Well...there had to be sunshine eventually !
A glorious morning and the promise of more to come. The Close, still icebound, with the low sun unable to reach the shadowy pavements, but Mr OF and I had decided, we really needed air. Clean cold air.
Because we are only a cock-stride from the open country, we have a habit of being, old people who behave badly when the mood takes us; leaving the lounge un-dusted, tidying abandoned, and heading, a bit like Mole from Wind in the Willows, for the sound of birdsong, the far-reaching fields and the sunshine.
We decide on a near destination, a place which, during our almost 50 years of marriage has always been a favourite. Ilam Hall has been a part of us for a lot of years, from a time when we both took parties of school children there, on various outdoor experience, camps in the hall, to picnics by the river with our own children and those first walks of the year, to spot the snowdrops growing in huge green and white clumps beneath the hedgerows. Bowls of hot soup in the cafe and huge chunks of bread for dipping!
Today was different. We have not visited for a while...Mr OF has taken a while to lose his post viral cough and the weather was not conducive to reckless outings! But, this morning. No excuse, up slowly, firstly, me to catch up with my YWA session and then a picnic to pack. Breakfast eaten, car packed.
Warm clothes, the order of the day, warmed and ready. We are so fortunate to have the right gear for the right job ! By 11, we were on the way, cautious driving, ( still icy surfaces in the shade), and soon heading through the open stretches of the Staffordshire Peak Moorlands, and down the winding slope to the village. The first views of Ilam, still remind me of a small alpine village with the small church and school nestling in the valley; and today, the higher tops lightly dusted with snow, even more so.
On reaching the car park, (NT), we were surprised to see only two other cars. Bundled up, hats on and off we went. We may have been the only folk there. The only sounds, squirrels in the trees and bushes, birds a' twitter everywhere and the crisp, crunch of our boots as we headed along the field and down towards the river. Snow still lying in the shade of the hills on the far side of the bank, the sun hovering, a distant relative above the trees, and the unmarked stretches of snow in the closest fields.
We walked, taking it gently, chatting quietly and and simply soaking up every sight, sound and sensation. After what feels like an age, of being house-bound, the chance to breathe in the clear, unmistakable tang of frost and snow was priceless. We walked to the end of the river path and turned. We took a detour across the field by the river to stand by the old rope bridge. Closed off now, as it can no longer be made safe. Soon to be replaced by a permanent solid bridge. J and I have both crossed that little bridge many times.
Regaining the path, an old chap coming towards us, stopped for a short chat, bemoaning the state of the farming world, ( he was a farmer), and shaking his head bemusedly. We commiserated and walked on... J was doing well , no coughs no breathlessness. My own feet light and confident. These walking shoes are old, and comfortable. My legs feel strong, my breathing is easy. Cheeks burning with the cold and a smile on my lips. The temptation to try the shortest of jogettes was there, just for an instant, but that is for another day.
Heading back along the path, we pay a visit to the little church... the field beyond bathed in sunshine as we come out from the shadow of the trees, The warmth on our back so welcome, and a pause at the kissing gate before we go in. Deserted and still. Underneath the arch with its Maiden's garlands or crants and across the the Chancel and The Pike-Watts mausoleum; the silence palpable and the cross on the altar, catching the rays of Heaven's light.
A breather here, before we head back to the car, across the sparkling grass, and ready for a short drive for a car picnic. Not the longest of walks at all. Around 2.9 miles, that is all. Not difficult terrain, no challenges to any skills here, but nonetheless, a much needed and very welcome walk.
If you have never been to Ilam, then it is, if you are in the area, worth a visit. A honeypot in Summer it may be, but on a day like today? You are monarchs of all you survey.
Happy walking everyone 
Floss x
