There was something nostalgic in the air today. Maybe it was the fantastic weather, or the idea of a simple out-and-back trip to a new branch line - at any rate, I was transported back to the 1990s when I first began tramping around the railway network. An early memory from trips to Sheffield and Newcastle was the sight of the line curving away on a majestic metal bridge at Ambergate Junction. I knew soon after obtaining my first Baker atlas that this was the way to Matlock - but a combination of incredibly bad connections and the need to always be somewhere else had meant it stayed unvisited. I'd actually tried unsuccessfully to work Matlock into the itinerary last week, but I'm glad I didn't because I think this was one I needed to do on my own - for old time's sake if nothing else. So I set off, initially accompanied by my brother-in-law who was heading for Wembley for the Bristol vs. Hull playoff. Changed at a packed, but seemingly well controlled Temple Meads and had time for breakfast before the 0830 rolled in. More nostalgia - in days gone by, this was the first service northbound I could access from Highbridge, and I spent many hours on this service heading for all kinds of places. Once again, I wasn't let down and we sped northwards sticking to time - if somewhat overloaded in Standard Class due to the weather, the bank holiday and the insanity of running this service with a four-coach set!

Changed at Derby, totally unaware of just how bright the day had turned out because of the ongoing roof work, which renders almost all of the station dark and inhospitable. Work progresses on the northern ends of the platforms though, leading to some odd operations and the use of Network Rail wagons as temporary buffer stops! Got coffee and wandered out to the station front to watch the world go by. Decided not to stroll into town, despite having an hour or so to wait for a Matlock train. Passed the time people-watching and wandering around the general area, before boarding the waiting 158777 once the staff had sorted out that it really was going to Matlock and not Stoke-on-Trent as originally stated - much to the annoyance of a train full of people. Soon off, and following a run up the mainline calling at stations I'd always passed before (such as Belper and Duffield) we peeled away to the West at Ambergate, crossing the aforementioned bridge and following the A6 as it wound its way into the Peak District. Some stunning views as we worked our way up the branch, and some interesting station buildings too, which reflected the once far greater status of this line - the Midland's mainline to Manchester. A well-loaded train with lots of daytrippers and family groups which was good to see, many of them heading for Matlock Bath which looked pleasant and busy. Had planned various ways to get back down here to look at a couple of pubs, but not feeling energetic once I looked at the likely walk, so will need to return for that.

On arrival, explored the station a little before walking out to find Peak Rail's station at Matlock Riverside. Was vaguely aware of the saga of the supermarket cutting the line here, and the ongoing plan to restore the link and run heritage trains into one of the Network Rail platforms. Was surprised to see a stretch of well-constructed two track railway leading out of the terminus, and as I followed it's curve beside the new Sainsbury's store, I marvelled at this surprising level of consideration in dealing with a rail link to a preserved line. As I walked over the road bridge though, my heart sank as I saw two pairs of buffer stops and a fence separating the Network Rail and Peak Rail lines just short of the tiny platform at Riverside. I sincerely hope this is resolved, as such a lot of effort seems to have been expended by developers to make it work - for a change. Consoled myself with a wander around the supermarket and over the bridge towards town, before returning to the station and enjoying the sunshine while I waited for the unit to come back up the branch.

After watching the hired-in National Express East Coast HST head north, a swift change at Derby this time, onto a cool and surprisingly quiet 220026 back to Bristol. A quick and smooth journey, a little too early to achieve the tradition of sunset over Cheltenham which would have made me even more nostalgic! Instead, we experienced some 'technical problems' which saw us sit in Cheltenham Spa for 18 minutes - likely causing a fairly lengthy tailback. Soon back under way and into Bristol a few minutes down with a lazy wait in the sunshine for a unit home. Took the opportunity of taking a snap of the Voyager resting under the curve of the roof - if only to show that things have changed more than perhaps I'd admit this past decade!