August

The hot dry summer continued into August. Even so there were not many days of photography. My 'spare' time started to consist of jigsaw puzzling. Paul egged me on with this.

On the 7th we had a great day with Milton Keynes branch of the Norwood family. The day was spent by first of all parking in the village of Ilam (We are all National Trust members and parking free.) After morning refreshments on the terrace we set off across the fields to Dove Dale.

The Swiss Cottages of Ilam

We opted to stay on the side of the river which would lead us to crossing by the stepping stones.

Having crossed the river we set off down the trail stopping for Tim and Isla to do the 'lovers leap' thing.

Half way along Izzie did the spraining of the ankle thing, but soldiered on to lunch spot at Milldale. All three girls and Tim were determined to get their various feet in the river before crossing the field back to the cars and home.

In the evening we played the Marklin version of the train game. Izzie seemed to have the best grip on what to do with the passengers and so won the game.

The following day the sun still shone and so I thought that I would try my hand at photographing the butterflies and bees on the buddleia.

 On the following Wednesday we made a return visit to Monsal Head. This time we started at the head and had our friends Paul and Mary with us.

The refreshment table was a good place to photograph birds which came to the feeders.

Once more we went through the reopened tunnels ending at Miller's dale and a refreshing lunch.

Paul examining the upper track from the lower track

Paul enjoyed his pints. Irene enjoyed our root brew served in jam jars.

Going back proved a bit of trek up a hill but time do take pictures of flowing water.

The New Stapleford Community Association had special summer dance to greet the mayors of Broxtowe and Stapleford and receive grant aid cheques from them.

I completed the model of a cottage which Sally bought me for my birthday and a semidetached house which I had bought for myself.

Our anniversary was on 24th and this day coincided with a going to Birmingham to attend a concert at which Izzie was playing the double base. We got there early enough to explore the city centre, the canal area and visit the museum/art gallery. Also going on was a food fair.

In the museum we learned about the restoration of the Shropshire Hoard. The restorer was using little more than a thorn to clear the dirt.

The display of wooden figures was impressive and a child was heard to say 'Awesome!'

The new Birmingham library was almost complete. It too was awesome.

Above Ground

Below Ground

We learned that Peter de Birmingham was responsible for bringing the city into existence by applying to hold a market and to charge traders for the privilege of selling their goods.

The concert was a tremendous success and we returned home on a train with a confusing destination board.

The last Wednesday of the month was again one with brilliant weather. Our journey took us to Alport. Having parked the car we walked along the bank of the river Lathkill heading for the slightly larger village of Over Haddon.

Again there were the beautiful reflections. At one point I thought we needed to cross over, but was told that the bridge was originally on the pack horse route. Going on we came to the Conksbury Bridge.

Here we crossed to the opposite bank and could see that the river now came down over a series of man made dams. When we got to turn off to Over Haddon the river had completely disappeared.

We struggled up the steep hill and at least found toilets but the only cafe was closed. Lunch was on a seat halfway down the hill overlooking the beautiful valley.

We followed the river back to the car and then headed home. We have resolved to return and tackle the dale from Moneyash.

Manifold Valley

As forecast, Wednesday was to be the best day for going for an outing during the week. I was keen to see the Manifold Valley, so preparations were made for the visit. The web site http://peakdistrict.nationaltrust.org.uk/manifold-valley was particularly useful as it contained an OS map of the area. These I printed, together with a Google map and route to Wetton Mill. However, thinking that the roads around the area would not be that difficult to negotiate, I set the SATNav for Weags bridge on Larkstone Lane, Wetton. I imagined the Lane to be lined by pleasant country cottages. My plan had been to have had 'pit stop' at the pub in Wetton so that we might first find the car park and then back-track to the pub. Another 'however'. Once down to Weags bridge there was no going up and down Larkstone Lane.

This is a photograph of Larkstone Lane. It was taken by Irene as we drove back along it.

Irene was confused that the SATNav route we were following deviated from the Google route, but this was to be a blessing in disguise because we were to walk an interesting route. There was plenty of free car parking at Weag bridge. The only signs in the area were old footpath ones, signs warning of car thieves and a one at the bridge saying 'Weak bridge'. The trail was easy to see. At this point it was entered through a gate by a cow field and was a wide tarmacked path which ran along the route of the once busy ' Leek and Manifold' railway.

Brown Cows

The map clearly shows a that there should be a river flowing through the valley. This was our first glimpse of it.

Further along it was obvious that the water should have been quite wide.

At least the wild flowers did not disappoint us. We came upon some that we did not recognise as well as some that we did.

Unknown

Butter burr

Irene found out that butter burrs grow by the sides of rivers.

Also along the trail were interesting rock formations. At this side of Wetton Mill we came across this example of steeply inclined bedding planes.

On the other side of the Mill I saw an example of what I believe to be recumbent folding.

Not too far into our journey we came upon a sign near 'Thor's Cave'. We set off over the bridge by the sign, but it was not long before we realised that this was not for us.

The explanation board about the area

On the way down we did spy one of the rare butterflies, but I was too slow in pressing the shutter release. The next picture was taken on the way back, but shows why we were right to give up.

A little further on we came upon a lonely barn, but to the right is another cave which is above Wetton Mill.

It was at about this point that we began to hear the sound of running water and around the corner, at the mill, there was water and something of a river. The pictures do show the results of the long dry spell that we have been having. On the way back it was at about this spot when the sound of water ended. I guess that whatever water there was in the fenced off field was disappearing beneath the limestone hill.

The tea, after the proprietor had finished her phone call, was served in a somewhat elegant manner. It was tea-leaf tea with a metal spoon for the sugar bowl and disposable stirring ones. Basic, but pleasant food was on offer.

From the mill we set off through a farm yard

and on up along track which turned out to be a C road. There was no wonder that it was closed to traffic. The road took us past a field of sheep and quite newly born lambs.

Not too far along we turned off the road and sat at the edge of a field over looking the river. I was interested in the intertwined branches, as well as the shadows that they were casting in the water.

After walking a little further we headed back via the mill for further refreshments and the walk back to the car. Having attempted to exit the valley by an easier route it turned out that the only way out was by the infamous Larkstone Lane. But this took as back through the beautiful village of Ilam and home.

These are our final shots, taken by Irene has we returned home.

In the Mirror

Ilam

A Distinctively Shaped Hill