Calke

 Knowing another round of lockdown was coming we decided to get out and about TWICE this week, just in case travelling for exercise was banned again. So we booked a slot at Calke for Tuesday, and one for the following day at Chatsworth. 

First Calke ...

The weather hadn't been brilliant, lots of rain over the previous few days, but the forecast was fine; no one told the rain though which decided to fall just as we arrived.  

The paths weren't as good as I remembered, and my trainers weren't really suitable - there was a lot of slipping about and puddle-jumping at one point. Next time I'll wear boots with better grip in which I can splash uncaringly through water! 

The rain was off-putting but we carried on - down to the ponds, and up and round the reserve area on the opposite hill - trying all the time to keep to a route which avoided any more slippery downhill sections ( I don't mind slipping going uphill - you land on your knees. Slipping on a downhill track is altogether more undignified)

By the time we reached the deer park fencing, the rain was slowing, and as we reached the top of the hill a rainbow appeared over the fields towards Melbourne. 

From this point, the skies turned blue, and sunlight slanted through the leaves turning everything gold.

This wooded section is my favourite at Calke. Old trees - beech and oak - tower above, and young saplings try to claim the ground beneath. The path is more or less flat, dry underfoot, and weaves attractively between the trees.

Having got back to the car, it didn't feel quite time to leave. It was getting cold as the sun set but it was light and bright so we added on a short walk through the open parkland, and were almost the last to leave.