Redstart (our bird of the day, maybe the bird of the year) - photo by Dave J. 
Skylark - photo by Dave J. 
A good example of what you expect at a well dressing. 
An unexpected example of well dressing in Youlgreave.
Heading for Bradford Dale.
A Mallard family in Bradford Dale.
Jacob's Ladder in flower.
Bagshaw Dale leading to Monyash.Distance:11.5 miles, Climb:921'.
Time: 5 hours 23 minutes; On the move walking average:2.5 m.p.h.; Overall walk average:2.1 m.p.h.
Group:Martyn, Richard, Dave J., Mike D and Celia.
Yet another lovely day for walking, not too hot and not too cold, but some walkers we met seemed dressed for Winter conditions!
Our first surprise of the day was that today was the Well Dressing ceremony in Youlgreave. We were fortunate enough to see three of the five before our route took us in to Bradford Dale. One area of the River Bradford had even been designated as a swimming area!
As last week we saw lots of people, especially along Lathkill Dale, this time most were young people on training for their Duke of Edinburgh awards. Most, but not all seemed to be enjoying the task!
As last week we saw lots of people, especially along Lathkill Dale, this time most were young people on training for their Duke of Edinburgh awards. Most, but not all seemed to be enjoying the task!
Not a lot was seen on the main section of Lathkill dale, but at least we did see a Dipper or two!
In the higher sections of the dale, we did see lots of flowering Jacob's Ladder orchids, the main reason for choosing this time of the year for this walk.
Another feature of today's walk were the traditional meadows which at a distance looked like a crop of Butercups, but when viewed closer included avariety of flowers including Red and White clover.
However the highlight of the walk was a Restart in clear view, almost posing for us in a Hawthorn bush. Later too we had a good view of of four young Barn swallows perched in a barn, just waiting to be fed by the parents, and in the second from last field that we crossed two Skylarks landed just twenty or so feet away, again giving us excellent views.
The day was ended with a good pint of Hartington Bitter at the Wilkes Head in Leek, although on this occasions, Martyn did not have a carry out, his plastic flagon was found to be holed! It must have got damaged on route!
Birds seen or heard included:Barn swallow, Carrion crow, Jackdaw, Black-headed gull, Kestrel, Mallard, Tufted duck, Common coot, Moorhen, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Mute swan, Dipper, Blackbird, Garden warbler, Blackcap, European robin, Winter wren, Skylark, Lapwing, Song thrush, Swift, House martin, House sparrow, Winter wren, Chiffchaff, Willow warbler and Redstart (the bird of the day, possibly the bird of the year!).
Mike was right, the T.O.W event at Warslow was the National Tug of War Championship!
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