Reconnoitring A Walk

Hello Lovelies,

it's a funny word that, isn't it.....reconnoiter.  It's not one I can say I have ever used myself.

 When I joined my walking group they would talk of " doing a recce" and I didn't understand what they meant.

It turned out it was just going on a walk they were thinking of leading, to see if it was suitable and where it was best to park, what the hazards are etc.

The walking group I'm in is very organised. The members take turns in leading walks and they always do a recce. Often more than one. Myself and a friend are going to lead our first ever walk this autumn. It's nice to share the responsibility and to have someone to do a recce  with :0) 

Last summer we did a walk in this area , with the hope that it might be suitable for the group. It was delightful, but at 7.5 miles long, it was a little short. So last week we set off for Derbyshire and tried again.

 The first sight of drystone walls always makes me smile.......

Not to mention hills........

looking towards Thorpe cloud .

Here we were walking on part of  the long distance walking path  The Limestone way.........

Where occasionally cheery Daffodils added to the pretty scenes........

It's sort of "part hedgerow, part wall country" as you can see here..........

I loved the old stone barn we passed........

After a couple of miles we arrived in Tissington. It's an impossibly picturesque spot.....

Can you see all the old boots filled with succulents?

There are always white ducks on the village pond..........

And such atractive homes.......

After walking through Tissington we headed across country ........

Towards another pretty village Alsop en le Dale...........

As we climbed the hill out the other side of the village the clouds really began to gather.......

Looking back towards Alsop

But it wasn't actually raining and we were happy to see much clearer sign posts than had been here last June.........

Yay for yellow tops you can spot from a long way off.

In the distance we could see our next destination....

But there were a few more squeeze stiles to negotiate first.......

And they certainly are a squeeze.

Much easier was the new bridge across the ditch.........

In Parwich we were greeted by more gorgeous stone cottages.........

By this point we had walked about 5 miles and it was lunchtime. It was also raining so we sat in the bus shelter to eat our picnic :0).........

There was some sort of work going on by the pond here, but we didn't stop to find out what it was.....

Instead, after lunch,  we walked down a lane between cottages......

And through a field that contained a lively and rather naughty pony........

I think we will have to find a way to avoid him when we bring the group!

As we got to the next valley the sun briefly broke through........

I love the little brook here and the spindly tree by the bridge.........

The climb up the other side of the valley is steep. I think this photo gives an idea of what it's like.........

It's a good idea to take your time, to stop and look at the view.......



One and a half ( hilly) miles later we were back on level ground.......

Walking past mossy stone walls........

To rejoin the Tissington  trail..........

It was a relief to walk the last mile or so along this easy, flat  surface .........

One thing that had been missing from our day up to this point was much birdsong. Maybe it was the weather, maybe it was the rather exposed location....I'm not sure. But happily, just before we got back to the car I did manage to get a sight of a sweet robin........

Our walk was now 9.5 miles long. Hurray. Just the right length for the walking group.
It was a good recce and I think we are both feeling a bit braver about leading a walk in the summer. Derbyshire still looks lovely on a cloudy March day. I'm very much looking forward to returning.

Jacquie x

A Frosty Morning Walk

Hello Lovelies,
fancy a walk in the chilly morning air, the sun is shining.... come on, pull on your boots :0)

there're pretty frost crystals on every tiny leaf.......

 and the crops look dusted in white........

 The sheep are seeking out the sunniest spot........

 And frosty Hogweed skeletons glisten in the sun.........

A little further along the lane we will find beautiful Hawthorn Blossom..........

And chilly, shady corners.........

 Oh look, more resting sheep..........

Lets listen to that lovely birdsong, so clear and joyous........

 We will have to stick to the grass verge as the cars speed along this straight stretch of road, but don't worry, we will soon be able to turn off.........

We should head down the Bridleway, away from the traffic......
 

And peer at the lambs through a gap in the hedge..........

The only sound now is the Baaing of the sheep and the birdsong......

Ahh, there you are Mr Robin....you do have a lovely voice..........

It's beginning to warm up, but in the shade some frost still remains..........

...where the trees cast their skeleton shadows........

Oh look, another happy feathered friend is singing in the high branches.......

You can't beat a still and sunny winters day for bird spotting..........

Chaffinch

Blue Tit 

Dunnock

On the way home we can stop and stare at the view........

There's still frost on the roof of the hay barn.........

And if you are tired we can sit and rest a while..........

Though I'm not sure who Audrey is :0)

When we get back to the local streets we can smile at the florists spring display........

/

and the snowdrops by the church..........

The light is such a contrast of bright sunshine and deep shadows........

When we near the end of our walk I'll show you my favourite garden........

It belongs to such a sweet little cottage.........

I think this must be my best bird spotting walk ever.......

I'm so glad you joined me.
Jacquie x

p.s. the date of this walk was 24.2.16....just like to make a note of these things ...nerdy, who me?