Stoney Middleton well dressings proved to be exception ... if too professional. The effect of computer precision in design and possible expert crafts-person execution seems to out weigh the folk-art aspect. That said, the well dressings were stunning.Ample tea and cake was available and dutifully consumed.
Driving up Middleton Lane brought us to the re-claimed land above the quarry. Spectacular views of The Dale and the prospect of wild flowers, including native orchids, are the attraction here. We were not disappointed.
We went on to a friend-of-a-friend's cottage and were totally wowed by the garden. Sitting on the grass in brilliant sunshine, consuming excellent Darjeeling tea and munching chocolate cake and shortbread biscuits, while having conversation about hither-and-yon is, to me, one of life's perfections. Apart from the infrequent sound of a passing car, the only background sounds were birds a-twitter, the wind blowing thorough the trees and plants and bleating of sheep in the surrounding fields. Pure gold!