Thursday was a bitter day at Bolehill Farm but it remained dry. First thing we did the recycling run as we should have done it on Sunday but didn’t as we went for the walk. A day of jobs in cottages including washing and ironing curtains. One cleaner up to carry on with cleaning. In the afternoon Chris went to Over Haddon for the digital work shop. With a cottage coming in later in the day there was some final checks to do. Now that the new curtains for the cottages are up I have also been getting some stuff ready for a jumble sale and sorting out items for the charity shops. Cottage arrived about 9pm. Friday was a brighter but still cold day with the odd light flurry of snow. One departure and two arrivals and one cleaner up. More jobs in cottages and stocked up on logs. Although the temperatures have been around or below zero as it has been dry there has been no ice or frost but the ground is solid. First cottage arrived about 3pm and afterwards I took my jumble to a WI lady and also went into Bakewell and did some recycling and banking as well as collect half a lamb from New Close Farm Shop. Guess what we’ll be eating over the next few days! Second cottage arrived late and I caught up with them on Saturday morning. Saturday was Farmers Market so I left Chris to walk the dogs and popped down to Bakewell. As last months market was cancelled I most probably spent more time chatting to stall holders than shopping! Every month there are changes and this month I said goodbye to a stall holder who is retiring and is one of the original stall holders and I said hello to a new stall holder who I know as the daughter of another cottage owner. Back and more jobs in the cottages as well as final checks on a cottage that arrived about 3pm. A few flurries later in the afternoon that didn’t settle here but left a dusting on the opposite hillside.
Author: Shirley Swaap
Hopton Hall and Carsington Water
Monday was a busy day with two departures and one arrival at Bolehill. Plenty to do and one cleaner up. Monday was a bit like Sunday, dry and sunny. Guests arrived just after 3pm, they have been before. In the evening I went to Over Haddon for indoor bowls and Chris went down to Bakewell for the Photographic Society. Tuesday was another day of wall to wall sunshine and it felt milder although it was a bit hazier. One cottage departed and one cleaner up. As the forecast was good and we had no arrivals we headed off to Hopton Hall for our annual viewing of their snow drops. They’re almost at their peak and with the weather about to turn colder we thought it was the best day to go. Although you can’t take dogs around the gardens we took them with us so we could go for a short walk afterwards. After lunch in the cafe we headed to Carsington Water just down the road from Hopton Hall. As it was such a nice day and half term in Derbyshire it was very busy. The dogs had to stay on their leads but we walked along the dam wall all the way to Millfields car park and back again. It is the first time we have walked this far on this side. We did try this walk a few Christmas’s ago but it was icy and we didn’t get so far round. It took longer than we thought to reach Millfields and get back to the Visitor Centre and as it was still sunny and mild I was brave enough to have my first ice cream of the year! We then popped into Ashbourne before heading back to Bolehill. Wednesday felt a lot colder and it was very over cast. A quiet day at home catching up with accounts and and also checking inventories in the cottages. In the evening we had a Chinese take away with some friends so that was a nice end to the day. Here are some photos from Tuesday.
Trails and rails
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.
A sunny weekend!
About time too! Friday was a pleasant day at Bolehill Farm. Two departures and four arrivals and one cleaner up. A quick trip down to Bakewell to get provisions for the weekend. It was a bit more lively than recent weeks. Still some snow lying by walls so taking daily photos of the same gate to see how long it takes to go! Two cottages arrived between 3 and 4pm, one has been before with remaining two arriving between 4 and 5 pm. Sue from next door brought up some more eggs. In the evening we went to Lynne’s for supper, they are our next door but one neighbours! Andrew and Joanna were there too and we had a nice evening but weren’t too late as two men had to get up for milking in the morning. Saturday was almost wall to wall sunshine after a misty start. One of those mornings where the mist had sunk into the dales. No departures but one arrival and one cleaner up. Cottage arrived just after 3pm. Spent some time on jobs around the house and in the evening we abandoned the dogs again and headed off to Over Haddon. We had tickets to see a folk/country duo, Breeze and Wilson, they have played at the hall before but this is the first time we have seen them. Supper was included (no cooking two nights running!) and everyone enjoyed the music. They’ll be back again next year.
Friday’s gate photo
Saturday’s gate photo
Whose paw prints are these?
Enough!
I’ve had enough of the snow now. It’s hard to do jobs at our Bolehill cottages when you are forever putting on wellies to go back and forth. One cottage departed on Tuesday (12th Feb) and one to arrive with one cleaner up. No more snow but a yellow warning had been issued for snow on Wednesday turning to rain later in the day. Cottage arrived just after 3pm. Wednesday morning arrived and one cottage departed. Luckily no arrivals. Cleaner up to keep up with cleaning and carry on with deep cleaning. It stated to flurry about 10 am and then snowing about 11 am. Chris and I went out and gritted the drive but with the snow blowing around parts were soon covered. Joanna phoned and we decided to cancel the WI meeting as we weren’t sure at what stage the weather would improve so we had to make some phone calls to pass the decision on. By 1pm the snow was starting to drift so I sent the cleaner home. The afternoon went in paying February’s bills and looking at the to do lists with Chris seeing what we have or have not done yet. The Shrovetide Football match in Ashbourne continued despite the weather, if you have not heard about it the match starts on Shrove Tuesday and the goal posts are three miles apart. The match usually lasts about two days and Ashbourne is best avoided on those days. It was a very wintry day outside, it both looked and felt cold, I’m quite hardy but even I put the heating on during the day as well as the log burner. It continued snowing until late until the evening and with the wind it lead to drifting but by 11pm I could hear the sound of rain on the windows and breathed a sigh of relief. Waking up on Valentine morning I heard birdsong for the first time and decided that was a good sign but I was disappointed when I looked out and saw there was still plenty of snow. At least it was not icy and with temperature above zero a thaw had set in. First thing we went out to clear the drifts off the drive so our departing cottage could get away. I decided instead of washing the snow away the rain had just gone into the snow and was sitting there trapped in it as the snow was so wet and heavy to move. One cleaner up to keep up with cleaning. Spent the day in jobs around the cottages such as hanging up new curtains. Had a Dunelm delivery so more to sort out and with some arrivals on Friday some cottages to prepare. By the end of the day more snow had gone but I guess the snow against the walls will take a bit longer to go. At least we have few mild days ahead.
Sheep nibbled conifers
Snow against the back door on Wednesday
compare this one to one taken day before further up
Yet another snowy Monday
Sigh. Woke up to snow. Again. A good inch or so as far as the eye can see from Bolehill but again the wind had whipped up the grainy snow and blocked the top of the drive. It had also blocked the entrance to one of the fields. Chris cleared a passage from the car park so the two cottages could depart and cleaner arrive. Chris phoned Andrew who sent Ian just after coffee with ‘Thunderbird 1’ or the tractor with the slurry attachment which acts like a snow plough . Chris and I followed behind with the snow shovels and then we did our double act of salting the drive. This meant the rubbish and laundry were collected and our guests could arrive and depart with no problems. Both cottages arrived just after 3pm, both have been before, which gave me the rest of the afternoon to catch up with bits. In the evening I was due at the village hall for indoor bowls but didn’t fancy driving there, so Chris kindly took me there. Although the road there was not too bad the car park itself was very icy as was our car park as the temperature had dropped again by the time we got back. Salt at the ready. Here are yet more snowy pictures.
Another wintry weekend
Too many of them so far this year! Woke up to a dusting of snow at Bolehill Farm but it was mild enough for it to disappear during the morning. It was also quite a dull day but my friend in Yorkshire enjoyed a day of blue skies and sunshine so she told me when I phoned to wish her Happy Birthday. One departure and one cleaner up to keep up with cleaning. Kept an eye on the forecast with further departures and arrivals on Sunday and Monday. Hadn’t expected any snow Saturday morning and the forecast showed us being on the border line between the lighter and heavier snow fall for Sunday evening but we will have to wait and see. After lunch we stocked up with logs but the tractor ran out of petrol and got stuck in a snowy patch so Chris had to pull it out with the 4×4 with me on it! We then salted the drive, Chris using the spreader with me following behind with the wheelbarrow and a bag of salt! I did the final checks on a cottage for Sunday before dealing with a couple of bookings and cooking dinner. The dogs were happy as there were quite a few four legged friends to say hello to and Smudge enjoyed a few runs around the field with one of them. So we woke up to a covering of snow on Sunday. One cottage departed managing to get away OK. Got the paper from Bakewell where there was no snow. By mid morning it was raining so the morning’s snow soon went. Cottage arrived about 3 pm, they have been before but not since we’ve been here. Coincidentally they had recommended us to another family who have already booked for this week unbeknown to them. By late evening the rain had turned back to snow and more worryingly it had started to settle. Here are some photos from Sunday.
Keeping busy
Wednesday was a dry but cold day with a biting wind at our peak district cottages. Two departures and one arrival and one cleaner up. Spent the morning doing jobs in cottages, mainly hanging up new curtains and checking the state of pillows and duvets. Chris installed one of the new hobs. In the afternoon I did the final check on the cottage for the days arrivals. I also spent some time checking spare laundry and compiling some orders for replacement soft furnishings. In the evening I hosted a WI committee meeting and guests arrived just after 8pm, they have been before. Thursday was another dry day with a few light snow flurries in the evening. A continuation of Wednesday with jobs around the cottages. One cleaner up. In the afternoon went down to Bakewell to get provisions for the weekend. Chris went to Over Haddon for a digital photography workshop. Later in the afternoon I ordered some more items for the cottages. One cottage due in and they arrived just after 8.30 pm. Friday was a sunny day but still on the cold side. The ground was solid after a very cold night. No departures but two arrivals, one not booking until lunchtime. In the morning did some jobs around the cottages and one cleaner up. Couple we went to see on Sunday called in for a final coffee before they departed for pastures new and someone came up too give us a quote for a new kitchen in one of the cottages. In the afternoon did the final checks in one cottage and made up another for the late booking. Some phone calls and bookings and then after giving the dogs an early tea we set off for Buxton as we had tickets for Steve Steinman’s ‘The Meat Loaf Story’. This is the third or fourth time we have seen him and enjoyed the show as usual. We had a meal at the Lone Star (Mexican) beforehand. Guests had arrived by the time we got back, one cottage had been before. Watched the late forecast in case we needed to salt the drive but rain rather than snow was shown so that saved a job. Here are some photos from Wednesday morning.
It’s back!
Monday stayed dry during the daylight hours with rain later in the evening. One departure but no arrivals but plenty to do as we have a busier weekend ahead. At lunchtime the weather forecaster announced an amber alert for snow for Monday night/Tuesday morning with up to 20 cm of snow! Where did that come from? There was no mention of any snow on the forecast for the week ahead on Sunday so suddenly just as we were starting to get jobs done we were facing another setback. In the evening Chris went to the Photographic Society in Bakewell and I went to Over Haddon for indoor bowls and I did better than usual. On the way back I encountered a gritter in the pouring rain and wondered how effective it would be. Up early and relieved that there was only a couple of centimetre of snow. Someone has to be first on the delivery list but of all days why Tuesday! At least I saw a colourful sunrise. When the delivery van arrived it didn’t feel it could make it up the drive so Chris went down to collect the dishwasher and two hobs in the 4×4. The road looked a bit precarious but it got better when the sun came out mid morning. The cleaner didn’t make it and said she had never seen Chatsworth Park as bad as it was. Cars were all over the place not helped by sheep wandering onto the road. It’s used by buses from Sheffield and Matlock but even they used alternative routes. Some more showers during the morning and afternoon, the snow was supposed to turn to rain but never did. Spent a lot of the day hemming some new curtains to go up in our peak district cottages. Chris installed the new dishwasher. Later in the day a thaw set in so by the time we went to bed all that was left was the snow that had been blown up against the walls.
Guests and weather stats
Friday was a bit cooler but it stayed dry until later in the day. Later in the morning I went down to Bakewell to get provisions for the weekend. With a couple of guests due in over the next couple of days there was a number of jobs to do. One cottage in about 3 pm, they have been before. For a Friday it was busy with bookings and emails. Although there are just a few pockets of snow left now (there were a few in the car parks in Bakewell where the piles hadn’t melted) I read in the Peak Advertiser how the Edale Rescue had had to rescue a couple of sledges on Mam Tor the previous weekend after sledging accidents. Saturday was a bright but cold day and time to catch up with jobs around the cottages and house. One couple called in and ended up making a booking. One cleaner up and one cottage arrived just after 3 pm. They have been before. Sunday was dull but a bit milder. After collecting the paper we went round and saw a couple who manage a local holiday complex but who are moving on to another complex. A quiet afternoon but a few bookings.
January’s weather statistics at our peak district cottages
There was 2.09 in rain (4.51 in 2012). Wettest day 26th with .78 in rain. Highest temp was 11.6 deg C on 29th with 3rd being warmest day and 2nd warmest night. Lowest temp was -4.8 deg C on 16th with 16th being coldest day and 15th coldest night.