Staying here in Monyash, a little village just outside of Bakewell in the Derbyshire Dales has been delightful. There is only the local public house (pub) and a little cafe for walkers so it is very quiet most of the time. Roger and I have been walking along the public footpaths exploring the area and following the old 'song lines' from years past. These paths have been in use for hundreds of years linking communities together.

It is a pleasant two hour walk along the paths to Bakewell, where we are currently accessing the internet at the local library. The path takes you across fields, over hills and down valleys, and just occasionally across a road. It is a slow pace but one that opens my eyes to the environment around me. Yesterday we walked for an hour to the neighbouring village of Sheldon for lunch at the local public house, The Cock and Pullet, through fresh snow. It was clean and fresh and very very quiet outside with not many people venturing far.

What strikes me is the sense of community that is alive and well. At the pub yesterday locals were popping in, the kids all knew everyone. One lady brought her own plates in and picked up lunch to take home. It was all very friendly and cosy.

Today on the bus into Bakewell there were seven other passengers, all over 50, who sat in the front seats talking and chatting. There all knew each other and there was lots of laughter and they included me in the conversation by looking my way and sharing tidbits with me as well. I smiled so much and enjoyed the comaraderie between them - it felt like a window into their friendships and the ritual of catching the bus together to go shopping.