TO BAKEWELL AND BACK AGAIN

Very late in posting details of our last couple of walks. Too much has been going on, PC managed to get the photos up in good time but I have been remiss - so apologies.

As you can see from the photos it was a while ago, with the trees yet to burst into leaf and no sign of the sun.

We parked up in Bakewell Station car park which gives easy access onto the Monsal Trail. And for starters we had a quick sample of Moonshine (I know, I know - but this is a pre-birthday walk) then, suitably warmed, we head onto the trail.

Quite busy today, it is an easy stretch to reach, and a few dogs about, but Mollie is happy to be able to go off the lead for a while.

It's snowdrop time and there are many clumps and clusters along the sides of the old railway.

Once we pass Hassop Station where a lot of people park up to ride their bikes, and there's a nice cafe, we look for the uphill footpath on our left.

Through the gate and start climbing, and we leave everyone behind. This is a good path to circuit back towards Bakewell but it doesn't seem to be too popular.

It rises, then levels, then starts to go downhill (where we do see a group of walkers) but we find ourselves a sheltered spot (next to a sinkhole) for lunch.

A glass of fizz, sandwiches and fresh cream strawberry tarts. Perfect. 

And since this isn't a particularly rush day, or long day, or long walk, we linger and chatter rather than getting a move on.

But it is a bit chilly, so eventually we get going.

The path crosses a grassy field, goes through a copse and comes out almost opposite a smaller, less famous Bakewell Bridge. And the sun almost shines too.

But our route isn't over the bridge, rather along the side of the River Wye across the old flood plains, then up lane back to the station and our cars.