This Easy Access gentle holiday was gentler than the usual grade - with less gradients, better paths, no stiles to climb over, and 3 or 4 miles long at most.

The Peak District is ideal for this grade and we had a minibus to drop us off and pick us up, which meant we could do linear walks in a variety of places - reservoirs, riverside, gritstone edge, and open moor...

We all met up at Losehill Hall on the first evening and enjoyed a delicious dinner there.

Ladybower to Yorkshire Bridge

Alan, our Community Transport driver dropped us off on the Snake Pass road so we could walk the length of the south bank of Ladybower reservoir.

We chose this route to be low level, and sheltered because of the wild Easter weather.

The wind was at our backs, but occasional snow showers and the cold meant we didn't linger much to enjoy the sunny spells.

Much speculation about who Lady Bower {sic} was……

Views also up the Derwent Valley, famous for the bouncing bomb practice location during WW2, Dambusters film, and all that.

We were glad to arrive at the Yorkshire Bridge, and warm up in the pub with hot chocolate. Plus our trusty driver was waiting with the bus.

The rest of the afternoon was spent having hot baths and reading the Saturday papers in front of the fire.

Grindleford to Calver along the River Derwent

We woke up to a covering of snow and our driver offered to take us the scenic way to Grindleford bridge.

As predicted, the first section across the field was wet and muddy, but lovely through the National Trust Woods.

We met up with the others (who'd wanted a shorter walk) at Froggatt bridge (Malc had taken them on a short drive around for ½ hour whilst waiting for us ).

Mud seemed to be the theme of the day as we followed the lovely level path on the west bank of the river all the way down to Calver Mill and the warm dry café at the craft centre.

A little extra walk down the river towards Baslow for some of us whilst other enjoyed the coffee and cakes. Some early lambs and spring flowers in the woods promised spring even though the snow on the hills looked wintry.

Back early at Losehill so time for exploring Castleton village and caverns for some. (Problems with camera meant there was only one photo today).

Froggat, Baslow and Curbar Edges

Today we had yet more cold northerly winds forecast, plus some snow showers.

We 'did' the 3 edges, with the option of waiting with Sheila, our driver, in the bus at Curbar Gap car park for a shorter version.

Fabulous views down the Derwent Valley to the Chatsworth Estate from the Wellington Monument.

It was not a day for lingering, though the sunny spells were glorious, the sweeping snow flurries were not!

Lovely gritstone sculpted rocks along the way plus a few hardy climbers on Froggatt Edge. At least it was mostly dry underfoot.

We waited with hot chocolates at the Grouse Inn for the bus to arrive, dropped off one early departure at Grindleford station, then home to soak our weary legs.

Bradwell Moor to Blue John cavern

Our group was smaller today as some folk were starting out for home early or not feeling well.

The small band of intrepid walkers braved more cold winds to cross Bradwell Moor on a lovely track (after another 'interesting' drive with our local bus up through the narrow streets of Bradwell onto the minor road which links it with Peak Forest).

There was snow lingering here as we were high up and great views in all directions and even a few new lambs which looked very cold.

As the snow showers were getting heavy we were glad to call it a day at the Blue John, but were glad we'd been out.

Time back at Losehill to catch up with a few of the others who were luxuriating in the lounge and drinking tea.

(There will be more Easy Access Gentle holidays in 2009...)