A Snowy Walk

Hello Lovelies,

on the very last day of 2014 we all headed out for a winters walk.

It's been so cold around here that the snow which fell on Boxing day was still around, but with warmer weather forecast I knew it wouldn't last much longer.

We drove in to southern Derbyshire, to THIS National Trust property. The house is shut up for winter, but happily you can still walk the grounds.

The paths were icy as we walked along the shady path by the lake.........

and the lake was still frozen.........

On the hill above us we could see a silhouette........

Of a pretty Deer who looked amused at our slip sliding ways.......

Happily, as we climbed up the hill, the walking became easier. The parkland looked lovely.........

and Deer grazed peacefully.........

The National Forest Way, a long distance walking route, passes through here so the are plenty of well marked paths and gates.......

........into fields, where the white winter countryside looked beautiful..........

Back in the parkland the woods felt open and were flooded with sunlight.........



Beechnut casings littered the floor..........

and fluffed up Robins were easy to spot in the bare branches.........

 


I loved gazing out over the snowy parkland.............

It really was a wintry scene.....where any patch of green stood out.........

There were some amazing veteran Oak trees.......I wondered how many hundred years old this one is.......

The boys were more interested in this giant snowball and they dashed off to try and make it bigger.....

Back at the house the stables were open to view......I do find these more utilitarian places interesting.....and they housed great toilets :0)........

the outdoor picnic area was understandably quiet...........

But the cafe was doing a roaring trade...it was it was so busy we had to sit outside in the chilly courtyard....but it was not unpleasant with your hands around a warming drink.........

Afterwards there was  just time to walk past the sheep....who were searching for grass under the snow.........

And admire the house from behind the locked gates...........

It looked lovely in the watery winter sun.

Today the weather has warmed up and all the snow has vanished. I'm so pleased we managed to get out and enjoy it one last time.

Here I would like to wish all you lovelies a very HAPPY NEW YEAR and to thank you all for your kind words and friendship throughout 2014.....they mean so much.

I do hope 2015 is kind to you all and the people you love.

Jacquie xxx