The week at Bolehill started with three departures and three arrivals and one cleaner up.  Chris went down to the market in Bakewell whilst I finished off in the cottages.  Two cottages arrived at 3pm and one at 4.30pm. Another nice day although it clouded up in the afternoon.  In the evening I went to the village hall for a pre AGM meeting and acceptance of the annul accounts.  Apparently I missed an unusual sunset.  As Tuesday was forecast to be a fine day I scheduled us in for a walk.  I had selected a six mile circular walk from Eyam heading to Foolow then Grindlow and back to Eyam which was quite gentle but with a number of stiles.  Although we had the blue skies, sun and warmth we also had a keen wind.  We parked in Eyam in the free car park ( yes, there are still some free car parks around) and walked passed Eyam Hall (now managed by the National Trust) before heading up New Road and out of Eyam towards Foolow.  The path followed field paths and green lanes all the way to Foolow and we had views up to Eyam Edge and Bretton and across to Longstone Edge in the other direction.  The dogs were able to stay off the leads for most of the way as we encountered no livestock and the stiles were all easy as the walk had two dozen to cross!  At Foolow we walked through the hamlet and then took another path across fields to the hamlet of Grindlow.  Here we picked up a minor lane down to a silly place to have lunch.  Silly Dale!  Silly Dale was sheltered from the wind so we found a spot for lunch where we had views up and down the dale.  We could also see a few gliders from the gliding club.  At Stanley House we started on the return journey to Eyam.  At this point we had a good view to the Peter’s Stone in Cressbrook Dale.  There were sheep and lambs in the first few fields so the dogs stayed on their leads and we also passed Brosterfield Hall where the dogs went for their training, I wonder if that’s why Smudge paused for a moment.  We had a short bit of road to walk on before walking along the A623 for a couple of hundred yards.  We picked up the final path to Eyam which skirted an old quarry and before we knew it we were back at the car.  We thought we would stop at the cafe at Monsal Head for a cup of tea but it was closed so we went onto to Ashford and had a cup of tea and piece of cake there.  Enjoy the photos.

That’s the weekend at Bolehill summed up then.  Saturday was another dry sunny and spring like day.  One departure and one arrival and one cleaner up. So by mid morning everything was ready which gave us the rest of the day to get with lots of jobs.  Chris cut the grass for the first time and touched up some paint on door thresholds and outside furniture as well as more power washing of outside furniture.   I did some more jobs on the spring cleaning lists in empty cottages, nearly finished this years jobs now, as well as a bit of plant culling.  Two weeks to the plant auction!  I also did a number of jobs around the house which gets neglected during the first couple of months when we concentrate on the cottages.  Guests arrived at 4pm, they have been before.  In the evening I took the dogs for a walk, noting just how cracked the earth is in the fields and enjoying a peaceful sunset.  Initially I had hope we would get a walk in on Sunday but the closer to Sunday we got the quicker the rain was forecast to arrive.  So as Chris had a few jobs in the cottages to get done it was another day of a little bit of this and that.  In the end the rain didn’t arrive until late afternoon so we could have gone for a walk but never mind.

Monday was a lovely day at our Bolehill cottages.  Two departures and one arrival and one cleaner up. Took advantage of the mild weather to wash some door mats and the cleaner found time to wash some carpets.  Electrician was back to carry on with his testing work.  I also did some jobs from my spring cleaning list in the cottages.  Guests arrived about 4pm and I then did some paperwork .  Andrew started fertilising his fields, a sign things are getting ready for the cows to come out. In the evening Chris went to the photographic club in Bakewell and I caught up with some TV programmes I wanted to watch (that Chris didn’t).  Tuesday was yet another lovely day.  Again one departure and one cleaner up but no arrivals.  Electrician back again too.  After guests departed I headed off to Over Haddon where I collected one of the WI ladies and we headed to Ashford where we attended a WI event.  Here along with 100 or so other Derbyshire WI ladies we had a morning learning about fruit growing with an afternoon session on baking fruit dishes (with a lovely WI buffet lunch) in between!  Back home had a number of phone calls and emails to deal with and found time to talk to my friend in Yorkshire.  Nice to look out and see green fields again and I’m sure the daffodils are finally starting to grow!

Before I get up to date  I thought I would give a quick résumé of the couple of days at Bolehill before I went away.  Saturday was dull and cold with three arrivals and two departures.  One cleaner up.  Time to get away for lunch and we had a drive over to Hartington where a new cafe had opened, but unfortunately they were busy and short staffed so we had lunch in the Charles Cotton Hotel.  We then inspected the new chocolate shop (purchases made) and visited the Cheese shop and naturally bought some cheese.  All guests arrived between 4 and 5pm, two have been before.  In the evening we went to Buxton to see Blofeld and Baxter (from Test Match Special).  Although not into cricket I still enjoyed the humour. Sunday was similar to Saturday weather wise with one departure and one arrival.  One cleaner up.  Just before lunch we saw the Four Shires Hounds do one of their trails across our land.  They had started at a farm near Monyash and finished in one of Andrews fields.  A quiet afternoon getting ready for my trip and making sure everything was up straight for Chris.  On Monday morning there were two departures and one cleaner up.  Later in the day five arrivals were seen in by Chris, luckily three had been before. Chris dropped me off at Chesterfield after lunch and after a fraught journey I finally arrived at my sisters in Watford later in the evening.  Not for a few days of fun mind you, we had a number a number of things to sort out but did find some time for retail therapy!  Here are some photos from Sunday.

Finally made it back to Bolehill about 3pm just before guests in their 4×4 arrived. Plenty to catch up with and also some blogging to do.  Hope to post some photos of the snow tomorrow.  Never seen drifts like these before.  Many villages still cut off, they are advising no road travel north of Bakewell.

There had been more snow overnight Sunday into Monday (11/3) at Bolehill, not a lot but the wind had blown snow over the top part of the drive so we had to clear that again.  The wind stung my face but I took the dogs out for a walk and took some photos especially of how the wind had blown the snow around.  No departures but should have been five arrivals, one of which had already cancelled, and during the morning I had a further cancellation due to a combination of weather and health.  One cleaner up but no problems encountered.  Decided not to go to bowls as the temperature never went above zero and we had a number of blizzard like snow showers.  From my office I could watch these pass across Baslow Edge and down the Derwent Valley.  All three cottages arrived between 3 and 4pm, two have been before. A visit from Sir Fitzherbert (of Tissington Hall) to deliver Tissington leaflets personally.  Not the first time he has done this and he stayed for a chat. Luckily no more snow overnight so no snow clearing or salting needed in the morning.   The ground was solid though as temperature had been well below zero overnight but a thaw set in during the day and with temperatures only creeping above zero it was enough for a lot of white to go green again. Busy day with me spending some time on WI matters in the morning including finally writing up the notes from last weeks meeting at Chesterfield.  Had a delivery of tourist leaflets I had ordered on line.  The main leaflet day for accommodation providers is next Thursday (21/3) at the annual Peak District Tourism Conference, but I shall be at my sisters and we’re not sure if Chris will have time to go.  In the afternoon we stocked up on logs again and I spent some time baking as I’m responsible for the refreshments at Wednesday’s WI meeting.  A busy day for emails and a few bookings.  Enjoy the photos from Monday.

Wednesday was cold and dull after such a lovely Tuesday at Bolehill.  One cleaner up to catch up with cleaning as she had not been up since the weekend.  I did some more curtain washing and the electrician was back to do some more checks.  I also tried to see if I could fill the cancellations and had some success.  Later in the afternoon we headed to Buxton to do some minor jobs at the house and then headed to the Opera House for Yamata, the Japanese drummers.  Very energetic and different.  Thursday felt milder but was still dull.  One cottage departed and one cleaner up.  Jobs in the cottages for me as well as ironing and hanging curtains back up.  In the afternoon Chris went to Over Haddon and led a session for the digital camera workshop.  Friday was misty and cold.  No departures or arrivals and another catch up morning. Electrician back again.  Chris has spent some time with him as items like fridges and ovens have had to be moved and Chris wanted to ensure no damage occurred to flooring etc.  Ordered a supply of tourist leaflets for the season as they are now ready for delivery.   In the afternoon I went down to Bakewell to get my hair cut at long last as each time since Christmas I have tried to arrange a hair cut it has snowed.  I also got provisions for the weekend.  Having seen the forecast for the weekend just when I thought I could put my winter woollies away I am having to get them back out again!

I didn’t see much of Chris on Sunday (24/2) at Bolehill.  After we had collected the Sunday paper and said goodbye to one cottage Chris went over to Over Haddon to help install some new speakers.  He wasn’t supposed to be away long but three hours later he was back for a late lunch.  After lunch he went over to Eyam to help install a printer for a member of the Photographic club.  In the meantime I did work around the house.  In the evening we collected Andrew and Joanna and headed to the hall for this months film, Skyfall.  I really enjoyed the film (and a Bond Martini that Chris bought me!)  Monday was a bit dreary but still raw.  Two departures but no arrivals.  One cleaner up and I carried on with jobs around the cottages.  In the evening I went to the hall for indoor bowls.  Tuesday was dull but the temperature had climbed above zero.  A day of being out and about.  In the morning the dogs had their annual check up at the vets and unfortunately for Smudge the vet was not happy with his teeth and suggested a scale and polish.  Costs more than it would do for humans (and cows) but he has been booked in for Friday for the procedure. We came home via the new kitchen and bathroom showroom of the company who installed our kitchen.  They have just moved to better sited premises.  After lunch we headed to Buxton as Chris had another appointment at the opticians after which we went to Morrisons and also called in at the electrical wholesalers to pick up some supplies.  Milder weather is forecast which is nice from the heating bills point but bad news as far as the dogs are concerned as I am now having to wash the dogs paws when they come in from their walks!

As it was a lovely day on Sunday after a misty start at Bolehill Farm we thought we would go for a walk.  First we said goodbye to two cottages.  I had discovered a walk in the Goyt Valley around Fernilee Reservoir which is a bit quieter than its neighbour Errwood Reservoir.  I had picked this walk as it was fairly level and used well known paths as I wasn’t sure how much snow there would be and what the state of fields would be. We parked in a lay by just before Whaley Bridge and walked down a path to cross the River Goyt.  We then took a track up to skirt the hamlet of Taxal passing the church before picking up the Midshires Way.  The Midshires Way links the Ridgeway with the Trans Pennine Trail through the shires of Middle England and for the most uses existing paths.  We followed this all the way to Errwood Reservoir.  At first it was open countryside but further on after passing a number of farms we entered a forested area.  Most of the way we were in the sun too which was nice.  Just before we got to the road at Errwood reservoir we found a spot for lunch.  We sat behind a wall to get out of the wind so although not in the sun we had views across the valley and down to Fernilee Reservoir and the trail on the other side of the reservoir.  This was a part of the former High Peak and Cromford Railway.  The trail was very busy so when we got down to the reservoir we decided to stay on the path that followed the waters edge rather than the trail.  On the Midshires Way we had the trail to ourselves for most of the time but along the reservoir it was a lot busier. At the end of the reservoir we picked up a path across fields following the River Goyt back to the lay by.  It was a bit squelchy in places and there was a enormous puddle at one style.  The dogs were not impressed.  When we got back home they had to be hosed down but at least they (and we) had finally got a long walk!  Here are the photos.