With a pleasant day forecast we chose to go for a walk, but first went down to Bakewell to do the recycling.  Once organised we set off for Great Longstone and managed to park in the village without a problem.  I like Great Longstone, it still has a shop and two pubs but doesn’t have a pretentious feel that some villages do.  Like many in the area it has a god community spirit judging by the posters for the various village events.  From the main street we headed for the church then out of the village using the network of paths to climb up to Longstone Edge.  From the top we had wonderful views across to Monsal Head, we could make out the top of the spire of Bakewell Church and we could make out the wood behind our peak district cottages and the village of Sheldon to name a few.  We walked along the track that in theory took us past the Bleaklow quarry then across to Back Dale Wood before heading down to Rowland and back across fields to Great Longstone.  We had attempted this walk about 18 months ago but a strong wind had forced us to curtail the walk.  Despite the fact we had a map the paths did not tie up with what we had and with the battery in the Sat Nav having gone flat we used landmarks and our judgment to work out where we were.  Luckily we came across a Park Ranger out on a wild flower hunt.  She was able to confirm our position and we realised we were making our walk more of a figure of eight rather than oval, but she did mention that due to quarrying there are a number of paths that aren’t on the map.  Whilst we were chatting she was able to point out some local plants like leadwort, I had always thought it was a larger plant so at least I know what it looks like. Within a few yards we were back on track and by now our view included Chatsworth House.  As we turned round the loop our view changed so now we could see across to Grindleford.  The track continued and soon we came across the Bleaklow Quarry.  Its the first time we have seen it close up and massive is a understatement.  We then took the rocky track that headed down to Rowland.  At the point we crossed it earlier on we stopped for lunch.  With the binoculars I was able to make out Andrews fields behind us and even see some of his cows!  I could see some of the trees that surround our cottages.  Down to Rowland then across the fields back to Great Longstone. No cows for lue to worry about today!   Back home for a cup of tea and catch up om emails and phone calls.