Shady walk at Calke

Wednesday saw the return of sunny weather, so we headed out for the afternoon as the start of a mini-staycation. Our original intent was to visit some local gardens but upon arrival it seemed from the lack of parking space like a lot of others had had the same idea. With little chance of a peaceful stroll there, we turned round and headed for the National Trust's Calke Abbey where there's always plenty of space.

We've been there a lot recently - to the gardens and the area around the Explore play area - but the park is huge with many options for walking. 

Starting at the Explore car park we headed for the cool shelter of trees, slightly uphill following the Red route. 

It was certainly too hot to be comforatble in the sun, but here along the ridge on the Blue route, in dappled shade, it was cool and pleasant. Reaching the deer fence, the route heads downhill to the lake and up again to the stable buildings and cafes. 

Cake and ice cream were definitely deserved, although some of the local wildlife seemed to think the same too.  We were the last visitors in the stable area, and while we sat a family of rooks came along, ignoring us and picking crumbs from the empty tables. Almost as soon as we stood to leave, they moved in on our table too!

Before heading back towards the car, we detoured to see the deer. They weren't as close to the fence as the other day, but still quiet and undisturbed by people looking at them.

It was getting close to closing time now (if not past it) so we took the shortest route back to Calke Explore - down to Betty's pond where the yellow water lilies are coming into flower.