....and we were glad of it too, it meant that the muddy fields and paths were put into stasis by the low temperatures. We LOVE low temp's, so we set off to Great Longstone, where the walk started.
These fish seemed quite happy under the ice in a trough outside one of the village cottages.
This impressive line of troughs was ice free, though. Probably because the water was running all the time.
The wall surrounding the churchyard was a bit of a shock - it was in a TERRIBLE state. It really needs some care and attention..........
Ah, I might have known. In the Peak District, we have an organisation that is supposed to look after the area. They do a lot of good work, there's no denying that, but they also have a very hard core of 'little Hitlers' who make it their job to really antagonise residents. You see some of the most appalling freaks of building (look at Bakewell's agricultural centre for one) where the Peak Park have given the all clear, then you get something simple like this. WHY do they have to make things so hard (and expensive) - it's a graveyard WALL, not some rich mans palace that will be flouting the planning rules! (Rant over)
The first signs of spring, as usual - SNOWDROPS! It does the heart good to see the first bunches pushing their way through the cold, hard ground.
Amazingly, we also saw this bunch of Primula (looking a bit more bedraggled than the snowdrops - probably due to the frost having nipped them too).
We turned into the fields, and headed forward towards our goal - Longstone edge.
In no time at all, we were on the lower slopes and looking back at the frozen landscape.
Looking over the cold, hard frosty land.
In all this frost though, the ever-present Gorse had flowers for us. You know what they say - kissin's out of fashion, when Gorse is out of flower.
Disappointingly though, this pretty flower has no real scent to it.
As we reached the top of the edge, we saw this 'spaceship'. Was it one of those underground houses we'd seen on 'Grand Designs'??? No, it turned out to be just a reservoir when we investigated it.
The huge scar of workings on High Rake. Actually, this wasn't too bad. You could only see it when you were on top of it. They are old workings that have recently been re-visited.
Looking across to Curbar edge.
In Calver village, we came across this strange set of 'covered' troughs. The only information I could glean about them was they might have been to supply water to the miners in a local mine many years ago. I'm still trying to find out more about them.
Curbar gap & the edges, from just below Bank wood.
Looking back to Curbar edge.
The beautiful, ethereal scene from Bank wood. Not the clearest of days, but a treat to the eyes, all the same.
Sue walking though Bank wood.
Although drab, with no leaves on the trees at this time of the year, the sunshine picked out the moss on the walls to great effect.
The difference between an old working, and a new one.
We walked into the village of Hassop. The most imposing building (that can be seen) there is Hassop church. You can read more about it here; http://www.derbyshireheritage.co.uk/Menu/Buildings/Churches/all-saints-hassop.php
Always a sucker for a lone tree, I went into the fields to capture this one.
As we made our way back to Great Longstone, the winter sun began to set in a most spectacular fashion. No matter HOW many times I witness this phenomenon, it always humbles me. Sue and I feel SO privileged to be able to see this throughout the year, in all seasons, and we never take it for granted!
A beautiful end to another perfect day.
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