It started nice and sunny again at our Bolehill Cottages near Bakewell (see here) on Monday. Won’t be saying that for much longer by the look of the forecast. One departure and one arrival with one cleaner here. Usual Monday tasks as well as catching up from the weekend. Made the most of the nice weather to do some extra washing. Guests arrived just after 3.30. Later there was one of those sunsets which gives a red hue to everything so I went out and took some photos. Tuesday 29 July was a little cooler and more cloud was around. No departures or arrivals and the morning went in a lot of those five minute jobs that keep getting put off. After lunch Chris and I went to Chesterfield to do a Bookers run. After that we called in at B&Q and Dunelm before heading home. It was looking ominous and we had some drizzle and the evening felt quite cool when I took the dogs out. Will have to put the heating back on soon at this rate! Wednesday started cloudy but we had some late afternoon sunshine. Odd jobs again in the morning including some mat washing and the afternoon went in tidying up and checking board games in the leisure area and tidying up the area itself. A chat with the Dutch guests who are leaving early on Thursday morning and they gave me a bunch of roses which was nice. Thursday saw two departures and no arrivals but one cleaner here to keep up with cleaning. A warm but cloudy start with the threat of thundery showers at lunchtime which didn’t materialise. Down to Bakewell first thing Friday to get provisions for the next few days. In the afternoon I got Chris to put some new curtain rails up in Sheepfold and I hemmed some new curtains for the twin bedroom. It turned out warm and sunny in the afternoon so later we thought we would have a ‘sundowner’ but just as we sat out the clouds rolled in and then it started raining. In an hour half an inch of rain fell and it thundered so we had two traumatised dogs. Later it cleared up and when I took the dogs out for their evening walk we watched the mist rise from the dales but as I hadn’t taken the camera I didn’t get any photos.
Author: Shirley Swaap
Another hot weekend
Friday 25 July was another warm sunny day at our Bolehill Cottages near Bakewell (see link). Three departures but no arrivals and one cleaner here to keep up with cleaning. A day of preparing for the weekend especially as we were going away Saturday night leaving the place and the dogs in another pair of hands. Our first night away for five years! Saturday was really hot, hotter than expected and we recorded the highest temperature of the year so far at 26 degrees. Two departures including the Dutch family and four arrivals with one cleaner here. Down to Bakewell for Farmers Market to stock up on provisions. Cleaning didn’t take long and neither did final checks so we could get ourselves ready too as we had overnight bags to pack. Found a new job for myself in washing lampshades, some can actually be washed and dry with no marks. Chris still had to water the hanging baskets again, they are looking very nice. First two cottages here by 3.30 with another one by 4pm. One has been before. Final cottage arrived just after 6pm, this was a German family who are here for two weeks. We set off just after 7pm to spend the rest of the evening with our friends in Yorkshire. On Sunday we had a ride on the North York Moors Railway planned. We had a good day with our friends and some of their other friends, most of which we knew, helping our friends celebrate their wedding anniversary with lunch on the train (they are volunteers on the North York Moors Railway). On the return leg of the train journey we were pulled by the Sir Nigel Gresley. Although cooler than of late it was still a very pleasant day. In our absence another cottage, already prepared, arrived. I had already emailed them detailed instructions, it’s not often we are not there to meet guests. Back late Sunday night after a very nice day. Look forward to the next break!
Chestnut Centre
Tuesday 22 July was another hot day at our Bolehill Cottages near Bakewell (see link). No departures or arrivals and I spent time sorting out a spare bedroom in the morning and after lunch went to Peak Village then Bakewell which was very busy. In the evening a hot air balloon passed over, we have been seeing quite a lot of them recently. With another hot day forecast on Wednesday and being too hot for a walk we opted for the Chestnut Centre near Chapel en Le Frith which is about thirty minutes away but does not allow dogs. (They had a quiet day at home)! We stopped at the cafe at Monsal Head for coffee and cake (sorry no photos) before driving to the centre. I would recommend being there for early afternoon to see the feeding of the animals and we spent an enjoyable few hours looking at the otters, owls and deer. Headed back via Brough to get some more weed killer from the agricultural merchants and also detoured via the Longstones to see their well dressings. In the evening we abandoned the dogs again and went down to Piedaniels for a meal, their set meal being very good value. Thursday was another at home day doing bits around the house. No departures but Dutch couple here for a second week and another cottage here for a few more days. Still hot and Chris is spending a couple of hours every day watering plants. Green Cowden Farm were hay making. After lunch I finished last quarter’s accounts and we did the VAT returns. As a reward later in the afternoon we went on a picnic, this time walking across to Kirk Dale. We got to the end of Andrew’s first field when we saw that the water trough was empty which was worrying as the field had cows in. The water board had been checking pipes in the area because of low pressure so we phoned Andrew and also walked back home to check our water levels in the holding tanks. With everything OK we then set off for a second time on our picnic. It felt really hot as we enjoyed the evening sun with the silence punctuated by baling machines. At this rate farmers will soon be silaging again. Enjoy the photos.
… and a thunderstorm!
It was raining when we got up on Saturday 19 July at our Bolehill Cottages near Bakewell (see link) and it
rained constantly during the morning. Four departures, one has booked for next year, but only one arrival but two cleaners up to keep up with cleaning. Due to the rain only did what was necessary in the cottages so I did not get too wet so spent time on accounts and housework. Saturday was also Sheldon fete day which we would like to have gone to and could have done but because of the weather didn’t. A brief respite in the rain mid afternoon before the next round of storms and again all the computers went off so dogs not happy. Cottage finally arrived about 6pm, a 
Dutch family, but at least it had stopped raining. After all the rain Sunday was another sunny day, not as warm as recently but very pleasant all the same. No departures or arrivals so took 
advantage of the nice afternoon to go to Winster to see the open gardens. We had been a number of years ago so it was nice to have another wander around the village with the dogs. They were allowed in most gardens many of which are on a number levels as the village is on a hillside. Some of the lanes are quite steep and very narrow and we visited the church which we have not done before. Many of the gardens had refreshments and we bumped into some of our guests enjoying a cream tea in one garden. We enjoyed refreshments in some of the gardens too and we finished at the garden with the steepest slopes and best views (we could see Bolehill) before heading home and a 
quiet evening in. Monday was another warm day. Two departures and four arrivals and one cleaner up as some cottages had been cleaned on the Saturday. Chris spent most of the morning watering the plants. A busy morning with usual Monday jobs and 
final checks on cottages but everything ready for guests arrivals from 3 to 5 pm with final cottage arriving at 630. One had been before.
Three days of summer …
Wednesday 16 July saw the continuation of the fine weather at out Bolehill cottages near Bakewell (see here). Went down to Bakewell first thing to get my hair cut and get some provisions for the next few days especially as I am running low on ice creams! Spent time in afternoon chatting with guests which is often the case when we have a number of return guests but it is also nice to see guests chatting to each other too. After a hectic couple of hours on Tuesday evening caught up with emails and bits. Thursday saw the highest temperature of the year so far with two departures and two arrivals and one cleaner here. First guests, a Dutch 
couple who have been before, arrived just after 3pm. The second cottage, who have also been before, arrived about 5pm. We had tickets for an event at Chatsworth in the evening so set off about 7pm for a picnic and firework display in the gardens of Chatsworth. This had been organised by the tourist board with the Dukes permission. It was a lovely evening and we found a nice spot to listen to the jazz band and enjoy our picnic. We had time for a stroll around the gardens and grounds and said hello to some other accommodation providers that we knew before the short firework display. A lovely sunset so 
enjoy the photos. Friday was the day I was waiting for weather wise as the forecast was for 28degress here but it never materialised. It remained cloudy and cool until later in the day. Dutch couple from last week departed and we had one arrival later in the afternoon so one cleaner here. The overnight forecast was for intense storms so Chris spent about half an hour switching off computers etc which traumatised the dogs as they don’t like machines that beep. Luckily apart from some rumbling and grumbling and a few flashes there was nothing to worry about except my computer wouldn’t start on Saturday morning!
A walk to Shirley
I have always been aware of the village of Shirley the other side of Ashbourne ever since we moved to our Bolehill Cottages near Bakewell (see here). I also have a book of walks that has a five mile circular walk from Osmanston to Shirley. Although a bit cloudy to start with on Tuesday 15 July we set off and headed to Osmaston parking in the village hall car park. Osmaston has some thatched houses, unusual for Derbyshire, and the walk sets off along a bridle way, also known as the Bonnie Prince Charlie Walk, through Osmaston Park. The first interesting building we came across was an old mill which was built in an alpine style complete with waterwheel. Continuing on we came across a field of poppies, before taking the lane into Shirley. The walk heads off before going into the village but we chose to take a look around. We came across the pub and decided to have lunch there although we had packed sandwiches. The pub looked old fashioned on the outside but was very modern and busy on the inside. We sat outside in the small garden with the dogs and had some nice sandwiches. After a stroll around the village (I was looking for a ‘Shirley’ road sign so I could take a picture of it but couldn’t find one) we picked up the Centenary Way. On this part of the walk we went through a number of crop fields, it’s amazing how the agriculture could be so different and yet it was only about twenty five miles away from Bakewell. By now the sun had come out so it felt warm. We soon turned off onto another path heading back to Osmanston. This passed the remains of Osmaston Hall (a chimney tower) which was demolished in the 1960’s. After we got back to the car we had a scenic drive around to Shirley and found a road sign to photograph. Then onto Ashbourne where we picked up some tea from M&S. On the way home we realised we hadn’t visited the well dressings at Over Haddon so swung by and parked in the car park. We had time for late tea and cake at the Garden Tea room where we had a chat with the owners before walking round to the well dressings. We also stopped t the pub for a beer tapas before finally making our way home. Just as well I wasn’t hungry as there were a number of emails and phone calls waiting for us which resulted in three bookings before bedtime! Enjoy the photos.
A Dutch invasion
Friday 11 July was another fine day at our Bolehill cottages near Bakewell (see link). Two departures and three arrivals with two cleaners here. Another pleasant weekend was forecast and I headed to Chatsworth to get provisions for the weekend later in the morning. First Guests arrived just after 3pm. They are from Holland and are the first of many Dutch guests over the next few weeks. Second arrival was here just after 5pm, they are here for the Pride and Prejudice Ball at Chatsworth, complete with costumes! Final arrival here just after 7pm, they are here to do the the White Peak Walk, an annual walk that starts and finishes in Monyash. Nice enough to eat al fresco. Saturday saw four departures and three arrivals and two cleaners here. Another warm day and cleaning finished before lunchtime. Two arrivals here by 4pm, one has been before and final cottage here just after 5pm, 
they were last here many years ago. It clouded up by the evening but was still nice enough to eat outside. We watched an aerial display over Haddon Hall, the Hall was closed for the weekend and is usually closed for one weekend in July (for family purposes). Rain had been forecast for later in the day and this arrived after 8pm. Sunday had seen a forecast of showers but it wasn’t too bad in the end. One departure and one arrival but cottage already cleaned. A quiet day finding time to relax as well as doing some housework. Not warm enough to eat al fresco though. Cottage arrived at 3pm. Monday saw one departure and two arrivals with one cleaner here and I went down to Bakewell first thing to visit the market. Another pleasant day and arrivals here just after 3pm then 5pm. Both have been before. A busy evening and good weather looks set to continue.
The Queen comes to Derbyshire
Thursday 10 July dawned sunny and warm at our Bolehill Cottages near Bakewell (see link). 
Initially the forecast had been for showers but the forecast had improved. With no departures or arrivals and it being our day off I had opted for a walk to Chatsworth with the hope of catching a glimpse of the Queen. Like all good plans glitches prevented us from setting off early as we would have liked from the Bakewell station car park. We were treading a familiar route along the Monsal Trail and across the golf course before the rocky ascent up to Calton Pastures. A glimpse back to make out Bolehill Farm in the distance before the trek across to New Piece Wood where we 
emerged at the spot I had hoped to see the Queen. Unfortunately it was too far from the road. 
Good for the Red Arrows but not for the Queen so we started walking down the hill. We assumed it was already too late but luckily it wasn’t and we managed to see the procession as it made its way to Chatsworth House but I didn’t have my camera ready so only got a picture of the car in the distance. Within a few minutes we had a better view of the the crowds outside Chatsworth House where the Queen was visiting stalls set up to showcase local producers. A number of primary schools were there too. We crossed the road near Edensor and found a nice spot to watch the proceedings 
from the hillside and eat lunch at the same time. After lunch we took the lane up through 
Edensor which came out on the minor road to Ballcross Farm. Nice views across the local countryside before the descent down a rocky path to emerge back at the golf course. Back home via the Smithy at Monyash for ice cream and a shower and change before heading out to Longnor. Last summer we had enjoyed a guided walk round Longnor as a WI outing and we planned to come back on the first Thursday in July that the weather was good to do more. A couple of husbands came too and we all enjoyed our guided tour finishing with fish and chips. A lovely sunset on the way 
back but my photos looking towards Chrome (pronounced Kroom by locals) Hill didn’t do the lovely purple colours justice.
Keeping busy 6 July
Sunday was another fine day at our Bolehill Cottages near Bakewell (see here). One Australian family departed and one Australian family arrived just after 4pm. One cleaner here to turn round cottage. Down to get paper and surprised bunting already down. Carnival night is one of the few nights of the year it is lively in Bakewell but the street cleaning team had been out early and done a good job. After doing final check on cottage spent the day on personal jobs and dipping into the Tour De France. Particularly wanted to see the climb at Holme Moss as we have driven to Holmfirth that way. Woodhead Pass was the closest it got to us. One cottage went to see the Tour pass through High Bradfield on the outskirts of Sheffield and our handyman was almost housebound as his road was carrying traffic diverted away from the tour’s route. Monday was a warm day with two departures and one arrival. One cleaner here. Nice enough to eat lunch al fresco and after cottage arrived, just after 3pm, they have been before, we went to the Calver Garden Centre to get some turf to repair a patch in the lawn. 
Time for tea and cake too! Tuesday was forecast to be a day of sunshine and showers and with no arrivals or departures I decided to go to Chesterfield. Apart from a supermarket shop I had a number of other items to get from Wilkinson and Argos. Despite the forecast no showers materialised in Chesterfield but there was one in my absence at home. Wednesday was another pleasant day with no departures but one arrival. No cleaner as cottage prepared. They arrived just after 3pm and have been before. With a WI meeting in the evening I had some paper work to do but also found some time to do some general tidying up. Spent time chatting with guests too especially with the scheduled visit by the Queen to Matlock and Chatsworth House the next day. This was going to result in some road closures and Chatsworth House would be closed for the day. I was hoping to go and see her arrive at Chatsworth depending on the weather as the forecast kept changing. Collected Joanna in the evening and we went to the Village Hall. One of our favourite WI evenings as it was a cookery demonstration with samples to taste afterwards!
Bakewell Carnival 5 July
Some overnight rain then Saturday 5th July dawned dry, bright and warm at our Bolehill cottages
near Bakewell (see here). Two departures and three arrivals and with early departures cleaning was finished by coffee time. We usually have a team coffee break but on this occasion one went home to get ready to go to the carnival and the other one was going for a walk with her husband. I watched the beginning of the Tour de France to see the Red Arrows fly past then did the final checks of the cottages. As they close the roads in Bakewell for the carnival I always let the guests know and allow them to arrive a little earlier to beat the closures. With only three arrivals (two 
have been before) and two of them here by just after 2pm, we decided to go to the carnival for 
the first time since we moved here. We parked at Lady Manners and walked down to town and managed to bag a nice spot by the Derbyshire Building Society in the shade as we had the dogs with us too. The parade starts at 3pm from the recreation ground and the first you know of the approaching carnival is the band, this year led by the Bakewell Silver Band. It took some time for all the floats and bands to pass. Smudge took it all in his stride but the beating drums of the bands unnerved Blue. The parade made its way along Matlock Street then Bath Street before making 
its way back round Bridge Street then heading back down Matlock street to the recreation 
ground. In fact the Bakewell Silver Band had to wait for the last of the floats to pass before they could proceed back down Matlock street. We headed up to Naughty and Nice for tea and cake before the parade finished so we were ahead of the rush. Back home and caught up with the final arrivals before a quiet evening in.