We left Marple after a leisurely breakfast, our southward journey taking us through the spectacular Peak District National Park.

Peak District became the first national park in the U.K. in 1951. Even on an overcast day, the scenery was breathtaking.

We had worked up an appetite by the time we left the park and stopped for lunch in Ashbourne at the quaint Bowling Green Inn.

We were heading for Stratford-upon-Avon to spend some time exploring Shakespeare country. Our accommodation was 2 miles from Stratford at Monks Barn Farm, a 16^th century working farm on the banks of the River Stour. The farmhouse B&B was gorgeous,

for some reason we were given the luxury of our own cottage.

The Grade II listed thatched barn is believed to have monastic connections, hence the name of the farm.

There were stunning views across the 100 acre farm, dotted with contented sheep quietly grazing the lush pasture.

The Greyface Dartmoor sheep were very cute and always happy to smile, “good morning”.