Sunday started cold and frosty but sunny at our peak district cottages.  Four departures with no arrivals so a good excuse for a walk.  With the ground still saturated I opted for a walk from Hartington that involved a walk along a track then back on higher ground.  It was still frosty in the dale as we drove into Hartington but we were able to find a parking spot amongst all the other walkers.  We headed out on the track past Bank Top Farm where we once stayed and in the direction of Pilsbury which followed the course the infant River Dove.  There were a few icy patches but nothing serious but as the track opened up and we walked in the sun we were also able to get views of Chrome Hill and Parkhouse Hill in the distance and also Sheen Hill closer to our walk.  As it was a gated track we felt safe in letting the dogs off the leads.  There was no livestock and we only saw one other group of walkers until we got to the hamlet of Pilsbury.   From here we picked up the bridleway that went to Pilsbury Castle.  This was a motte and bailey construction and although there are only mounds of earth to see these days it had some lovely views along the upper Dove Valley as it is in an elevated position. A good spot for lunch despite the fact the dogs were more interested in some para gliders nearby.  This meant some woofing to disturb the peace.  Our return journey was in parallel with the track but was along some good paths after a short climb with a few muddy patches and some more lovely views before we picked up a minor road back into Hartington by the church.  It was still busy and there were queues in the cheese shop so I will go back on a quieter day to get some bits for Xmas.  Good news for cheese lovers – Hartington Stilton could be available in the new year again!  When we got home one of our guests asked if we would like to join them for a Chinese take away so we did and had a enjoyable time!  Enjoy the photos of our walk.