A nice shot of Bakewell church with a really good sky as a backdrop.
After the churchyard, I was straight into lush meadows. I was glad now that I'd chosen to wear a micro fleece, as the wind chill was quite sharp.
I REALLY love the simple shapes and colours of a day like today. I wish you could hear the; 'peeeee-WIT, peeeee-WIT' bird calling. The call sounds just like their name. They were swooping and diving in that courtship dance that always looks like they're trying to evade something that's chasing them, unseen, in the air.
A stone barn, stark yet beautiful against the skyline.
For some reason, probably after food, these sheep decided to follow me all the way across the meadow above Dirtlow farm.
Next thing, it was the turn of these young cows.
As I looked right, I could see clear across to Longstone edge, and the moors.
Just before I turned to drop into Little Shacklow woods, I got chatting to a farmer at the top of the dale. He told me how he'd lost a ewe and lamb in the small hours of the morning, but that was life, and death, on a farm for you. He then took me to a barn and showed me the ewe he'd only JUST lambed.
I dropped into Little Shacklow, and was a little disappointed to see that the wild garlic wasn't in bloom yet. When it did open though, this wood would be a REAL showpiece for it!
At the bottom of the dale, I turned right and made my way up into Great Shacklow woods. For some reason, probably the way the wood faced, the garlic here was well out and I enjoyed the heavy, pungent smell of it. As I walked on, I saw that the bluebells were there too. They didn't mix, as the garlic ended, the sea of bluebells began. I was in seventh heaven here,
Also, there was a lot of Campion about,
As I left Great Shacklow woods, my route led into Monsal dale and up over the top, but I took a short detour left and into Deep dale. I know this dale to be perfect conditions for the early purple orchid, and also cowslips. 
This is where I decided to eat my lunch.
No sooner was I down, than I had to climb back up again, as my route now led to Ashford-in-the-Water, via the quaintly-named 'Pennyunk lane'. A look over my shoulder gave this great and classic view of the viaduct and dale.
A view of Longstone moors, from the quaintly-named 'Pennyunk lane.'
The long, lush grass was waving in the breeze, as if it was made of liquid. The sun was glinting on each blade as it did, giving a really lovely shimmering effect. This photo can't convey that, but you CAN see the silvery glints. They look like white flowers in the photo, but really they are individual little diamonds of reflected light.
All too soon, I was in the sleepy village of Ashford-in-the-water.
After Ashford, I made my way back to Bakewell along the river, where I encountered this group of Llamas!
These lovely poppies are in one of the cottage gardens.
All around us, fields of gold - wonderful!
This is Bronte cottage. The owner was in the garden, so we asked him the history of the name. Sue had said to me that it didn't look old enough to have been around when the Bronte sisters were, and she was right. Apparently, it is so named because Emily used to use a footpath that ran through where the house now stands. She used to stay with the Eyre family at North Lees hall.
Our destination - Stanage edge.
Looking along the edge to High Neb, that far point you can see.
The entry point to the top.
Once we were up there, the views opened up for us.
You can see the scar of the path up Win hill.
Ah, what a lovely perch for two!
Win hill, left. The shoulder of Mam tor behind, then the top of back tor peeping. Finally, to the right you can see Lose hill. The ridge behind is Kinders' southern edge.
This huge one was propped on stones, ready to have the centre hole cut.
Then it was back to the meadows. The roadside flowers were now in full swing. Just to walk along these country roads is a delight, the smells of the flowers are so heavy and heady.
Finally, we went through this cool copse and made our way back to Hathersage, where we decided to have a swim in the outdoor pool there. It was a great way to finish the walk and day.
After out caffeine 'fix', it was time to have a wander into town. We had no real plans today, but I had an idea. The 'Nuns Valley' is supposed to be really beautiful and rugged. I'd noticed that the number 81 bus went there, so for just four Euros each, we got a return ticket and hopped on a 'yellow funfair ride'.
They were German, and their names were Lutz and Elfi (what a LOVELY name).
This was where we got off the bus. The weather had started cloudy, but now the sun was out, and it was clearing. Time to put on the sun tan lotion!
The views around us were really living up to their 'dramatic' tag, and we were getting more and more excited at the prospect of a good walk.
A lot of the hamlets were just perched in what seemed like unreachable places.
This looked a bit like a set of 'Lord of the Rings'.
The sun was full out now, and Sue was ready for the climb.
Here we are, about to set off upwards.
The path was gentle, but we were soon gaining height, leaving the village far below.
As always in Madeira, the flowers were incredibly beautiful. I didn't know where to shoot next.
Houses were built just anywhere.
We continued up the well-laid path.
Soon, this was the sort of view we were getting.
That road was blocked. Several rock falls had seen to that!
After about 40 minutes solid climbing, we reached the top.
Here I am, perched on the edge, as usual.
'Only' 3,000 feet.
This was the tourists balcony.
If you leaned over the rail (which I did), this is what you saw.
DON'T lean back on that fence!
We had a fabulous walk, and ended up at a small cafe in the village for another good coffee, and we also tried (and bought) some of the local liqueurs.
They first brought us a glass of complimentary Madeira wine, which Sue tried.
Then they broush ush a glashh of Poncha, Shue shays ish GREAT.
YER ME BESHT MATE, YOU ARE! (HIC)
This ugly thing had a name, but I can't remember it!
I can honestly say, it lived up to its reputation.
On the way home (we walked - it was a very warm, pleasant evening) I took this picture of one of the stranger plants we saw. The end of the runway at the airport has HUNDREDS of these plants on the bank in front of it.
Then it was back to the hotel room, and a last look at Funchal before turning in.
The 'lobster thing' - it's ALIVE!
Common name: Slipper Lobster.
Scientific name: Scyllarides latus
A sweep of the Curral da Freiras valley.
A lot of daffs were in full swing in the village gardens, along with other spring flowers.
And, of course, the spring lambs were now in abundance.
These were just a couple of days old, and this was their first outing.
The sky was blue, and it was a PERFECT day.
I never tire of the green/blue/white of the grass, sky & limestone walls.
Sue was enjoying being back in shorts & tee shirt again.
After crossing the fields, we came to Beresford dale, and Pike pool.
Wolfscote dale, nicely quiet mid-week.
A happy Sue takes in the view and sound of babbling water.
LOTS of daffs along the riverbank.
Last years skeleton overlooks the new daffs.
I'm in heaven too.
The Coldeaton bridge, and path up to Alstonefield.
This is where we had lunch. I LOVE sitting here, just looking at this spectacular landscape.
Next, along this green lane, to pass the youth hostel, again lined with daffs. 
As we turned to start our return part of the walk, we saw this feeding frenzy of sheep on Gratton hill.
Whatever that farmer has must be REALLY tasty!
We then dropped into the quaintly-named 'How Narrow dale', before reaching Beresford dale, and re-tracing our steps back to Hartington. The sky had gone greyer now, but we had had a lovely day.
A video of the new lambs (turn the sound up).
It makes you wonder how, and if, they manage to sell all the stuff they bring?
This lady certainly looked happy, and was dressed in national costume.
Just by looking, you KNEW these herbs had been picked only hours ago.
The flowers just blew us away.
And when did you EVER see a choice of spices like this?
TRY! TRY! TRY! We were accosted all the time to try stuff. They cut these wonderfully tasting fruits and displayed them to try. I think they have a bit of a scam going here though. We tasted, and BOY did they taste good, so I bought ten Euros worth. The ones I bought weren't half as sweet and juicy as the ones on display though. I reckon they add sugar to the ones they've cut. Oh well, I'll know better next time ;-)
Dried chilli peppers - thousands of them
Then we went into the fish section.
These are black Scabbard - a local speciality. They are caught in deep waters off Madeira and are usually served filleted in steaks, or more specially on a skewer, called 'Espadas'.
They are also VERY big on eating limpets, which they call 'lavas'. 
Octopus have a big presence too.
And what a beautiful tray of colourful fish.
Now - have I got enough for a McDonalds at lunchtime?
After we'd seen all the market, we went to the offices of the Dolphin trip.
We had a lovely day for it too.
Sure enough, they made an appearance.
They came RIGHT beside the rib, we could almost touch them. They do allow you to swim with them, if conditions are right (for an extra 20 Euros, of course), but today this school had many young, so no-one was allowed to swim with them.
Oh, now he's just showing off!
We also were lucky to see a basking turtle.
The views back to the island alone were worth the trip.
After seeing the Dolphins, the skipper decided it was fun time. He drove the rib at the cliff face at high speed, swerving away sharply at the last minute, with all the girls squealing with delight. He also stopped the rib whenever he saw anyone taking a photo. All in all, he was a really good guide.
The boat then picked up speed again, bouncing over the waves and roaring.
When we got back to Funchal, we just relaxed in a promenade bar.
How lovely is this? We walked this so many times during our stay.
These flowers - wherever you look, wonderful colours and blooms.
Looking down on the island fountains.
This is where you have to stand for the 'people cam'.
Another fountain on the prom'.
And I love this statue too.
And what about this one eh?
Hibiscus
Young love blossoms too, and what better setting than Madeira?
This really WAS an enigma - such a fantastic place - almost in RUINS!!!
This was once a very grand courtyard, with this elegant fountain as the centrepiece.
Looking north over Funchal in the evening sun.
In the old town, there are numerous cafes that open during the day, but the evenings are when they REALLY seek their business.
Hmmm, seen anything you fancy Susie?
These flowers were just to the left of the menu Sue was reading.
And these too.
Not all of Funchal is pretty, some parts are VERY run down.
The fountains looked even more delightful in the evening light.
As the light faded, we began the walk back to the hotel. This park was a favourite of ours.
Fabulous!
We arrived back, and opened the curtains on the spectacular view.
The van duly picked us up, and we were away! As we climbed on the twisty mountains roads, it got worse and worse, weather wise. The cloud closed in, the wind howled, and it began to rain quite hard. By the time we got all the way to Rabacal, about an hours drive, conditions were atrocious. So much so, I didn't get even ONE picture. I wish I had now, but I didn't want to get the camera out in those conditions. Anyway, the guide said he wasn't happy to take us, as it would be too dangerous. He then made a decision to go elsewhere. As Madeira has over 20 micro climates, you can always find some sunshine and shelter. We ended up on a 'verdant' levada walk through mainly farmland. Not what we expected, or wanted, but they did their best.
Here, lemons grew at the side of the walk.
Weeeeelll, I NEEDED one or two for the gin tonight!
Bless her, still smiling, despite the disappointment.
Sue tells me this is an Agapanthus, a rose by any other name...........
One thing that amused us, and we'd noticed a lot since arriving on the island, was the custom of drying the squash on the roof of the house.
More flora. Of the Orchid family, I think.
This was sorrel. We were told if you chew the stem, it tastes JUST like green apples.
The ever-present and beautiful Arum lily.
Another of the Orchid family.
The levada twisted through the countryside, and we followed.
This old farmers wife was 'spud bashing'
...while he was muck spreading.
....and this one was taking gourds (or squash) home to dry - probably as seed stock.
The old fields were carefully tilled & tended, ready for the crops & harvest.
But, always the new world was close by. This is yet another new road tunnel. Madeira has really improved its road system in the past few years, hugely due to EU grants. I'd LOVE to know what the total spend is going to be/has been so far. It must be telephone numbers!
After the levada walk finished, we were taken to the coast to do another short walk. On the way, we were privileged to see this wonderful sea of cloud.
This was where we were bound, but not before a beer/coffee stop at a cafe hanging on to the cliff side.
For GODS sake - DON'T jump up and down!!!
Nice fence! Not what I'd call sturdy though, considering the drop on the other side.
This was Paul do Mar, our final walk for today. Beautiful place, and lovely weather.
Afternoon nap time.
The old church at Paul do Mar.
They were absorbed in Dominoes, of all things.
Finally, there was one last surprise. A HUGE twin waterfall at the end of the village. I took photo's, and we boarded the bus back. We were sad not to have done Rabacal, but little did we know, the next few days would make up for it - watch this space!
