We started from the lovely village of Hartington. The countryside looks so beautiful there at this time of year. Bright green fields surrounded by beautiful grey dry stone walls and on this an intense blue sky with towering white clouds. A small group started off from the market place in bright sunshine within 10 mins an intense rain shower enveloped us and we were putting on our waterproofs. However this proved a bit hasty as a few minutes later it had stopped and the rest of the day was sunshine and showers but very cool for June with a cold wind.

We went down tracks and then a minor road passing a lovely pond full of Yellow Flags. Which is very unusual in this area of the peak because water usually goes underground in the limestone. Apparently, it has volcanic rock underneath this area which acts as a waterproof barrier. We turned north to follow a lovely road down Lonsdale. Very beautiful vale and empty road. At Vincent farm we turned west over the fields to cross some large pastures with equally large stiles. We also had to negotiate a group of bullocks who blocked our way over the stile, but were able to be herded out of the way.  After Another couple of large pastures and we turned north for our then lunch at Pilsbury castle. It was pleasant sitting out of the wind and we saw lots of birds of prey. Buzzard, Kestrel, and possibly a pair of Red Kites. We had done 5 miles by this time so we took the direct route back along the gated track on the east side of the Dove Valley. So lovely many wild flowers along the lane but quite an undulating lane. Back to Hartington at 2.15. A smashing day. Jane.