Wow! Sunday (2/2) was a dry sunny day! One departure from our Bolehill cottages (see here) and with a good day forecast we decided on a walk. Knowing how wet the fields were I thought it would be nice on Curbar Edge as we haven’t walked there for a while. The car park was already full but we found a spot on the road to park. It was breezy but clear so we had nice views of the area. There were also some radio controlled gliders around so Chris had a chat with some of the operators. One man had come all the way from Leicester as the conditions were so good. We had walked about a mile, the plan was to walk to the end of Froggatt Edge and back, but it was getting so busy that Chris decided to turn back. As we hadn’t done much of a walk we then decided to drive to Over Haddon car park and walk down to the dale and see the flooding. On the way down the lane we stopped to have a chat with Karen from the tea room. One of her Scottie dogs had been very ill with canine meningitis. Down in the dale the water was very high and very fast and we set off toward Bateman’s cottage. We found the path under water before we got to Bateman’s cottage. We have never seen the dale flooded so we took a number of photos then turned and walked. When we got to the lodge (now vacated by the couple we know) we carried on to Conksbury bridge. At the clapper bridge the water was almost as high as the bridge and at the weirs you could barely make them some of them out as the water was rushing over so fast. We got to the pub and luckily they’re were still serving food so we had a late lunch (and dessert) before walking back to the car. A quiet evening in rounded off with the first episode of one of the BBC’s best comedy programmes – Top Gear. See here for today’s photos.
lathkill Dale
White, wet and windy
Best way to describe Thursday Friday and Saturday 1st Feb at our Bolehill Cottages (see link). Wintry showers were forecast for Thursday. The morning went in jobs about the cottages. Luckily I had stocked up with logs in the morning as by mid afternoon the flurrying snow was starting to settle. It took the handyman two hours to get home as he has to go over the moors and the roads were quite bad. We had planned to go down to Bakewell for a meal in the evening but I wasn’t so sure. As usual though once we set off down to Bakewell there was no snow below Green Cowden farm. We decided to try Le Mistral as we haven’t been there for a while. We had a really nice meal so will have to upgrade our recommendation for it in our guest guide. By the time we got home most of the snow had gone. Friday saw rain, lots of it. Until Thursday the 1st had been the wettest day of a wet month but that changed on Friday. One arrival and one cleaner up and work progressing in Dove. Popped down to Bakewell to get provisions for the weekend. Time for more jobs in the cottages in the afternoon as guests weren’t expecting to arrive until later in the evening and they arrived about 7pm. It was nice to wake up to sunshine on Saturday. A quiet day at home with the weather better than forecast at first as we had been expecting rain from mid morning. The wind steadily increased during the day so I got more logs in before the weather deteriorated but in the end the rain didn’t arrive until the evening. Our guests had gone for a walk in Lathkill Dale and reported that parts of the dale were flooded. I spent most of the day in jobs around of the house and Chris spent some time sorting out Ian’s laptop. At least the forecast for Sunday was good. Here are some pictures of the dogs in the snow while it was here.
A winter walk in Lathkill Dale
We waited until Boxing Day morning to decide what to do at our Bolehill Cottages (see here) as the forecast had been for a foggy morning. Luckily for us the fog and mist was in the dales and we decided on a walk in Lathkill Dale. As we set off the mist was rolling across the dale and I thought the weather would make for some interesting photos. We walked across our fields and the green lane down to Haddon Grove Farm then picked up the path to Mill Farm and down the old drovers track and into the dale. The sun hadn’t reached here so it was still frosty and mist was rising from the fast flowing river. We hardly met anyone until we got to Lathkill Lodge and after that it was a bit busier and by the time we got to Conksbury bridge we were back in the sun. We stopped at the Lathkil for a swift half before the final trek back to Bolehill. At the bottom of our drive a car was parked which we realised was with the hunt that had set of from Bakewell earlier. The hunt was expected to go through shortly. It was when we were upstairs that I saw the hounds run down the four acre field, then run into the drive field and then into the eight acre field. Only one horse and rider was with them and they stayed in the four acre field but they were soon joined by others and then they rode along the road towards Monyash. The hounds always seem to go where they want to go as about an hour later we saw some running across Andrew’s field. They must have been rounded up at some stage as the kennels are just down the road. Friday was a quiet day with friends and one cottage departing. One cleaner up and made time to prepare for Saturday. Enjoy the photos.
Things to do
Monday was a quiet day at our Bolehill cottages (see link). Two departures and no arrivals and one cleaner up. When taking the dogs for their early morning walk noticed there was the usual Monday morning traffic with farmers taking their livestock down to the market. At this time of year anything between 2-3000 sheep can go through the market plus cattle. Although no arrivals time went in cottage preparations for the next few days and the cleaner has started on her winter cleaning routines. Each week between now and Christmas she will be doing extra cleaning jobs in the cottages In the evening I went to Over Haddon for the Village Hall committee meeting. Good news in that the toilets in the car park will remain open this winter thanks in part to the parish council and also to Natural England who have footed the cost. At least walkers using Lathkill Dale will have some toilets to use. Tuesday was a colder day but it was dry and sunny. One departure then we set off to Buxton and Chapel en le Frith to do some sourcing of materials for the refurbishment of Dove early next year. Also went to check on the progress of our other project in Buxton before heading home. Took a number of bookings during the day so that was good. In the evening we went to Piedaniels for a celebration meal as we have now been here ten years. They have a good value set meal for during the week. Wednesday saw one departure and three arrivals and one cleaner up. The Chatsworth Christmas Market starts Thursday for ten days and like last year we are quite busy because of it. One of the arrivals on Wednesday is showing there and is booked in here for nearly two weeks. Another of the arrivals are regular guests and are here because of it and the final cottage, new guests are here just for a break. All were here by 4pm. Spent some time researching advertising for next year.
An autumnal weekend
Friday started of cold but sunny and we were expecting another fine day at our Bolehill cottages (see link) but by lunch time the drizzle had extended further north than expected. I had hope to go out and plant more bulbs but I ended up doing housework instead. One departure and one arrival and one cleaner up. Cottage arrived just after 4pm. Paid this months accounts and got the fire going for Smudge, something I expect I will be doing a lot more over the next few months. Saturday saw two departures and two arrivals and one cleaner up. Mixed day weather wise but it got off to a cold start and we heard about a few accidents locally due to black ice. Cottages arrived between 3 and 4pm, both have been before. We had a couple of hail showers during the afternoon and it stayed on the cold side. Rounded off the day with some baking. Some belated local news in that the River Lathkill emerged from the cave on the 18th October and was in full flow a week later. A few weeks ago a car crashed into one of Andrews wall, we never heard it even though it was in the evening. The driver drove off but took herself to the fire station to be cut out of the car. Andrew is getting the wall rebuilt as it means the cows can’t use the field until he does. Won’t be long now and we should be getting the sheep in our fields, so long as they done eat my bushes this year I’ll be happy.
Changes
Luckily for us the storm bypassed our cottages near Bakewell (see here for details) with the south of the country faring worst (and parts of Europe too). Two departures (with one departing later on Sunday to avoid travelling in the bad weather) and three arrivals and one cleaner up. Usual Monday jobs. First cottage arrived just after 3pm they were here last 20years ago, remaining two cottages arrived between 4 and 5pm. In the evening went to the village hall for indoor bowls and I did very well for a change. The milk cows are now in for winter so there is less black and white. We still have the maternity wing and hooligans on this side of the road and Andrew still has some cows about to calve and youngsters on his side of the road out in the fields. Tuesday was a bit cooler with quite a cold night. One departure and one arrival with cottage arriving here about 3pm, they have been before. Down to Bakewell before lunch for some provisions. Time for some accounts and housework. Wednesday was mainly dry, hopefully the ground can dry out a little bit. One departure and one arrival and one cleaner up. A catch up day and more housework. Just after lunch I saw the Air Ambulance take off from Lathkill Dale and earlier I had seen a couple of rescue vehicles drive by. It turned out that a walkers vein had ruptured and the emergency crew had to carry him to a place where the Air Ambulance could pick him up from. He is recovering. Cottage arrived at 4 pm. Thursday saw two departures and three arrivals and one cleaner here. With both cottages one by 9am I made a quick dash down to Bakewell to get provisions for the weekend. At least Thursday was a much brighter day. All cottages arrived between 3 and 4pm, one has been before. In the evening we should have gone to a show in Buxton but that was cancelled so it gave me an evening to sit down and rest!
A Sunday Walk
Sunday (6/10) was a glorious day and worthy of a walk. My knee had been a lot better but not wishing to cause any problems I suggested a short walk from Monyash not far from our Bolehill Cottages (see here for details). In the morning we had two departures and after a chat with some of the guests headed for Bakewell to get the paper. Had coffee on the patio and after lunch headed to Monyash. 
We parked by the church and picked up the footpath through the churchyard that connected with the Limestone Way. We followed this up as it headed to One Ash Grange but before reaching the farm took the path at farm that links back to Lathkill Dale. Along the way we could make out the trees at Bolehill farm but couldn’t see the house. We could also make out the edge of the Dale along which the permissive path runs that gives wonderful views of the Dale. We decided it would make a nice walk in summer to see all the different colours silaging makes on the landscape. 
The path emerges just before the rocky part of the Dale so we had a nice level walk back to the road. Here, instead of turning left and walking into Monyash, we crossed the road and walked along Bagshaw Dale. Despite this being so close we have never walked along it. It was longer than I thought but just a quiet green dale. It emerges at the other end of Monyash and we had the short walk back along Chapel Street to reach the village centre. The Old Smithy was doing a roaring trade in ice cream so naturally I had one! 
Monday was also a warm day. One departure but no arrivals and one cleaner up. Usual Monday jobs in the morning and in the afternoon some preparations for Tuesdays arrivals and the Village Hall Committee meeting in the evening. If you have time have a look at this video about the work in Lathkill Dale and enjoy the photos.
A picnic at Lathkill dale
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.
Saving Lathkill dale
Wednesday and Thursday were again fine days with Thursday being a lot warmer at our cottages near bakewell (see here). Wednesday saw one arrival later in the day with one cleaner up. I went down to Bakewell in the morning to get some provisions for the next few days, I thought Bakewell was quite busy. After lunch I caught up on paperwork and accounts as well as final check for cottage. Chris spent some time with one of his photography friends but came back for an early tea. After that we went to the village hall in Over Haddon for a meeting about the River Lathkill. We went to one a few years ago and this was a follow up. In the last few years there has been a scientific study of water flow of the river specifically with a view to where the water goes. This is of great concern to a number of parties for as those of you who visit the river regularly ( and there are up to 10000 visitors a year who do) know it does run dry and up to four times a year they have to move the fish. We both learnt a lot more about the river and the catchment area and plans for returning the water from the Lathkill catchment area to the Lathkill river itself. This will be reversible if there are any unforeseen effects. The chief cause is the Magpie Sough which was dug in the late 19th century and the plans to remedy this were discussed. 
The plans have the support of the Park and major estates in the area (Haddon Chatsworth and Melbourne) as the catchment area is on their land. It now needs local support and some environmental studies before the next phase so watch this space. Thursday was a nice sunny day with a nice sunset. One departure with no arrivals. Andrew Joanna and Ian were up to fly spray cows in the morning after which they joined us for coffee. The cows have been let into the paddock to do some chomping but will be on the move again shortly. We had thought about going for a drive in the afternoon to see the heather at the Roaches but it started to look ominous so we didn’t go. When the weather is nice and I have the office door open I often find myself chatting to guests as they come and go. I had a good afternoon catching up with bits and pieces so that was a positive thing but on the negative side I realised I had got dates wrong for the Farmers Market which I thought was this Saturday (24th) but it is next Saturday (31st) so I have no food in for the weekend. Oops!
WI and cakes!
Monday 12/8 started dull but soon brightened up at our cottages near Bakewell (see link). One departure and two arrivals and one cleaner up. Chris went down to Bakewell early and I had some final preparations for the tea our WI were holding in the afternoon as well as usual Monday jobs. After an early lunch Joanna collected me and we headed to the village hall where six of us set up the hall like we did a few weeks ago. By doing these teas we earn some money for our WI so the few hours work is worth it. Our guests enjoyed the food and the views from the hall. Back home Chris had a visit from some friends while I was out and our expected guests had still not arrived. First one arrived about 7pm with second one at 11pm. Tuesday was a day of sunshine and showers. Our Italian guests departed and the cleaner was up to turn cottage round. Decided we ought to go out for a few hours in the afternoon but first we went and picked some blackcurrants from our bushes. With plenty of mushrooms still in the fields guests are picking them before the cows come back in. We opted to try the new cafe at Over Haddon as we have heard good reports but haven’t been there yet. We drove down to Over Haddon and then started to walk down the lane to the dale and not far down is the Garden Cafe. They have only been open a few months and just do drinks and home made cakes but my carrot cake was one of the best I had tasted and was a very generous portion. We introduced ourselves to the owners and end up chatting for a few hours before we went home. This year we have had a lot more guests with bikes than before and it has also just been announced that the Peak Park has been allocated some funding for more cycle ways. Amongst the plans are linking the Monsal Trail from the Buxton end to the High Peak Trail near us and extending the Monsal Trail south to Rowsley and Matlock. We shall be watching the developments with interest.