Weather turned out better than expected today as we headed to Derbyshire and the quaint village of Hartington where we took a walk down to the River Dove as far as Biggin Dale turn off, then circular route back to the village again which was around 5 and half plus miles. Long time since we got a decent walk in so bones were complaining and even though we had comfortable walking shoes our toes and feet were grumbling at the end when there is a long walk up a gentle gradient. To be honest there were very few small birds being that in-between season and end of moult and although a passer-by told us they had seen a Dipper we did not see it. We saw and heard more than I managed to photograph; I am struggling a bit with the camera as my eyes have deteriorated despite having had new prescription for glasses a few months ago. It's a bind juggling between glasses, binoculars and then camera viewfinder as often the bird is gone before I can get some sort of lock on the focus and I am having to change to my other eye in the viewfinder which is like asking someone right handed to write with the left !! However, here are a few quick pics. It was good to see a lot of butterflies including pristine Painted Lady, Comma, Small Tortie and a couple of Speckled Woods and quite a few dragonflies - Common Darter methinks. Anyway, here we go...……..
First a quick view of the start of our walk from Hartington village across pasture towards the woodland and River Dove. (taken on old iPhone)
There were a few Common Buzzards in the air and a nice blue sky for much of the time
Eagle-eyed Mike spotted something distant up on a bare twig … Great Spotted Woodpecker (f)
Two Grey Wagtails were seen on the River Dove - reminded me of Wilma as this is also a female.
I tried my best to get Kestrel photos for Wendy but alas they sped off too quickly - not the best but ….
There were lots of butterflies and what I think were Common Darters
There were still pristine looking varieties including this Painted Lady ….
and a hard cropped showing that tongue extracting the nectar !
Lots of sheep grazing by the Dove and along Biggin Dale ….. this one made me laugh as it posed for photos
"Hey Mrs ….. like my new earrings ? "
take a closer look Mrs I have different coloured earrings …..
I told it..... " they look more like Klippits to me which I use to fasten up my sandwiches in polythene bags ! "
Dragonfly who found a tasty meal which I'll show you in 2nd photo Common Darter methinks ?
Small tortie butterfly in pristine condition
couldn't come home without a photo for Paul (MC) !! BDR (Biggin Dale Robin)
and the last stretch of the walk towards Hartington - just over the brow of the constant incline and finally heading downwards
Right, time for a cuppa so will leave it there. Thanks for viewing.
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Regards, Hazel
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Shuttlingsloe, the Peak Districts Matterhorn...
You certainly had a good days walking, and among some lovely scenery, which the River Dove, though I've always avoided Dove Dale, it gets too busy.
Another lovely walk from around that way is Beresford and Wolfscote Dales, which I've enjoyed walking through in the past.
Mike
Flickr: Peak Rambler
Lot to learn
Some beautiful extra scenic shots.
Unknown said:To be honest, it's not really a hard walk and nothing like the moors and fells that Alan and Nige venture up on
You've reminded me, I was going to book a couple of days in the Lakes to go walking, now that school hols are over and I've warmed up on the local moors!
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Nige Flickr
Unknown said:You've reminded me, I was going to book a couple of days in the Lakes to go walking, now that school hols are over and I've warmed up on the local moors!
lol Nige, our stamina for walks is slowly diminishing the older we get so make the most of it young man ! We'll be up at LM on 1st Nov. for a week although the days will be a bit shorter by then; (sigh at the thought of winter months). Someone has got to feed the robins there since Uncle Jim disappeared for longer periods down to Cornwall lol
Jim
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