Arbor Low

Less impressive stone circle of 50 recumbent stones in an egg-shaped pattern dating to late Neolithic times (perhaps 4000 BC).

Bronze age burial cairn or barrow in the middle ground (1000 BC or so) at the Arbor Low Stone Circle.

The Countryside near Arbor Low

Getting to the Arbor Low Stone Circle requires a drive out to the country, paying the farmer a small fee to park, walking across his land and tiptoeing through a muddy yard and pastureland dodging cow patties.

Overlooking villages such as Baslow and Curbar, are these three escarpments or edges, which are long flat hills offering marvelous walk and views.

A civilized walking path leads up and across Curbar Edge.

The higher landscape offers a combination of rugged ferns, pasture and clumps and patches of heather.

One small clump of heather was still blooming its luscious color.

Even though most of the heather was past its prime, the rock formations and the views made up to it.

The various edges are comprised of gritstone that was partially mined in the past. Now they are a mecca for hikers and climbers as well as walkers and sightseers.

Overlooking the village of Baslow where the edge makes a vertical descent.

The views are enticing with a rainbow of greens.

The gritstone makes for some interesting formations.

Tumbly jumbling rocks surviving the erosive qualities of the rain and storms.

Beyond a favorite rock formation, is a view of Baslow Edge from Curbar Edge

St. Anne's Church in Baslow is a Grade II listed building.

Posing for Photos -- My Sister and her Husband at the Church Lychgate, a roofed structure typically leading to the churchyard.

The church dates from the thirteenth century and was restored in the late 19th century.

The settling gravestone are typical of old graveyards, some with features and names washed away by time.

A view of the church clock tower over the headstones.

On the inside St. Anne's Church feels lighter and airier than it would appear from the outside.

The altar featured this colorful handmade altar cloth.

St. Anne's Church features a variety of colorful stained glass windows.

The many details in the old English churches offer a rich variety of subjects for the camera.

The carvings on the pews, like this angel, are beautifully executed.

In agrarian economies, animals are not infrequently incorporated into church decor.

Each church has its own styles of cushions for kneeling made by its dedicated parishioners.

Blakelow Farm was the site of our cottage for the week in Derbyshire.

The darling Christmas Cottage with a distant view of Chatsworth called to me when booking.

Magical touches were everywhere, such as on these ivy-clad stairs.

Our view out the front of the cottage was this interesting pump fountain.

A sample of our delightful tea we enjoyed one afternoon and for a day or two after. Also included were finger sandwiches, sausages roles and cold shrimp in a rich sauce.

Intriguingly branched tree.

One evening we hiked up to the top of the farm's pasture to enjoy the views from its graceful garden bench.

A few of the other cute details at Blakelow Farm.

Buxton Opera House is one of the centers of cultures in this once stunning spa town.

Now the Opera House, like the town, is both handsome and frayed with wear.

Built in 1903 the Opera House can seat 902.

The Opera House was designed by Frank Matcham, a renowned theatre architect who also designed the London Coliseum and the London Palladium.

The entrance lobby is ornately painted, gilded and decorated.

The Buxton Opera House provides a venue for live performances today.

The River Wye flows through Buxton, shown here where it borders the Pavilion Gardens.

The Pavilion Gardens are laid out with sweeping lawns, ponds, flowers and other plantings.

Pretty Small Pavilion in the Garden.

Memories of Derbyshire, The Friendliest of Counties.