A Morning Stroll

Yesterday we were going to visit my sister and brother-in-law at Chesterfield. As we seem to be waking up earlier and earlier on these light and birdsong filled mornings we set off quite early on our journey. We drove out of the city towards Cellarhead, Froghall,Ipstones and through Hartington, Monyash and Bakewell finally parking at Baslow. At nine-thirty in the morning there was just us plus a few ladies all locking their cars and heading to the village hall with rolled mats and blankets under their arms. A yoga class perhaps?

We headed towards the entrance to Chatsworth park. The weather was a little grey and quite cool with just a glimmer of sun now and again. Just right for walking though. The stone cottages were looking particularly lovely in the early morning light; their gardens full of pretty flowers and roses or clematis around their doors.

I love these little thatched cottages at the side of the river.

As we ventured along the path towards Chatsworth House there was a sudden rush of newly shorn sheep - hundreds of them all careering towards us in a long line then suddenly veering off across the grass towards the top corner of the estate.

They viewed us with a slight interest but seemed intent on moving on as quickly as possible.

We could see the house in the distance. It was now 10a.m. and cars and coaches were beginning to arrive at the entrance all, I expect, anticipating a wonderful day out.

We spotted this lovely seat where we could sit and drink the morning coffee we had brought with us in a flask. I must admit it was cool enough to feel ready for its warmth.

Another look at the house - it looks as if there is some repair or conservation work going on - I imagine that there is always something to be done either inside or outside a never ending upkeep on such a wonderful huge building.

We were intrigued by this smaller building known as Queen Mary's bower. Apparently during the mid to late 16th century when Sir William Cavendish and his wife Bess of Hardwick were having the first house built a water garden was made between the house and the river containing a number of ponds and canals. The bower is thought to have been a viewing platform so that people could view both the house and the grounds. The balustrade was added in 1581 and it is said that it might have been used as a contained exercise area for the captive Mary, Queen of Scots who was held five times at Chatsworth from 1570 to 1581., hence its modern name. In the 18th century the water garden was filled in and the present park created by Lancelot 'Capability' Brown.

The view from the top along the river was amazing!

It was time to return to the car and make our way out of Baslow and up by the Robin Hood Inn towards Cutthorpe and on to Chesterfield. We had a lovely visit; after lunch at the garden centre, a good natter and look around, hanging baskets were purchased and put in place, it was soon time to head towards home returning along the same route we had taken earlier in the morning.