Dovedale is ravaged by Ash Dieback

The news is not good for the woodlands around Dovedale. National Trust Rangers are in the process of felling lots of trees that have become infected by Ash Dieback. These trees are becoming dangerous and could topple onto footpaths and walkways. It is likely that the main public footpath between Lovers Leap and Ilam Rock Bridge will be closed throughout October to allow work to be carried out. An alternative way marked route between The Stepping Stones and Milldale will be put in place. The cost of the safety work is going to cost in excess  of £300,000 over the net 5 years. Lovers of the White Peak can support the urgent native tree planting programme by donating to the ‘Woods for the Future’ Peak District Appeal.

Last minute availability 8 July 2019

Tom’s Barn has become available due to guest having to re arrange as their dog has been poorly . Dates available are 8 to 14 July. You can book for the full week or just a short break. Shame not to miss a visit to his great part of the Peak District. Lots going on around and about. We are into Well Dressing season and lots of events in the various events in the surrounding villages and towns.

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A Sunny Sunday Bike ride

Time had come to charge up the battery on my e-bike and join friends in the village for a quick 16 mile bike ride along the trails. It was a lovely sunny day and once I had managed to get up to Mininglow Car Park the trails were a doddle. Robert did a bit of cheating with a couple of others and got a lift with their bikes to the car park. It is more or less flat from there and the bonus is all down hill on the way back. Refreshments followed at the British Legion, meat pies and beer. A nice trip out to get the cobwebs blown away. Now the bike is out I need to go on more trips along the trails.

Baby pheasants arrive at Orchard Farm

This is the second year since we came here that we have the pleasure of a pheasant brood in the garden. We are not sure where she was nesting but today I found mum and 10 baby chicks near the bird feeders. I managed to get to her before Izzy did so she survived and inquisitive attack from the dog. One of the chicks did not do so well with a crow who had an extra special dinner. Mum pheasant has since moved the chicks across the garden and was last seen nestling under the hedge. I watched her move them to make sure that greedy crow did not get another one. I have heard that pheasants are good mums so not sure if any will survive. Lets hope they do

Tom’s Barn now available 7 – 14 June 2019

Due to a late cancellation Tom’s Barn is now available 7 June to 14 June 2019. A great time to have a few days away. You could book tickets to RHS Chatsworth Flower Show which judging on previous years is well worth a visit.

www.rhs.org.uk/shows-events/rhs-chatsworth-flower-show

or you could just have a relaxing few days away in this lovely tranquil village
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The starlings have gone and the balloons are here

The beautiful sights of the mumuration of the starlings has ceased. Lets hope they choose Parwich to roost in next year. Some residents got a bit fed up about he mess they made but no one can deny how captivating their antics were every night.
Spring is here though lighter nights are coming and the lovely sunshine has meant the opportunity for some early balloon fights. This is the first one of the season. I wondered whether Stan Robinson had found a new carbon friendly way of delivering his pallets. The balloon was so low that I could see people not pallets enjoying the beautiful countryside around Parwich and Tissington. Lets hope we have good weather this year so that lots of balloons can come and take a look at our hidden gem.

Spring is here and Attractions are opening soon

The daffodils are blooming and the days are getting a little bit longer. We have had some mixed weather but no ‘Beast from the East’ so far this year. Had some lovely sunny spells between the showers and looking forward to more days out. Started planting up in the greenhouse ready to make the garden pretty for the guests. Chatsworth has just announced its programme of events this year and we are pleased to see an exhibition to celebrate man and woman’s best friend. Looks like some stunning sculptures in the gardens to visit. The Carriage House cafe has also had an additional doggy friendly seating area and here is plenty of treats and toys in the Stables Shop to treat your pet. We have just become Friends of Chatsworth as it is one of my favourite places to visit. Also worth a visit is Haddon Hall. They have a good restaurant for lunch or maybe afternoon tea.
Visit www.chatsworth.org.

It’s snowing in Parwich

We have had our first snow of the year in Parwich. It’s not as much as last March but makes the village and Peak District look pretty. Those guest that have booked this weekend have had a bonus. Beautifully warm and welcoming accommodation and lovely countryside covered with enough snow to make it look even more dramatic.

Time to give the barns a coat of paint

The barns will be closed for the next 2 weeks for redecorating and dealing with all those little jobs that you never get around to doing. This year it is a full repaint so we will be busy moving everything around and giving all the cupboards etc a thorough bottoming. It also gives time to deal with the wash basin in Douglas’s that is starting to show it has seen better days. We will re open on 17 January for the new season ready to welcome guests new and old

What a great place to spend Christmas!

There is still time to book a last minute Christmas get away in Douglas’s Barn. The weather may be cold but the barn is very warm and cosy. Why not treat yourselves to a get away from it all break. You can order all your supplies from one of the supermarkets, get it delivered and we will put it away. The kitchen is extremely well equipped and no need to wash pots, let the dishwasher do it. The village pub will be open so a little drink before Christmas dinner is a must. Once fed and watered you can settle down for a little snooze in front of the Free Sat TV, or you could play a board game, when was the last time you did that? or even do a jigsaw. Hope that you can join us if not for Christmas maybe in January or February when discounted prices are on offer