Before we got back on the road again we had to catch up with things at dad’s.  One thing I had been meaning to do for ages was to catch up with my old school buddy Tony Prince. We had got back together on Facebook  a year or so ago, but hadn’t met up for 40 years since we left school. We had a great time taking a long stroll down memory lane!

Whilst I was out gallivanting Jane was back a dad’s giving Sally a knitting lesson. I’m looking forward to seeing Paul’s face on Christmas day !

We are making the most of our National Trust membership this year. Mottisfont Abbey  is not far away from Braishfield and a lovely place to visit on a sunny afternoon.

Tuesday 17th October  

                                                  The Peak District

We drove up to the Peak district early on Monday morning to hopefully miss the hurricane that was forecast for the afternoon. The traffic was light so it was an easy drive and we arrived just after midday, well before the strong winds. I was, however, concerned about the strange light and the unusual colour of the sun.  I put that down to the fact that we were that much closer to the Arctic circle and that it gets darker much earlier this far north!  However, later on the news it was explained that it was caused by the strong winds and the sands of the Sahara causing a weather phenomenon!!

The first port of call in this region was Bakewell. Jane and Val spotted the home of the Bakewell pudding (not tart).

With a little bit of gentle persuasion on their part, I had my arm twisted to try the local delicacy. I have to admit that with a small portion of low calorie custard it tasted GREAT!

After that, a stroll along the river was needed to burn off a few of those calories !

I was worried that after such a big lunch we might not have any tea, so as luck would have it we passed a pork pie shop and I was able to get supplies in for the evening.

Bakewell is also home to one of the many bridges covered with padlocks. I’m not sure if these are set up as romantic gestures or as a great profit maker for the padlock manufacturers !

Although it was cold enough for most of us to wear coats, there was one amongst us that choose to to parade his legs to all and sundry in this small market town. He wouldn’t admit it, but I bet he was b****y cold!

The sun was shining so were able to see this lovely town at its charming best.

Whilst on our way to our next National Trust property Jane and Val spotted a shopping village. The were so excited that they ran up the steps to the shops.

I think the name says it all !

A spectacular drive through the rolling countryside took us to Ilam Park.

This is a National Trust property which is also a youth hostel. It was great to see so many kids having fun playing in the surrounding fields and enjoying the truly special setting!