March, 2013 snow

As Derbyshire had some of the worst snow in the country, and, due to high winds, some of the deepest drifts, we decided to go out 'deep drift hunting'

We got to Monsal head via a very varied route. Our usual road was a 'bit deep' in snow!

Click on any of the pictures for a larger version.

This road sign was coming close to being covered.

This is VERY deep here, and I really wonder just how long it will be before it's passable again. Our favourite pub, the three stags, is about three miles along this road :-(

Wave after wave of deep snow prevents passage.

The dotted line is the road to Wardlow.

 It was hard work climbing the huge drifts.

 It wouldn't be possible to just plough this road, there's so MUCH snow, it either needs blowing into the fields, or digging and dumping.

 The wall at the side of the road is almost covered.

 See how the drift doesn't form after the gate? It's the way it's blown over the solid wall that causes the drift.

 Same with a footpath gate.

 You really can get an idea of how serious this snow is by this picture - Sue is in the MIDDLE of the road!!"

 Like a frozen sea in the fields.

 The Monsal Head hotel. Only one road is passable to it.

This is the usual road we would use to get to Monsal Head.

 Eight feet at least

 Not many campers today ;-)

 You can see the spindrift on this shot, this is what causes the big snowdrifts.

 Wa also drove the road to Over Haddon. A one way track.

 This road had been dug out with a bucket, we think.

 We reached the village.

 Beautiful, as well as menacing.