The Final Walk of 2016

Hello Lovelies,
a few of you may remember that last year I completed my challenge to walk 1000 miles in 2015 on the last day of the year. We enjoyed a walk in beautiful Dovedale to celebrate.
This year I managed to reach the same goal by the end of November but I still wanted to walk somewhere special to round off my walking year.
Luckily hubby was happy to go along with this plan and we loaded the boys in the car this morning and headed to Baslow

I can't say they were too thrilled but happily, right next to the car park is this tempting shop.

The traditional sweets made me smile.

soon hubby and boys emerged with paper bags full of treats, oh coconut mushrooms. It's years since I've tasted these. They were GOOD.

We munched happily and headed...as the sign says....uphill

It's quiet a long, steep climb from the valley bottom, first past pretty stone cottages.

 then between stone walls

We climbed steadily, stopping to admire the view, and to say hello to these friends.

 Soon we were high enough to see the view towards Chatsworth House.

It stood out even more as it's partly covered in scaffolding and white plastic.

Then we were on the moor, Yay.

I do love to walk in this landscape. It reminds me of the moorland above where I grew up, particularly THIS place

After the climb it was so nice to stroll along the sandy paths and breath the fresh moorland air. It was breezy but not particularly cold.

Close to the edge there was a great view  over the villages of Claver and Curbar nestled below.

Here it was really windy and hard to take a steady photo.

 

It was a relief to get back on the main track.

And descend a little.

I loved the changing light as the clouds scudded across the sky and the sun occasionally broke through.

 

We stopped here and sat on a bench eating snacks I brought from home, washed down by a little  hot chocolate from a thermos.

 Then started off again, descending stone steps

I'm always looking back at the view behind.

Because sometimes it's REALLY pretty.

 The path got a bit challenging here. Hubby and middle son attempted to carry youngest ( who was wearing trainers) through this bog...that did not go well. But was quite amusing to watch :0)

One soggy foot later we carried on. How I loved the sunlit hillsides.

and the Highland cattle, perfecting blending in with their surroundings.

Sometimes.

It was not the prettiest of weather and there is no denying that December is often a rather dreary month, but I still loved the landscape.

As the cloud really gathered we arrived back at Baslow. It felt nice to be back on the pretty streets, noticing the quirky touches.

And the Christmas cheer.

 Back home I defrosted some Homemade soup as a healthy lunch.... to hopefully counteract those sweets a little  :0)

It was a lovely day and the four miles we walked today takes my total this year to 1083. Yay

I keep a tally of miles walked by simply noting a running total each month on a separate calendar. This year it was a free one from my walking magazine...and not very exciting. But next year I have this one to look forward to.

Here's to another great walking year for all of us who can. 

Happy New Year Lovelies, wishing you much health and happiness in 2017. Thank you all for visiting here and the kind comments you leave me.
love
Jacquie xxx

p.s. If this walk seems at all familiar we first attempted it HERE

Winter Beauty

Hello lovelies,

yesterday morning I was woken by hubby and informed that we had neglected to put the wheely bin out for collection ( The Christmas holidays had changed our regular collection day).

At first I was a bit miffed to be woken, but then I remembered I had been asleep since 9.30pm the previous evening ( it seems a full day at work completely tires me out these days) 

I was much happier about being awake when I realised it was clear and frosty out.

After a quick and warming porridge breakfast I wrapped up and headed out for a walk.

I loved the pink tinged sky.

and the sugar coated world.

 You must be almost as familiar with this view as I am these days. I hope it's not a bore. For me there is always something new to see and I do try to capture that for you too.

 I loved the first rays of the day just reaching across the field here.

Hello Mr Blackbird.

The wintry foliage always look pretty when it's frosty.

A little further along the sun was getting higher.

This small seasonal pond was frozen.

So I broke the ice for the birds... and because it's fun:0)

It was beautifully still, such a joy after the windy days we have just endured. A day to potter around enjoying the wintry beauty.

 At my favourite church the low sun was making the stone look beautifully warm.

And a few brave flowers were blooming on the graves.

As usual I was trying to take photos of birds, without a great deal of success.

 This is  Blue tit's underside.

And I presume this hole was made by a woodpecker, though I have never seen it.

Just as I neared home I heard the brave Robin that lives at the top of the road singing sweetly. Awww. Thank you so much for posing for me once again you lovely chap.

I do worry about the decline in our wild birds and always put suitable food out for them. There's a helpful list of suggestions for things you may otherwise waste HERE.

This year I have also  decided to join our local Wildlife trust. The membership pack was waiting for me when I got home.

 It's a very modest monthly subscription  , but I hope it goes towards protecting struggling species. If we can only find ways to give nature a chance it will help preserve precious ecosystems and the natural world for future generations to enjoy.
Jacquie x