Up early and decided to head off from our peak district cottages to Derwent Reservoir for a walk.  Although there are still plenty of walks we haven’t done I chose one we had done before because at this time of year we would be on the sunny side of the reservoir.  Even though we got there early most parking spaces were already taken.  It was a lot colder this morning so we donned our winter walking gear.  From the Fairholmes car park we set off towards the dam which was in full flow.  Apparently earlier this week it wasn’t though we must admit that water in the Ladybower reservoir is still low.  We walked along the track towards Howden Dam stopping to admire the colours of the trees and take pictures.  We reckon they are just past their best but it is still beautiful to see.  We then took the path up to Little Howden Moor but veering off to Abbey Bank.  As the path levelled out we found a spot we had lunched at before.  We had to decide if we wanted to lunch with a view or a vista so I opted for the view looking down to Howden Dam.  After lunch we walked across the moor which was not as boggy as we thought before taking a path back down to the reservoir.  There are a choice of paths so we took one we hadn’t  taken before.  This had a steady descent then a concessionary path which I managed quite well.  It did give us some wonderful views over Derwent Dam.  I will have to upload some pictures!  We even came across some interesting fungus.  Just before we reached the track back to Fairholmes Blue refused to go through a gate.  We could not figure out what worried him as there were no animals around so in the end Chris had to put him on the lead to bring him through.  After we left Fairholmes we headed to Hathersage and had a wander round the outdoor shops.  Chris needed a new pair of winter walking trousers and he found some.  I need a new air of summer trousers so will have to wait a while for those.  I could do with a new pair of boots so will have to do some research.  All in all a pleasant weekend!