As we walk along the lane out of Alstonefield the view extends across the fields towards a distant Wetton.

We leave the road and are rewarded with a view across to Low Plantation.

We debated staying on the road and picking up the track we are heading towards a bit later but thankfully the fields weren't too muddy.

Once across the track we are rewarded with views that include Gratton Hill. One option for today had been to visit the summit but for now it remains on the to do list.

The last time we were here we went onto the summit of Narrowdale Hill, today we will follow the wide path below it as it offers the least muddy route to the next track we want to pick up.

As we approach the path we want we enjoy views across towards Carder Low and Pilsbury Castle.

Looking down into How Narrowdale and all the mud and water by the gate we would have had to pass through. I'm glad we opted to stay high rather than head down into the valley.

Narrowdale is looking rather drab but at least it offers us a respite from the slippery mud we had encountered on the path around Narrowdale Hill.

Heading along the track we can look across the fields towards Beresford House and Sheen Hill.

Turning the corner and we get our first view of Beresford Dale and an indication of the number of people we are about to encounter.

This is probably my favourite view of Wolfscote Dale as generally most of the dale remains my least favourite dale in the Peak District.

At this point the dale looks so interesting but then it, in my opinion, becomes just a steep sided dale with relativley few interesting features.

Heading into dale, where I forget to put my polarising lens on, hence the somewhat white skies.

Given the date and the weather not suprisingly the dale is very busy.

Although now and then you can get the odd moment of peace and quiet.

As we approach Drabber Tor thoughts turn to finding a lunch spot but many of the good ones are already taken or too muddy.

In the end we settle for a spot just beyond the entrance to Biggin Dale. This usually dry dale provided us with plenty of entertainment as people tried to access the dale without getting wet. The star of the show was the father who made the trip in and out twice in order to carry his young children into the dale.

When we weren't watching people negotiate the water we tried to spot if the heron opposite moved at all. It did once but numerous people who spotted it asked us if we'd seen it move as they weren't convinced it was real.

Lunch over we continue walking through the dale debating at which point we will leave it.

One option had been to head uphill at Coldeaton Bridge but instead we opt to carry on along the bottom of the dale.

This area was particularly busy with people sat on the opposite side of the bank in the sunshine. It is winter isn't it?

In the sunshine it is pleasantly warm but there is a noticeable drop in temperature when you get back into the shade.

We soon reach the bridge at Mill Dale.

Rather than walk along the road to Milldale and then face a very muddy walk across the fields back to Alstonefield we opted to head up Lode Lane and avoid the mud. Once we reached the top of the hill we had views across the fields towards Dove Dale and Baley Hill.

Here looking across Mill Dale in the direction of New Hanson Grange.

As we arrive back in Alstonefield we are greeted by this dinosaur and his santa hat.

 

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