Christmas Eve started bright breezy at our Bolehill Cottages near Bakewell (see link) and cool and after a little debate we decided to go for a walk at Howden Reservoir. With two cars we parked our friends one at the Fairholmes car park which was virtually empty.  We then piled into the our car and drove along the road until it ended at King’s Tree. From here we walked along the track to Slippery Stones bridge. Our walk kept us on the track all the way back to the Fairholmes car park and with no stiles or slopes to negotiate we made the five miles in just under two hours.  The dogs enjoyed being off the leads all the way.  We hardly met any other walkers or cyclists and even when we got back to the car park it was still quite empty. As we got closer to the car park we let the men go ahead so they could drive to pick up our car and friend and I with dogs added a little extra to our walk so we would not have to wait so long.  When they got back we headed to the Riverside Cafe for a late lunch but they had decided to close although the sign said they were open so we were disappointed.  We had a snack when we got home and I did a final check on emails and chatted to some guests before we set off to Buxton.  I had phoned a few places to see it I could get a table for the evening but everywhere seemed to be booked.  In the end we went to Simply Thai in Buxton where we had a nice meal.  So Christmas Day arrived bright and sunny but not breezy.  The day followed our usual routine and after breakfast we prepared lunch before setting off for the walk down to the Lathkil Hotel for a drink. Wished Merry Xmas to the residents we knew before returning home.  Enjoyed our late lunch of roast beef before opening our presents and a relaxing evening including watching Dr Who.

Now when our friends are here the dogs are not allowed into the living room.  That’s not to say that they don’t try and sneak in!