Sunday in the Upper Derwent and Hope Valleys

Although the weather had changed again on Sunday we went to Castleton using our usual route through the Upper Derwent Valley. There were plenty of walkers out and about and a few people fishing in Ladybower Reservoir.  No blue skies on that day, but there seemed to have been more of a thaw in both the Derwent and Hope Valleys.

I even had an ice cream at a farm shop in Castleton, surrounded by farm animals and with the view of nearby Peveril Castle to enjoy!

We had lunch in the village of Hope where there was a welcome open fire after our walk in Castleton - more about that another time - then returned home across the moors. There was still a lot of snow that will take a long time to melt unless the temperature increases.

Jacob plantation, Strines Moor,

looking towards Ladybower area.

Boots Folly and the Strines Moor

Saturday morning outing (2)

As you can imagine, there are some good walking trails around Bradfield Dale, starting in the village of High Bradfield. There's plenty of information to help individuals or there are guided walks in this unspoilt area.  Neither my husband nor I are able to do long, strenuous walks and I try to stay close to even paths and lanes whilst my husband sometimes comes with me or sits in a warm place. This time he sat in the car and looked at the wonderful views which, for once, had been warmed by the sunshine and then I joined him after my gentle, circular stroll around the village beginning in the main street, known as 'Towngate', which leads to the church.  The stone houses on the right were once busy with the home industry of spinners, weavers, fullers and tailors.

Next to the church gates is the imposing building of the Old Post Office, formerly an inn known as 'Heaven's Gate'.  It was used as a registry office, vestry and school as well as a post office. (Both this photo and the next two were taken last year when the daffodils were out.  There are always beautiful displays of seasonal flowering plants around the village, but this year they have suffered from the bad weather).

There are some intriguing footpaths.  This one probably would take the walker down to Low Bradfield.

However, I turned up Jane Lane passed the Old Post Office, now a private house, and the Watch House building.

Another interesting entrance beside the Watch House gives access to a footpath across the top of the churchyard to Bailey Hill and walking trails beyond down to Agden Reservoir. Here there's a huge, tree-covered mound which is believed to be the remnant of a motte and bailey castle.  An easier way round would be through the entrance gates of the churchyard for anyone less sprightly!  Even so, I decided not to explore in that direction.

At the top of Jane Lane there's another farm, further walks in the countryside and good views back down across Bradfield Dale, Derwent Edge and Back Tor.

Opposite the farm there's another footpath and a pretty corner beautifully planted out with Spring flowers around the animal drinking trough where there's also running water.

Turning down another lane, passing the Rectory, I walked downhill back to the start of my short walk. (Again, the last photo was taken more-or-less at the 

same time last year).