A torrential downpour on meeting sapped enthusiasm for walking. The suggestion to drive to Chatsworth to have a drink and come back if matters didn’t improve seemed the better option. However the rain stopped and we were accordingly more cheerful as we put on our boots a short time later.
It was interesting to see progress in the renovation of Calton Lodge. Gardens in Edensor are attractive whatever time of year and last month it was wild roses that were striking. A group of deer was almost motionless unlike the unhappy fawn we saw a few minutes later that had clearly become separated from the herd. We sat by the river overlooking the house for lunch. A colourful array of Lotus cars was an additional attraction.
On Countryfile that evening the Peak District was described as a ramblers’ paradise. ‘ Just go for a walk and see what happens’, exhorted Matt Baker. Despite initial misgivings this is what we had done.
Helen Royle. 872507