
From every stream, and rock, and tree,” 
we strode along joyfully, in good health and spirits, exhilarated by 
the fresh mountain air. 
A turn in the road brought us in view*of the Derwent, at our 
feet, with Stoke Hall and its beautiful surroundings. The cart 
ran very easily now, all the way down to Grindleford Bridge ; but 
after crossing the river, it was all up-hill work for a long, long 
way. 
Not knowing exactly where to look for the ruins of Padley 
Chapel, and being in a totally new neighbourhood, it is not to be 
wondered at that we passed the gate where we ought to have 
turned off the high road, and continued our up-hill course till we 
began to doubt—we knew our quest lay to the left, and that we 
should have to cross the brook, for this much the Ordnance map 
told us. However, we found a gate on the left, with a good road 
through the wood, which we determined to explore till we found 
the ruins ; and O, what an enchanting region we had lighted on! 
The following quotation from Bryant will give a better idea of the 
place and the feelings it excites, than any words of mine :— 
Stranger, if thou hast learnt a truth, which needs 
Experience more than reason, that the world 
Is full of guilt and misery, and hast known 
Enough of all its sorrows, crimes and cares, 
To tire thee of it,—enter this wild wood, 
