Monday was a day of arrivals at our peak district cottages with five cottages in.  One cleaner up to finish any required cleaning.  Still quite pleasant day weather wise.  Guests started to arrive just after 3pm, one has been before.  Had expected a very late arrival so had cancelled my attendance at the Over Haddon Village Hall Committee although in the end they arrived late afternoon.  Chris went out to the Bakewell Photographic Club in the evening.  Tuesday was a lot fresher but it was our day off.  We had been meaning to try a cycle ride on the Monsal Trail since it opened and we decided it would be quieter by now.  When we have walked on the trail we have seen dogs accompany cyclists so we thought our two would also enjoy an outing.  We had thought about hiring electric bikes but was told you have to book at least a week in advance – more in high season!  I noticed they had tricycles as well as tandems.  We booked two adult bikes and after I had a practise ride around the Hassop Station car park we set off towards Buxton.  It must have been confusing for the dogs as were able to keep up with them.  Also being on a bike meant I couldn’t keep stopping to admire the scenery or take photos!  For the first time too we went through the Headstone Tunnel under Monsal Head.  I wasn’t sure if I was very unfit as I was finding the cycling quite difficult until Chris pointed out that the trail from Hassop to Millers Dale was actually uphill (not noticeable if you are walking it).  I had had enough by the time we got to Millers Dale even though we had stopped a couple of times.  We used one of the picnic benches at Millers Dale to have lunch and were joined at the neighboring tables by a walking group who we had passed.  The dogs were happy as they realised they could cadge some food from some other people!  We then set off back to Hassop Station and for most of the way were able to freewheel!  Despite it only being mid afternoon the amount of walkers and cyclists had already decreased.  Time for afternoon tea at Hassop Station and here are a few pictures that I did take including the entrance to Headstone Tunnel where suddenly there were people around!