6th JANUARY 2018

We decided that although the weather forecast was rain, rain and more rain we would toddle off anyway – I was very keen to go out as I have a new pair of trousers and gloves to try out!

Walking through the woods was lovely although SO muddy – and of course, me being the clumsy oaf that I am, fell over – Paul was great though – he laughed and took a picture before helping me up.

Stopped for a coffee at the top where we found a couple of fellow walkers with the same idea (only I’m not sure they were having brandy in their coffee – that was just me).  We drank our coffee overlooking a lovely waterfall before setting off again.  Once we got to the top and out of the woods the views were amazing and although it was very cold, the sun was out and you could see for miles.

We passed a lake with a cottage on the far bank – would love to see in there – and then came to the hunting tower built by Bess of Hardwick so she could watch the hunting in the valley below – Paul has decided he would like to buy this desirable little property – just need a win on the lottery first!

We then descended some very steep steps (which amazingly I didn’t fall down) to Chatsworth House – had a little look round the shop and back over another very muddy field back to the car.

Really lovely walk (thanks Sally Mosley) – although still very weird and very sad not to have Alfie with us – always in our hearts though Alf.

Took us about four and a half hours and my legs were aching a bit after trudging through so much mud nearly all the way round – and we called in at Chatsworth Farm Shop on the way home to buy a barrel of Chatsworth Gold – but ended up buying quite a bit more!

Finished the day at the Exeter in Derby for a lovely tea and 2 pints of Ay Up for me and a pint of Pedigree for Paul – happy days.

Thanks for looking at my blog XX