Another Recovery Walk at Kedleston

Having spent most of four weeks confined to home with a series of colds, on a nice sunny day I headed out to start my newest fitness recovery plan. Of course as always, I headed to Kedleston Hall.

I like Kedleston because it's near to home, free to me as a National Trust member, and, most importantly, has a variety of walks of differing lengths - from a gentle stroll round the Pleasure Grounds to six miles or so round the park

This day was definitely one for the shortest of strolls around the Pleasure Grounds. These comprise a large lawned area to the south of the hall, with an open view over parkland, sheltered at either side by shrubbery, and at this time of year the rhododendrons and azaleas are in full flower.

It was warm enough to sit for a while looking out past the summer house to where lambs were frolicking beyond the ha ha. 

Finding more energy, I walked on, beyond the front of the hall, to another convenient seat; situated this time by a small area of trees with bluebells growing beneath them.

After all this exercise (okay, not that much) tea and cake were called for, and an amble down the drive towards the bridge to round off my visit. 

 

Not getting fitter ...

 After such a lot of slow plodding months last year, marked by accidents and illness. one of my resolutions was to get back (at last) to my previous level of fitness. As it was a long term plan I hadn't been out and dashing about during January and February, but by March I'd picked up the pace and my step count. Improved weather and trips out here and there make it so much easier.

But, just before April, things started to unravel again. My husband caught a cold, presumably at the dentist's, and then passed it on to me. Since Covid appeared on the scene we try to avoid crowded places where it seems easy to pick up bugs, so it's a long while since we've had even a light cold - and this one was awful.

We both recovered but grandson came to stay with his usual snuffles, the clocks skipped on hour, and then my youngest daughter came to visit for a late birthday celebration - and brought a different variant of cold virus with her. Still in recovery from the first, I managed to catch this too, and then passed it on to my husband. In all it took about four weeks to feel really clear of lingering coughs and sneezes. 

Once upon a time, I'd have got better and been back to normal in no time at all, but with age I have to admit that recovery takes longer; my energy levels plummet and even my gentle 'round the block' amble of under a thousand steps seems out of the question. Doing jigsaws and eating the world's largest toblerone may help me through the days I've felt bad  but they don't inspire me to get up and active.

Just at this point, when keeping track of my daily exercise would have been useful, my Fitbit decided to give up. At the beginning of April, Fitbit decided to change some of their settings, and my old Flex was unable to cope. After long chats with the Fitbit helpdesk, I reconciled myself to the necessity of buying a new one; but then came the long decision process. Not easy when you've got a cold-addled head, but made slightly easier by Fitbit wiping all my past data. Long story short, I've settled on an entry-level Garmin.

It isn't impressed with me. It recommended just over 5000 steps a day; I did around 1500. Slowly its target has dropped, and my stamina  improved, and we've settled on a compromise of around 3000. 

It's time now to begin this whole get fitter plan again, starting at the beginning with small steps and trying to achieve more. I also sort of hope that it will boost my immunity for the next time viruses come calling

Cromford

Making the most of some Spring sunshine, I decided it was time to try the Cromford to High Peak Workshops walk. It's not far - just over 2 miles there and back - it's flat, and I'd hoped for tea at the midway point , but last time I tried it I was left exhausted. 

It's a pretty walk especially on a sunny Spring day (on a hot Summer afternoon there can be pesky flies) with geese and ducks bobbing on the water, celandines coming into flower beside the towpath, and blue sky above.

The first half to High Peak Junction proved quite easy but unfortunately the snack kiosk wasn't open so I had to survive without refreshment. 

Returning was slower and involved more sitting down but it was a nice day so there wasn't any hurry.

I was starting to get hungry by now so very relieved to find that the cafe at the Wharf was still open and serving 'lunch' despite it being after 3 o'clock.

Re-fuelled, I felt I had the energy for a little more meandering so headed across the road to Arkwright's Mills - mainly for the purpose of seeing the newly refurbished water wheel that will provide hydro-electricity for the shops and visitor centre

 

Sizergh - gardens and a short walk

At last I found the host of golden daffodils that I'd been looking for. 

Well, maybe not quite a host as many weren't quite in flower but enough to imagine this bank covered in bright yellow in a week or so's time.

Te rest of the gardens were pretty quiet with areas roped off while grass recovered from the dreadful wet weather, but here and there were bursts of colour, and the rock garden with its small waterfalls and pools must be lovely at any time of year.

Just outside the formal garden is a small wood with more banks of daffodils by a larger pond, and even some snowdrops.

I've stopped off at Sizergh before but on that occasion didn't have time to explore the paths through the wider estate. This time, despite growing complaints from my legs, I was persuaded to attempt the shortest walk, probably not much more than a mile (if that).

The path led somewhat uphill, not strenuously, through a band of woodland, past mossy walls and pastures where ewes and young lambs were being put out to graze, then gradually back downhill to join a lane which led back to the visitor centre.

 With the sun continuing to break through the clouds, it was a lovely afternoon. Next time, although I always say this, I'll be fit enough to tackle a longer route.