Now that lockdown has been almost completely lifted in the UK the Senior Partner and I have decided to begin discovering our new surroundings.
On Friday, still staying quite close to home, we went for a walk through Whitworth Park which is just down the hill from us in Darley Dale.
It was so interesting to walk around and see the pretty flower beds maintained by volunteers.
Here's a quick precis of Whitworth Park's History which I read about on the Whitworth Centre's website .
The Whitworth Institute and Gardens were opened to the public in 1890.
Sir Joseph Whitworth was a very successful Victorian industrialist who lived with his second wife Lady Louisa in Stancliffe Hall, Darley Dale.
They were married for 13 years and had great plans for improving the area. However, it wasn't until after his death that Lady Louisa was able to expand on her good works by disposing of his estate to the benefit of Darley Dale and surrounding parishes.
Today the 10 acre site includes a children's playground, including a zip wire (!); a football (soccer) pitch; tennis courts; cricket pitch; Crown bowling green; ornamental pond; a monument and boating lake although the boathouse no longer stands.
After a good stroll around we decided to sit on a park bench for a while and admire the scenery, all was well until M'selle Fleur heard, from way across the park, the shot of a nail gun being used on a house renovation project. Away she flew towards the boating lake with the SP in hot pursuit, there was no stopping that girl so I headed in the opposite direction and managed to grab her by the collar as she rounded the bend. Panic over, and once again attached to a lead, we three proceeded slowly back to the car park.
Have you been on any new walks/hikes this week? Any adventures along the way? Would love to hear what's new in your neck of the woods.
Meanwhile, I'll link this post to Mosaic Monday #87 hosted by Angie @ Letting Go of the Bay leaf.
See you there!
A wonderful Park. Thank you for sharing this walk.
ReplyDelete...stay healthy and well.
Happy MosaicMonday
What a wonderful place to enjoy the day or even a few hours. Glad you caught your run away as well.
ReplyDeleteDawn aka Spatulas On Parade
Lovely park
ReplyDeleteI really should drive to new destinations and walk on the paths. It sounds fun to explore your new county! Yikes! I'm so glad you were able to get your dear pup back in line! Have a nice week, Maggie!
ReplyDeleteA spectacular spot to spend the day. We have noting like that around here. Your photos are stunning! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteLove it so much
ReplyDeleteIt looks like a beautiful park -- and so near by! You are very fortunate to have a wonderful spot like this. Love each and every photo. So glad you can explore more safely now.
ReplyDeleteMaggie - the title of your post brought a wry grin to my face - don't we all wish life right now would be a "walk in the park"? So glad you are getting out and about - simple things we can enjoy! The only thing missing is the picture of you on the zip wire!!! We went hiking on July 4 and it was quite the adventure - surely the subject of a future post! Thanks for linking to Mosaic Monday!
ReplyDeleteA lovely walk around the beautiful garden! And a most interesting story on how it came to be... I’m glad you are able to get out and about once again. We’ve been able to walk from the beginning of all of this and for that I’m grateful ... Our state is now required to wear masks again in public places (we never stopped). I think that’s going to be the case for a long time.
ReplyDeleteHello, Maggie
ReplyDeleteYour walk in the park sounds nice. Beautiful images of the park and the ducks. It is nice to have a park nearby for your walks. I am glad all was well with your pup, the loud noises can bother the dogs. Take care! Enjoy your day, have a great new week!!
Your photos are gorgeous! I'm glad you are able to get out and about now. Sounds like it was a nice day. Hope you have a great week!
ReplyDeleteWhitworth Park looks very lovely and a wonderful place to take a walk and enjoy. We are also blessed with many trails in our area, but not quite as lush and scenic. It has been unusually hot here this week so I haven't walked as much as I like as I don't do well in the heat. I'm glad you were able to catch your dog--I'm sure that gave you a fright! They just don't appreciate loud noises do they?
ReplyDeleteHello Maggie,
ReplyDeleteYou have certainly chosen a beautiful area in which to settle in your new home, with access to so many interesting places. I'm sorry M'selle Fleur had such a fright - good thinking to go around the other way to catch her.
We took a few hikes in the woods on our short trip last week. This week I have company and will be doing walks just near home.
The area looks so serene and beautiful!
ReplyDeleteWonderful pics!
What a beautiful place to walk and I know you'll continue to enjoy it. How nice to get out and about in your new place a bit more. It's hot here but I went for another hike this morning and was glad I did. It made me feel better about being at home so much! I get cabin fever! lol Enjoy your week. Hugs, Diane
ReplyDeleteGood to know you can now move around after easing of lockdown
ReplyDeleteHappy Monday
Much💖love
Maggie, That is a bit of a scary proposition! I am glad you caught her before any disaster. The gardens are beautiful! Thanks for sharing and have a safe week. Sylvia D.
ReplyDeleteseems to me you will have several fine walks with interesting views and wildlife. You will not likely be bored walking around. A lot to see. Take care.
ReplyDeleteOh what a lovely park to visit!!!!
ReplyDelete💛 💛 💛
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