Kedleston Wilderness

 As part of my get fit campaign, I'm trying to go out at least once a week for a longer walk. This week saw us back at Kedleston, heading for the Wilderness walk.
Schools have now opened for autumn term but even so I was surprised how few people were out and about, especially on a warm sunny day. As always, most were near the gardens and as we headed across the park we almost seemed to have the place to ourselves.

From previous walks by the river and through the wilderness, I've decided the riverbank nearest to the house gives better views, so that's the way we took ... past the boathouse, alongside the lakes to the stepping stones and bridge at the edge of the park.

Heading into the Wilderness, trees brought some welcome shade, but despite the sun there were lots of signs of autumn around - leaves changing to yellow or red, berries ripening, acorns filling.

After a while the path passes from under the trees to a more open park-like area, and here I spotted another sign that autumn was on the way - fungi.

From here the walk leads back under the dappled shade of the main drive.

For once I'd finished my walk with a little time to spare, so instead of heading straight back to the car  we wandered a short distance alongside the lower lakes, and found an almost complete fairy ring of mushrooms.

By now all the picnic tables by the hall were empty - and so was the car park! Time perhaps to head home.