Bank Holiday Monday was sunny and warm from the start at our self catering cottages near Bakewell (see link). Four departures but only one arrival with one cleaner up and cottage soon ready. Andrew’s day got off to a bad start with a couple of escaping heifers but they were soon bought back. Cows are now back in the field in front of the house so Smudge and Blue can enjoy cow watching. Warm enough to have lunch on the patio. Guests arrived at 3pm and after we had a good natter, as they have been a number of times before, we headed to Chatsworth Farm Shop to pick up some picnic supplies. I had decided on a picnic and as I wasn’t expecting the good weather to last I needed some picnic food. We then packed up the rucksacks and headed for Over Haddon. From the car park we walked down to the dale, which was dry at the clapper bridge, then picked up the path to Conksbury Bridge. Further down the dale water had returned and there were many families enjoying the evening sunshine and warmth. We made our way up to our picnic spot where the dogs were kept busy chasing swallows. A hot air balloon also caused some woofing. After our picnic we headed to the Lathkill Hotel for a swift half where we were joined by one of our cleaners. With the nights drawing in that was probably our last picnic for 2013.