March 20th - Theme Park opens in earnest. If you are looking for self-catering accommodation near Alton Towers please do drop us an email to check availability at our holiday cottage on your preferred dates. 3 nights or 7 nights self catering lets available.
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I can't believe it is nearly half term. The school hike is going well. We set off at 8.25am in a bit of a rush. It takes about 10 minutes to get ready. A 6yr old needs to be constantly hurried along and questioned about progress - teeth cleaned? wellies on? school shoes in rucksack? coat? waterproof trousers? bookbag? Then I need to check my layers are warm enough for the downhill start and adjustable for the upward return - woolly hat, necker, ski jacket seems to be working at the moment. Dog leads? rucksack? phone?
Whatever the time of year there is something marvellous about walking around the Churnet Valley. The sunrise and cloud formations over Beelow Hill, on the other side of the valley, have been wonderful the last week or so.
The wildlife is preparing for spring. I have noticed that the birds are singing more. This morning the woodpeckers were in action, clattering against some trees. Yesterday there were foxes everywhere. We shut the hens into their run even though the foxes had other seasonal matters on their minds.
The extra daylight is welcome. And to add to our sparkling sunny morning was a sprinkling of fresh snow.
We only do the school hike going to school. It is one thing for a 6yr old to kick a tennis ball along a downhill track for 20 minutes, but too much after a hard day at school to walk 40 minutes up a steep hill. And sadly we have to fit some real work into our day.