9th February: Bakewell and Monsal Trail Web page by Bryan Benn and Sunnydale
Start/Finish: Bakewell
HIghest Point: n/a
Distance: circa 9 kms
Weather: Dull, cold, snow on ground
Vertical altitude gain: circa 100 m
Time: 3 hrs 20 mins
It was a cold wintry day in Derbyshire and even though Sunny was not fully fit, we did a short walk that would take us along part of the Monsal Trail. We started in Sunny's home town of Bakewell and after passing the busy cattle market, we headed along a local snow covered lane and made our way to the disused railway line - now The Monsal Trail.
The snowy lane stretched into the distance, quiet and still in the cold morning air.
A little care was needed here, as we climbed a short but very slippery path onto the Trail.
This sign board offers information on the local area to any visitors passing by.
A view through a bridge, which Sunny thought would make a very good photograph!
Part of an old stone building covered with snow made for another interesting shot.
Another old building that could be seen from the trail, this time all in one piece!
Perhaps it's used as a store by a local farmer.
As we sat at Hassop Station to enjoy refreshments, a bold Robin sat in a bush nearby. I suspect he was waiting patiently to be fed!
At this point, we left the trail and picked up a bridleway. This would take us 'over the tops' and eventually, back down into Bakewell. 'Toll Bar House' sits alone nearby, in this picturesque part of Derbyshire.
Once we gained a bit of height, a chilly mist soon surrounded us. We did manage to spot these sheep though!
Looking along our bridleway path, it was difficult to see ahead for a while. The snow was fairly deep here too!
Nearer to the town, we came across this fellow in the meadows. What a strange face he had - for a Snowman
The last part of the walk took us along a section of the River Wye, seen here from a little footbridge.
Canada Geese swim in the icy cold waters. Rather them than me!
....and this chap is a permanent resident along the river side. At one time, there used to be five Muscovy Ducks here......but now, he's all on his own.