Another fine morning with a dry day forecast at our peak district cottages so I thought it would be nice for a walk but taking dogs out for their morning constitution I wasn’t so sure.  The ground was still rock hard in places and icy too and the dales would be icy in the shade as would any tracks which limited options.  After a lot of debate we decided we would walk to Sheldon for lunch.  As we set off Chris could see what I meant about the state of the ground.  All through the walk there were icy areas where you wouldn’t expect them and clear patches in the shadiest of places.  From the top of Kirkdale, which I thought would be the worst bit but wasn’t, you could see a dusting of snow on the hills beyond Buxton.  We had already decided we would turn back if it got too difficult but we eventually got to Sheldon.  We could just about walk down the road to the pub without slipping over.  The walk back was just as hard going but at least we had got to Sheldon and back.   Quiet evening in making a start on Christmas cards.