Monday 18 August 2014

Hill and Dale

On a warm summer's afternoon there can't be many more lovelier places in England than Dovedale to wander a while, dip your toes in the water and breathe. Coming here is all about the stepping stones, crossing the Dove, forwards and back, if they're not underwater.

It does mean it can be a pretty busy place to be, something I always forget. But you can see why. It must be a favourite place for so many people for miles around. We all share it, this magical dale. 
Our smallest boy is fast becoming an adventurer. There he is, scrabbling halfway up the hillside with his dad. "On my birthday can I climb a really, big hill?" he asked. Living here almost everything is uphill so at the weekend we'll be celebrating our exploring eight year old''s special day, somewhere up high, having fun. x

16 comments:

Clareio said...

Beautiful photos. I was there this weekend, we camped friday night right where the rivers meet, between Thorpe and Ilam. We didn't leave the campsite as we were there for my best friends Handfasting at a Pagan camp. It was fascinating but i have a desperate need now to go back and explore. I was last there about 15 years ago... it's been a while!

Alison said...

It looks like you chose a beautiful day to visit, Steph. The stepping stones are so much fun for the children. I hope you have a super-uphill-adventure of a birthday weekend!

Happy Homebird said...

I feel like I could jump right into that top picture, gorgeous. Must visit this area as it looks so beautiful.

**Anne** said...

That does look like a very beautiful place to visit. It's lovely to see children being outdoors and active instead of always behind a screen of some sort. Those outdoor activities help them in so many ways from building good muscle tone and strength, agility, balance (especially in hilly areas) but also a sense of adventure, a little bit of risk taking and all other kinds of wonderful learning experience that can only come from being outdoors. Thanks for sharing.
Anne xx

Hazel said...

We were there a couple of years ago- we stayed in Ilam Hall- and just yesterday my youngest was asking to go back 'to the place we walked with the stepping stones...it was called Dove something' :)
We cycled along the disused railway line not far away too- The Manifold Trail?
It is beautiful there.

Unknown said...

Beautiful. These special places are so important aren't they? There is something about familiar landscapes that have a pull on our hearts too. Enjoy your boy's special day xxxx

Knittynutter said...

gorgeous pics.x

Anonymous said...

What a gorgeous place :-)

Leanne said...

What a beautiful place. My boys would love scrambling up those hills. I've been noticing that our favourite spots in West Cornwall have been 'discovered' by visitors. I don't mind sharing though - They'll be ours again once the schools go back!
Leanne xx

Unknown said...

Lovely, thanks for sharing the photos, wish I could visit there!
~Dorothy

Sopa Azul said...

Looks like a wonderful place!! :)

Justine said...

It's been ages since I've commented on your blog, and for that I apologise. But I'm always here reading! Loved the photos of your trip to Italy, and these here of Dovedale are wonderful.

Julia said...

Beautiful pictures and a lovely blog! I've never been to your part of the world but it looks great xx

CYNTHIA CRANE said...

What a truly lovely and magical place. How lucky you are to live nearby. It is a dream of mine to visit England someday. I'm reading a wonderful book right now by Phil Dribble - "BRITAIN-A Country Compass", which details the geological beginnings and how the "hand of man" has in part shaped the landscape. And what beautiful landscape it is, and hopefully will remain for time eternal!

SandyshoesCornwall said...

Gosh, what stunning scenery! I'd love to visit your neck of the woods, it's so different from down here but has everything we lack with high moorlands and mountains. It really looks beautiful, lucky you x

Curlew Country said...

Come and say hi if you ever do visit up this way. The Peak District has loads of different scenery but I'm biased and think our end is best as we get both the rolling Dales and the high moors in a relatively small area. I envy you being in Cornwall though, ah just wonderful! Have a smashing Bank Holiday lovely lady xxxx