DERBYSHIRE.

VIEW NEAR CASTLETON.

THE northern part of Derbyshire, distinguished by the number, height, and extent of its hills and mountains, is no less remarkable for the great depth and width of its valleys, and the beauty and variety of its dales. The valleys are generally in proportion to the ridges and mountains by which they are bounded, and the broadest and deepest will be found in the High Peak. The most striking valley in this district is that in which the town of Castleton stands: upon entering it from the south, the road has a sudden and abrupt turning along the edge of a high and steep precipice down into the town. The valley, at least eight hundred feet deep, is in many parts nearly two miles wide, extending eastward to the distance of five or six miles. A number of lesser dales from the north and south, are seen at various distances to open into it, and the steep sides of the valley are rendered very beautiful by well-cultivated enclosures, which rise one above another to its very edge. The village of Hope, at the distance of two miles eastward down the valley, has a pleasing appear

ance, while on the north side the country is seen boldly swelling into hills terminating in two high points at considerable distance from each other. Descending from this elevated situation, other objects no less striking and picturesque present themselves. At the bottom is the town of Castleton. On a very high and steep eminence, the ruins of Peak Castle attract the attention; and directly beyond the town, Mam Tor raises its lofty head, overlooking this scene of beauty and grandeur. The valley does not extend beyond the town, but here forms a noble and magnificent amphitheatre, its back rising in many parts one thousand feet, and the diameter of its front measuring nearly two miles. In the course of this valley, the views are extremely diversified; in some places it becomes narrow, its sides thickly clothed with wood, and then gradually opening, presents a wide and extended prospect. Every mile produces fresh objects and scenes, some of them grand, beautiful, and romantic : and following the course of the Derwent as far as Derby, for nearly forty miles the scenery is highly varied.