Having declared that Bakewell isn't my favourite place in the Peak District here we were, back again, for the second time in less than a week!
Keen to avoid the crowds, especially as this was their well-dressing week, we parked in Rowsley at the Peak Village Shopping Centre where there's a free all-day parking facility for walkers
Managed this very well today as we arrived back at the car too late to do any real shopping - I suspect that on our next visit, now that Les knows it's here, it will be far from free....!
'The Peacock Hotel', Rowsley
Never managed a beer here - it appears to open to non-residents only in the evening
If its drink prices are anything like its food prices I'll have to save up!
Built as a private house in 1652 for John Stevenson, agent to the Manners family whose crest bears a peacock, it became a hotel in the 1820s
Emperor Maximilian of Mexico is said to have stayed here - bet he didn't have a problem with their menu!
Excellent well-dressing but the novel was published while 'The Peacock' was still a private dwelling so the connection with Rowsley is a little tenuous
It's claimed that Jane Austen completed 'Pride & Prejudice' whilst staying at 'The Rutland Arms', in Bakewell
.... but the cast lodged at 'The Peacock' during their filming at Chatsworth!
Headed north, alongside the River Derwent, through Lady Manners' old Haddon Estate towards the Devonshire's Chatsworth!
Climbed over Calton Pastures towards Bakewell &, while the footpath sign wasn't essential, it was useful!
High on Calton Pastures, just below New Piece Wood
These are the kind of stiles my knees like - ones where there's an easy alternative!
Came across this Charity for the first time last week; the school's well-dressing in Over Haddon was dedicated to the children's hospice
First of their walks I've encountered & the latest addition to my growing 'collection' of way-markers!
Bakewell Golf Course
9-hole course created in 1899
Looks tricky.... like almost every other golf course I've walked!
I reckon having one leg shorter than the other might be an advantage!
No golfers about today but couldn't resist ringing the bell anyway!
Looked at a map of the course later & I think any pedestrian would be a little unlucky to find himself in the firing line.... unless the locals were trying to discourage him!
Crossed the disused railway, which ultimately winds its way up to Monsal Head & beyond (Postscript 9), & then it's all downhill to Bakewell
Now, this one has me really stumped!
Other than the fact that I'd just crossed an old railway & the Monsal Line has plenty of tunnels, I can't see a connection between Thomas, the Reverend, Bakewell and/or the Brownies.... unless, of course, you can advise me otherwise!
Excellent, intricate design - very colourful & well put together
Several dressings in & around Bakewell's Bath Gardens, including the Brownies'
Appropriately, there is a natural warm-water spring here which feeds the ornamental fountain
The Duke of Rutland built Bath House on the site of the spring in 1697 & these gardens once belonged to the house
Leading off Bath Gardens is the much smaller Garden of Remembrance, where there were two further superb dressings (left & below)
John Linehan was a local man who helped with the town's Carnival & well-dressings over many years.... in addition to being instrumental in the installation of the British Legion Well in Bath Gardens
There is an oak bench dedicated to his memory in Bakewell Park
This cleverly-designed dressing outside All Saints Church prompted today's ....
Song of the Day : 'Wise & Foolish' by Misty in Roots
An early-eighties album & track by my favourite British reggae band!
A leisurely cider at 'The Red Lion' (again!) while Les went to fill her backpack with yet more Bakewell Puddings!
Must remember to take a photo of the pub next time....
Beautiful lower-level return to Rowsley, initially just above the River Wye & then climbing around & above Haddon Hall
That's Manners Wood to the right - the Hall & estate are still owned by the family
Ended the day with a rather-more-rapid cider back at the 'Grouse & Claret' while Les went for a wander around the shopping outlet
Looks grand enough to be related to 'The Peacock', where we started out, but this was built as 'The Station Hotel' when the railway arrived in 1849
The railway is long gone & its current name is taken from nothing more glamorous than a fishing fly.... probably in keeping with its modern chain pub/diner status
Couldn't provide me with a Beer of the Day anyway!
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