Chatsworth was peaceful due to an unusual absence of cars and people. A sign for the unwary warns that the steps to the hunting tower are steep but we needed no such reminding. A lean robin triggered a memory of the plump one seen on our last visit that sat within yards for several minutes with a large crumb in its beak pondering what to do with its good fortune from one of our sandwiches. The stroll through the forest is always pleasant as are views of the estate when emerging into the open. It was then downhill to Calton Lees from where we passed a previously derelict barn, now an attractive
holiday cottage. It was tempting to peek through the windows. On a windless January day the lunch stop overlooking Chatsworth was superb. We admired the first snowdrops of the year in Edensor towards the end of a perfect winter walk.
It was forecast to snow all day so the planned walk was abandoned and we set off initially light hearted on a local route thinking thescenery would be as shown on Christmas cards. However soon after Bushey Heath Farm conditions became blizzard-like and it was no fun wandering close to the old mine shafts attempting to find the path. The sky cleared just long enough to make a short stop possible and we huddled by a wall to have a drink and bite to eat. ( I’ve never brought a half-eaten lunch home before. ) We didn’t go down to Peak Forest as intended but came back over the Mount and then to Wheston. Enjoyment of the day was minimal. However to sit down in the evening warm and comfortable in clean attire after an unhurried meal was at least some recompense for earlier tribulations.
from Village Voice, Tideswell http://ift.tt/2nZnUQH
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