Tuesday, January 17, 2012

White Winter Walk

On Sunday we walked at one of my absolute favourite places!

We parked at the Blore Pastures car park and set out through Blore Woods and over the fields towards the village of Ilam.  The ground was hard underfoot and quite slippy as we headed towards the entrance to the parkland.

You can see Thorpe Cloud and Bunster Hill in the distance.  I have to say although it was bitterly cold it was also truly magical!

The sheep were gathered around their food looking cold even though they have such warm, woolly coats.

Once inside the parkland we walked along by the river towards the bridge

Where there was a wonderful view of Ilam Hall Youth Hostel

We carried on along the river and climbed up the steps to the top of the walk and down the other side before crossing the river by the smaller bridge.

By this time my fingers and toes were tingling with cold so we stopped for coffee and scones at the Manifold tea-rooms which were very busy!

No, we didn't sit outside!  Everyone was inside sharing tables with each other and chatting away about the weather, the walking and the beauty of the day.

Of course I had to take yet another photo of  - my favourite view.   You'll notice that by the time we'd eaten our scones and looked inside the National Trust shop the sun was out and the frost was disappearing.

We'd been out for nearly three hours and it only seemed like one!  It was time to head back over the fields towards the car and home.

25 comments:

Louise said...

This is a favourite of ours too and I also have many photos of that view! The weather was just perfect for walking at the weekend wasn't it! The frost hasn't really thawed here at all except where the sun touched it.

Simone said...

It looks like a lovely walk. As long as there is a place to stop for a hot drink and a cake, it is all worthwhile! x

Jan said...

Some lovely pics - especially the one of the tree covered in frost! I don't know this area very well but it looks gorgeous. Jx

Amanda said...

I love sharing your walks, hubby only likes them if they start and end with a pub!

Patricia said...

Oh it does look lovely Rosie, especially the frosty ones. Isn't it brilliant that we can all share each other's favourite places!

Kathy said...

Oh how lovely! I've never seen Ilam on a frosty day. It looks magical.
xxx

Mac n' Janet said...

Lovely walk, but BRRR! I don't do well in cold weather.

Rowan said...

It's lovely walking when it's cold and frosty but there's sunshine and a blue sky. Must try and spread my wings a little further into the southern part of Derbyshire and Staffordshire in the summer.

Diane said...

It has looked so lovely in the frost. Great photos Rosie. xxxx

George said...

Lovely photo's of a beautiful part of the world. x

Rosie said...

What lovely photo's. Rhanks for sharing your walk. xgarpedn

busybusybeejay said...

Didn't I do well coming across this area when i booked accomodation for my husbands birthday.I had no idea what to expect and was thrilled with Ilam,Dovedale and Ashbourne.We shall be back!

Anne said...

I love winter walks where its frosty and sunny.Especially if you can call in somewhere nice for a hot drink and cake after. Your pics are beautiful and that is a place I have never been to.

Ruth Kelly said...

Trees in Alaska get a frosted look like that. Lovely pictures.

Alina said...

Have I told You how much I love my "walks" with You? If I did I will say it again.......
Stay well Rosie Dear !

Sissy said...

I honestly can say, I don't know anyone else who travels around as much as you do. I am so blessed to have known you all these years, you've taken me to amazing places, Rosie!

Lilacs In May said...

What stunning photos, and such a beautiful place, thank you for sharing them.

Cottage Garden said...

That does look like a magical walk Rosie, thank you for taking us along. A frosty winter walk can be so enjoyable. It just seems damp and dismal here.

I love the frosty tree!

It's good to be back in blogland.

Jeanne
x

roxsandlecroy said...

Such beautiful pictures! I love them all!

elaine rickett said...

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A garden just outside Venice said...

Glad you didn't sit outside, LOL!
Such a magical place!
x

H said...

I love the scones in that tea shop (and you are quite right about that view!). What a magical frosty walk :)

Lilith said...

O! How delightful! I felt as if I was on the walk with you...and such lovely alliteration...white winter walk..

Angela Bell said...

A gorgeous walk,so frosty and wonderful views!

Louise said...

Lovely, and just my kind of thing, a brisk winter walk culminating in hot tea and scones! x