Thorpe Cloud

Seen here in the thumbnail from Ilam Park Dovedale, surprisingly in Staffordshire but still part of the Peak Park.

It was a misty start to our 5 mile walk as we had rain during breakfast but as we were walking back from the stepping stones on the Dove the sun came through and we saw blue skies! It's been sunny all afternoon.
(Extra - Chris crossing the stepping stones on the way there and studying the fossils in the rocks. - didn't cross them on the way back as they were queuing!)

We had coffee at Ilam Park a National Trust property but leased to the YHA. It has a bunk house and caravan site and was offering orienteering daily.

Having seen that there was a Well Dressing and flower festival in the church at nearby Taddington we headed there in the afternoon. The wells were traditionally dressed with flowers as a thanksgiving for provision of water in a limestone area where much of the water filters away below ground through the porous limestone. It was beautiful made using entirely natural material - extra - for example the sky and pond are made from blue Hydrangea petals (out sourced as they only have red and pink ones in this alkaline area) There was a refreshment marquee with freshly made strawberry scones. Well we had to didn't we!

Later we saw them preparing boards for the Well Dressing carnival starting next week in Eyam, the plague village. Lots to say about that but if your interested you could perhaps google it.
To see more of Eyam and the Well Dressing take a look at my Flickr album https://www.flickr.com/photos/16251802@N05/sets/72157687960825636/with/35962653684/

Great day again and steak night tonight!