We set off from home mid morning on Thursday 21st July and had a coffee and cake stop at Hassop Station.  We arrived in Edale late morning and after parking up at the main car park we had a little stroll around the village.  We called in at the Moorlands Center and also had a look around the Grade 11 listed church.  There is a memorial to the three scouts who died in the 1964 Four Inns Walk which passes through Edale.  This tragedy led to the formation of the Mountain Rescue Teams as we know them today.  Then we booted up and headed to the start of the Pennine Way.  I had planned a short circular walk along the Pennine Way to Upper Booth then back to Edale along field paths.  We stopped for lunch on the Pennine Way with views of Lose Hill, Back Tor, Hollins Cross, Mam Tor and Rushup Edge.  Although the day started sunny it clouded up but stayed warm and dry until we got home. As we approached Upper Booth we had a better view of the slopes of Kinder Scout, we’ll save that for another time.  The walk was easy with gates along the field paths rather than stiles which was nice for all of us.  Walking back to Edale we had to cross the Sheffield – Manchester rail line which goes along the valley floor and we saw the entrance to the Cowburn Tunnel as the line went through the hills.  We drove out of the valley at the back of Mam Tor and down into Castleton via Winnats Pass before driving home via Calver where we stopped at the new outdoor shop.  Further on we had a look at the Bridge Inn which has recently changed hands.  The new menu looks interesting so we will have to try it soon.  The rain started just after we got home.  Enjoy the photos.

Monday 18 July was a warm day.  I had hoped for a picnic in the evening but with a meeting scheduled at the Village Hall for the committee we had an early BBQ instead. Tuesday was even hotter and the hottest day of the year.  A quiet day starting with coffee with our neighbours and again I had thought about a picnic but we had an invitation to join the tearoom for a BBQ in the evening with some locals so we did a trip to the Chatsworth Farm Shop for some provisions.  Enjoyed the warm weather for a while in the afternoon and prepared some food for the BBQ which we enjoyed. Wednesday was still warm.  Paperwork in the morning and Bookers in the afternoon.  On the way back we stopped in Bakewell where we ended up sheltering in the Co-Op with some former guests who have now moved to Bakewell when a storm suddenly broke.  At least it cleared the air. In the evening some of our guests came round for drink and at least it was dry enough to sit outside. While we were out cutting for a second silage took place in Andrews fields on this side of the road. Thursday was still warm but it clouded up but we decided on a walk in Edale ( separate blog to follow). While we were away  the silage was rowed and collected and it was finished by the time we got back so I have no photos.  Friday was still warm and the day went on catching up and dealing with arrivals and departures.  Saturday was also warm, probably the last of the warm days.  Down to Bakewell for the Farmers Market which was a week early due to the Bakewell Show.  Busy with arrivals and departures and by the end of the day all the seven cottages in were existing guests.  Even had another BBQ but the had plenty of food from the Farmers Market.  Sunday was mild but overcast with a last minute booking arriving that afternoon otherwise a quiet day.

With the promise of a fine day on Thursday 14 July I had chosen a walk from Middleton by Youlgrave mainly because we had heard about a new cafe there so we wanted to try it out.  I selected a walk from www.walkthepeakdistrict.co.uk  which was about four miles in length with few stiles so better for Smudge (and us).  We set off from the center of Middleton and walked down the lane to walk along Bradford Dale passing Youlgrave and joining the Limestone Way as we did so.  Staying on the Limestone Way we headed up towards Harthill Moor Farm passing through a number of fields with cattle and one muddy patch and meeting a number of DofE groups en route.  At a meeting of paths we started heading towards Elton and at the edge of Tomlinson Wood we picked up a path heading back to Middleton.  We passed close to Robin Hood’s Stride and crossed paths we have walked on many times before giving us nice views towards Youlgrave. On a couple of occasions on the walk we could make out Bolehill Farm in the distance. Descending through the caravan site at Hopping Farm we walked the final stretch before arriving back at Middleton.  Here we found Molly Moos cafe where we enjoyed a late lunch. They also have cake but there wasn’t much left!  Enjoy the pictures.

Monday 4 July got off to a warm and sunny start.  Down the market first thing which was very busy by the time I left.  In the afternoon I dealt with accounts and arrivals.  On Tuesday we managed a walk, (see separate blog).  On the way back we noticed  that farmers are catching up with silaging now the ground has dried out a little. Later in the afternoon Chris had to help Andrew round up some cows that had managed to get into the wrong field.  Wednesday was mild but overcast. Dancing in the morning and accounts in the afternoon along with arrivals. and Andrew managed to silage his final field. Thursday was dull but warm with a number of drizzly showers.  Housework in the morning then some petaling at Over Haddon for the well dressing in the afternoon then dancing again in the evening.  Friday promised sunny weather but it obviously hadn’t read the forecast as the morning was quite drizzly before it gave way to better weather in the afternoon.  Departures and arrivals and we even managed a trip to the Recycling Center.  In the evening we went down to the village hall for a fish and chip supper following the completion of the well dressings. There was a nice sunset on the way home.  Saturday was a wet day although it did brighten up later in the day.  A busy day with a number of arrivals and departures but with prompt departures all cleaning and checks completed by lunchtime.  In the evening we went to friends in Over Haddon for a birthday buffet.  Nice to catch up with people we know.  Sunday was better weather wise with some pleasant sunshine and a few showers later in the day.

The week commencing Monday 20 June saw better weather.  Monday was the Summer Equinox so it’s all downhill now. We had a wonderful sunset with a strawberry moon, not that I could photograph it as I was at the village hall for the committee meeting.  On Tuesday we went to Sheffield and found time to visit the cathedral which we haven’t done before.  The weather took a brief turn for the better and despite little sun we were able to eat our dinner on the patio after voting in Thursday’s referendum.  Earlier in the afternoon we had helped bring the cows in for milking.  On Friday morning I was down to Bakewell early to get my hair cut and unsurprisingly the main topic of conversation was the referendum result.  Found time between arrivals on Friday to do some gardening.  Chris found some of his time taken up with replacing a shower in one of the cottages.  Saturday was the Bakewell Day of Dance and the beginning of Carnival week and also the Farmers Market to which I went first thing.  There were a few passing showers but luckily the dancing was unaffected.  If I hadn’t been working I could have gone and taken part as my Wednesday morning dance class were displaying some of the routines we do.  Sunday was also a fine day but the forecast is downhill again for the rest of the week.

Friday 3rd June was more like what it should be for June at our Bolehill Cottages near Bakewell (see here).  A sunny mild day with no departures but two arrivals and one cleaner here. Down to Bakewell first thing to get provisions for the weekend and back in time for coffee where we were joined by the architect who has done work for us over the years. All cleaning and checks completed by lunchtime.  Both cottages here just after 3pm, one has been before.  As usual on a Friday afternoon I paid the bills that had come in during the week.  An early dinner then down to Over Haddon for a brief meeting of the village hall committee.  Saturday was a warm and at times muggy day even though there wasn’t much sunshine.  Five departures and five arrivals with two cleaners here.  With a couple of early departures cleaning was underway by 9am and all cleaning and most checks completed by lunchtime.  Final checks completed by 2.30.  Chris cut the grass.  Four arrivals between 3 and 3.30pm, two have been before.  Final cottage held up with car problems and arrived at 5pm, they have also been before.  In between these arrivals caught up on paper work.  Andrew’s neighbours have been silaging and it looks like the weather will hold for the next week.  Sunday was more or less wall to wall sunshine and warm as well.  No arrivals or departures.  Down to Bakewell and called in at Little Cowden Farm on the way back.  Jobs around the house and garden during the day and later in the afternoon we packed up the rucksacks and headed towards Sheldon where we stopped for a picnic at one of our favourite spots and made the most of the nice end to the day.

It was the first day of meteorological summer at our Bolehill Cottages near Bakewell (see here) although it didn’t feel like it.  A brisk north wind certainly made it feel cold. Two departures but no arrivals with one cottage changing cottage so Chris and I turned it around.  After coffee we went to Buxton, first to take a load of stuff to the recycling center then we called into the nursery and picked up the hanging baskets. We’ll put them up in the next couple of days. Spent the afternoon on personal paperwork and Chris was out and about sorting out various computer problems. Andrew was busy in the afternoon moving cows around, mainly into the silaged fields so they can eat around the edges, but also the youngest heifers came out for the first time but will stay on Andrews side for a few days.  For the first time this year the milk cows came out for the night. Thursday weather wise was better than forecast which makes a nice change.  One departure and one arrival with one cleaner here.  A morning of odd jobs and after guests arrival just after 3pm we headed to the Chatsworth Garden Center to pick up some more plants.  From here we called in at the Chatsworth Farm Shop for some provisions and drove home via the Garden Tea Room at Over Haddon.  By the time they closed the sun had come out so we went for a walk down to the Dale with all the dogs before returning home.

Weather statistics for May.  Highest temp 22.2 on 8th which was warmest day and night. Lowest temp on 21st which was the wettest day with .72 in rain. Coldest day and night was 1st. Highest UV 7.3 and total rain for May was 2.17 in (May 15 had 3.61 in).