To make a Bakewell Tart

How to make a Bakewell Tart!

Ingredients:

Pastry

• 125g Plain Flour
• 75g unsalted butter, cold and diced
• 25g caster sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 egg white

Filling

• 2 heaped tbsp raspberry or strawberry jam
• 150g unsalted butter, preferably at room temperature
• 150g caster sugar
• 3 eggs, beaten
• 1 egg yolk
• 150g ground almonds
• 1 lemon, zested
• 1 tbsp flaked almonds

To Make:

1. Pastry: Put flour, butter and sugar into a bowl and rub the mixture together until it resembles fine breadcrumbs. Add the egg yolk and 1 tsp of cold water and mix together so the dough comes together. Flatten into a roundish shape and cover with clingfilm and put in a fridge for 30 minutes.
2. After 30 mins, roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface to about 3mm thick.
3. Line a 20cm fluted tart tin with greaseproof paper.
4. Prick the pastry base with a fork and put back in the fridge for a further 20 mins.
5. Heat the oven to 180c/fan 160/gas mark 4
6. Take the pastry out of the fridge, cover with parchment and put in oven for about 20 mins until the pastry is pale in colour, then brush the inside of the pastry case with a little egg white (don`t forget to take out the parchment) and cook for a further 2 minutes and let it cool slightly.

Filling

1. Spread the jam in an even layer over the base of the pastry case.
2. Cream together the butter and caster sugar.
3. Gradually add the beaten eggs and egg Yolk.
4. Fold in the ground almonds and lemon zest.
5. Carefully spoon the mixture over the jam and spread level.
6. Bake for 20 minutes.
7. Shake flaked almonds over the mixture and cook for a further 15 - 20 minutes until golden and set.

Cool to room temperature, if you desire dust with icing sugar and serve with cream or custard - enjoy!

Bakewell to the midlands, the end - for now

Greenfields camping and caravanning site in Bakewell was brilliant!
Situated just outside of Bakewell it is comfortable with very good facilities and one I will certainly be coming back to.
The people are friendly and helpful and you get a very warm welcome.
We had been spoilt at the B&B but were now back to the outdoor life, though it was not cold, but we had been warned of severe weather and decided to stay an extra day.
The weather didn`t disappoint!
A blowing gale and pouring rain greeted our early evening. The tent was taking a battering and indeed began to leak in water - I was not impressed but did expect it!
After about 6 hours of bad weather, it suddenly died out, then it was a salvage job of getting stuff dry and to sleep.
The next morning was different, sunny, bright with a little chill in the air.
We spoke to quite a few people who were on sight - most glad to see we were still there!
It took us a short while to pack and then we were off again!
Lambs played in fields and it really was a pleasant trip.



With pleasant views to take us through Derbyshire and down to Staffordshire, the journey was doing both of us the world of good, even if it didn`t feel like it - sometimes!
One thing I will do for next time is get rid of the bulk!
We headed for Monyash and watched big black clouds in the distance heading slowly towards us.
At Monyash we stopped at a cafe that centuries ago used to be a blacksmiths.
Through Monyash and then we picked up the Limestone Trail that would take us south.
At One Ash Grange farm we took a detour, following the river down Lathkill Dale, a nature reserve that was steeped either side with hills, rocky outcroppings and twisted trees.
Willow went straight for a dip and a drink!
There are old caves and mining holes here so it is a dangerous place to be and safe not to stray from the track.
The sheep were not bothered by mine or Willows presence and Willow didn`t chase them.
Mallards and waders swam by, keeping hold of drakes in tow, mating season was evident!
We sat for a little quiet reflection in the warm sunshine, just listening to nature at its calmest. No rustle of trees, no traffic just the bleat of sheep and quack of the ducks.
We carried on but dusk was now creeping through, it was time to find somewhere to stay.
We walked through and towards Over Haddon and followed a very steep uphill to Meadow Grange Place.
Following through the farm we came to style that even I was flabbergasted at! it was a 6ft high wall with steps going up, except the steps were not evenly placed and climbing up them was not an easy job.
Willow jumped up them with ease watching me from above as I struggled and then had cramp in my thigh! I must`ve looked a picture! Willow wagging her tail in amusement then she jumped down to which, when I eventually got to the top, could see she had dived into a huge muddy hole and was now brown! I laughed and she looked at me amusingly and ran around like a dog possessed before stopping by me and shaking madly, as if to say here, have some!
Although darkness had quickly descended I wanted to get to Youlgrave to a campsite there.
I could see the lights of the village in the distance.
At Youlgrave, I stopped at a park bench, not sure of my direction when a man was out walking his dog and he asked if we were ok, I then asked about a campsite, he made a phone call and put me in the right direction, I was pleased.
Church Farm camping and caravanning site made us feel very welcome and as it was a working farm, they were in full flow with calfing and they wouldn`t finish til early hours of the morning, but they made sure we were ok before they carried on.

The next morning would be 6th March 2009, and it had been a bitterly cold night with a hard frost, indeed I scrapped off the inside of the tent!


Our tent looked a little whiter than blue with the ice, but it wouldn`t take long to dry out with the sun on it, even if it was a chilly morning, it gave me an opportunity to speak to the people who run and own the farm and thank them for letting us stay.There was a steep downhill to contend with, but we didn`t mind. We met an elderly gentleman who was walking up it and he had the stride of a 20 year old. He had lived here all his life and was in his 80`s, but you wouldn`t have thought it! I love these places and I stopped briefly just to watch the smoke rise out of old chimney pots, burning wood or coal, a warm welcoming feel a real fire has, don`t give me gas or electric!
We rejoined the Limestone trail through fields and gentle rolling hills.
I slipped over wet ground and landed awkwardly on my pack.
After picking myself up and willow seemingly laughing at me, we made our way (with me limping!) to the outskirts of a place called Winster and stayed in our tent at the Miners Standard. The pub itself was a pub of old, a roaring fire and food beautifully cooked.
Willow plonked herself down in front of the warm glow.
After a good warm we went to the tent and I didn`t move for the rest of the evening.
The next day (7th march) I couldn`t move too well, but I was determined to get up and about and walk into Winster itself.

On the way down we came across a lovely old church. The reason I mention it is because when we were walking through the graveyard Willow stopped and stared, ears up and then she began to wag her tail, so at least I knew the spirits were friendly, at least towards my dog.

I remember when I was young and my dad had his dog, we did the exact same thing, walked through a graveyard and his dog was so terrified and wouldn`t leave his side. I had always said that if Willow didn`t feel comfortable I wouldn`t take her through, but we always seem to feel peace at churches or graveyards, probably because I have a great respect for those deceased.

Winster itself is an old mining Village and virtually the whole high street is grade 1 and 2 listed and the oldest building is the market hall. Remnants of days gone by are still visible above the door frames, it was like going back in time.

There was a classic car rally being held today too. Old majestic motors without there roofs meandering around the country roads, you could hear them before you saw them!

After another couple of days recuperating it was time to go and so we thanked the people at the Miners Standard and headed of back down the limestone trail we stayed in a farmers field that night.

Next morning we carried on down the limestone stone and picked up the Tissington Trail, only 9 miles long and this took us to Ashbourne where we found a campsite for the night.

The next day we headed back off to rejoin the limestone trail before it joined the Staffordshire way and the terrain changed again. Indeed hedges here were laid, an old form of keeping stock in the fields without modern day fencing and far more practical.

I prefer to look at these types of hedges!

The roads were quiet and the going was good, my aches and stiffness still evident and a happy dog I had still got!

It wasn`t long before we came to Uttoxeter and we asked if we could stay on the racecourse! Yes they said and stayed there overnight, but whilst in the tent I though someone had taken out a horse to run round the track - in the dark! until I checked my watch, 23:47! Maybe a horse had gotten out, Willow listened attentively, but we left it. Next morning I said about the horse and they looked back at me blankly! No - one knew what to make of it, was it a ghostly going on? make up your own mind on that!
We headed off and picked up the Staffordshire way again and found it to be a flat route and somewhat muddy and well used in places, still, we didn`t mind!

It wasn`t long before we hit Abbots Bromley. I didn`t realise that we had such lovely places that were still left in built up places, but this was lovely and we stayed the night.

The next morning I knew I would be back in Wolverhampton and at me mams for a few weeks, but on our way out, we came across a humorous sign and a road that looked like it drove straight into the water!

And so it was that this stage of the walk was finished - for now. We had covered about 300 miles and we had enjoyed the trip, I hoped that we would be off on our next travels by May............. I had gone through a pair of boots and 6 pairs of socks, not bad for the journey and Willow, Well she just enjoyed the lot and the vet gave her a good bill of health, her body reflected that of a 2 year old dog, not her mature 8 years!

Hull to Bakewell

It had rained some of the night, but that was not what woke us.
Someone was walking around the building behind our tent and it sounded like they were cleaning the windows - at 6am and still dark? well it was monday morning and anything was possible.

I think both me and Willow were still aching from yesterdays long although Willow rolled around and you wouldn`t have thought so!
Daylight brought a new look to where we were.

The river was still and we could see the humber bridge still a good few mile away and occasionally you could see the odd truck going over.
People began coming to work, I didn`t want to hang around so I packed quickly and we headed off, hopefully we`ll be able to get a cup of tea somewhere.
Just after 8am and the river we followed was fast flowing but quiet and followed it all the way to the humber bridge and beyond.

I let Willow off her lead which she was overjoyed and went to the nearest stick, expecting me to throw it for her! I couldn`t bend down, let alone throw it! But, I did make an attempt and promptly got myself stuck! another bottom in the air moment! Luckily there was a table and chairs and promptly supported myself upon it, Oh what a sight!
"Sorry Willow, but I won`t be throwing anything for a while" I said to her, she looked a little disappointed but she knew and didn`t pick up a stick again!
The track that had led us here had again been wooded but now gave way to an old stony railway line, ouch!
Heading up a small incline, we came to the dreaded style, one designed to stop quad bikes, not rucksacks! Bloody hell! Well, I couldn`t get through it, I tried going sideways, sliding a little way down the pole (no, no way!) bending my knees and forcing myself through..... no, ooops i`m stuck! Willow looked at me amusingly realising I had gotten into a position which was cumbersome! Tail wagging, she began barking. Was she trying to urge me through or was it going to be a lassie style rescue "what your mothers stuck between a couple of poles?!" I could imagine it now! No, she thought it was a game and ran through with ease which caused a little more flustering on my part that I shot up from my position and out of trouble, thankyou Willow! Now that that was over I decided on the throw myself over the fence mode, which I did do and it was no more easier!

In the distance was North Ferriby and Welton, the fields and woodland surrounding the area was lovely and behind Hull was bustling.
One day I`ll redo the whole route and with less weight in my rucksack.
I met a woman walking Her dogs who stopped and chatted as I found a seat to sit on.
We got up and headed towards her car and I continued on my journey.
I made a decision, the wrong one............

I knew we had to get to Brantingham, so I went off the beaten track, following signs that would take a couple of mile off our journey - or so I thought! After following a nice woodland walk following the signs we came to an abrupt end, the route had been closed of, No way! I was not amused. we carried on around the area and eventually came to a road, Beverly left and Melton right and straight on was the Wolds way, okay, which way now?
Somehow we had to get back and pick up the trail, so I retraced our steps and followed a not so busy road that would take us down to Elloughton, just as dusk and fog began to set in.
After a couple of mile we came across a farm and spoke to the lady there and asked if there was somewhere I could put my tent up for the night, She let us stay in a field of which I was very thankful. The ladies name was Pam, thankyou Pam.
We rose a little later this morning, thankful of a good nights rest and as were covering 10 mile a day, it doesn`t sound a lot, but it was taking its toll on me, my back learning to cope with the challenges of the weight and my legs struggling but never giving way.

The human body possesses something I don`t understand, it goes through hell and keeps going, I guess we put ourselves through challenges and we keep ourselves going somehow, our own resolve called into question but somehow with determination we keep going.
Pam asked us down for breakfast, which was lovely and we had a nice chat and she was able to put me in the right direction.
Pams instructions were brilliant! she got me back on the correct route and eventually came to village called Ellerker. It was like travelling back in time, the only things out of place were the cars. Old buildings jutted through buttresses and a sign on the village hall gave a detailed history of Ellerker`s past and its buildings.

Through Ellerker we headed for Broomfleet, crossing over railway lines and walking alongside fields that were waterlogged from the winters weather but the sun was now beating down and the mood of the walk seemed to have lifted as the day got unbelievably warmer, I couldn`t believe how far we had come.
Through Broomfleet and eventually onto Blacktoft, there was lovely pub there called the hope and anchor (and believe me it was!) where we could get food and stay, but before we reached Blacktoft we passed Faxfleet, which was once a busy little Port, but now like so many old ports relied on the tourism industry and then we reached Blacktoft.

The Hope and Anchor pub was set just of the river where the river Humber met the river Ouse.
After a lovely meal and as dusk was approaching we watched the river a couple of large barges heading down towards hull, zigzagging along the bends slowly.

Boats did once go to Selby but the ships were causing severe bank erosion so now they only go as far as Goole.
I decided that we wouldn`t do any walking tomorrow, a day of rest and have a look around.


There was no rush this morning, it was 25th Febraury 2009, a pleasant morning was in prospect and I put my wind up little radio on, whoever invented them, a brilliant idea!
Terry Wogan giving us his Janet and John stories, what could be better and it certainly gave me great amusement and I certainly couldn`t stop laughing! I shall look forward to tomorrows instalment!
Unfortunately there was no-where we could shower, good job for the wet wipes, "we shall b&b it friday" I said to Willow, who seemed to wag her tail in acknowledgement of a prospect of a proper bed!
I checked over my feet, there were blisters on my blisters and my boots looked in a sorry state, coming apart - already? The socks I had were supposed to be a tousand mile socks, but I hadn`t completed a thousand miles - yet just 65! But they had had it, holes right through!

We walked to the local church that was open for visitors and the gentleman there told me that Blacktoft was once a hustle and bustle of people coming and going and how the Romans had built bridges further west of the Ouse and the land going inland was once marsh and local landowners used to hire guides so people could go through safely.
The rest of the day was spent relaxing.


26th February 2009


There was no rush again this morning, listened to Terry Wogan and the Janet and John story, well that was it, set up for the day!
We headed off following The Ouse, passing Yokefleet and Saltmarshe and passed witty signs....



Nice to know people had a sense of humour!


The walk was flat and comfortable, following the river Ouse and watching the occassional boat meandering along it, then a big massive BANG! I hit the deck and Willow cowered by me, where was the shooting party, they had just shot at us! After hauling myself up and Willow looking at me expectantly I saw the shooting party- a tube attached to a gas bottle on a timer! Clever idea to keep the birds away from crops and scare any walkers not expecting it! with a chuckle I dusted myself down and Willow sensing no danger and my obvious amusement wagged her tail furiously and preceeded to dart around the fields playfully!
We headed towards a village called Skelton and walked across the tops of the embankments that acted as a barrier against the rising waters, passing a few signs inland which made me think that although it was pleasant now the water could be a raging torrent with persistent rain.
In the distance I could see the bridge for the M62 and we were heading back towards the river.
We met a couple who told me you could see Selby Abbey before we got there, but at the present time all I could see were massive cooling towers infront.
It was time to stop for the night, the rest of the journey we would carry ion tomorrow and the B&B - hopefully, I was looking forward to it!

The night was not a cold one and the cooling towers seemingly larger than life this morning!
We carried on our journey passing Bamber on the Marsh and eventually into Selby.
I had decided on not travelling too far today, we had done 7 miles today, with nothing to write about, which was a little disappointing!
After locating Selby`s tourist information, I asked if there was anywhere we could stay, no came the answer, we would have to travel another 5 miles the wrong way or carry onto chesterfield, bypassing Sheffield and Doncaster.
Well, my decision was made we took the train to Chesterfield and its crooked spire.
We found a lovely b&b there called the Acorn and stayed a couple more days to recuperate properly.


28th february 2009


The b&b was spacious and a lovely old building with several floors, beautifully decorated and not too far from Chesterfield city centre.
With my back not too good and heavy swollen knees and ankles and a limp (more of a shuffle) that would slow me down I wasn`t going far - not today.
We walked into Chesterfield with its wonderful old buildings, black and white oak beams decorating the buildings and a huge market seemingly covering every part of the town.
After a lovely couple of days at the B&B, it was time to move on and we would be going to Bakewell today.

We caught a bus to Bakewell and I had forgotten what it had looked like, again 27 years had changed the place - although not much.
The town and its little market was wonderful and so too were the views and the iconic bridge










The bridges and the countryside, still thriving and the old town still tall and proud and the Bakewell Tart is to die for!
I recommend you pop to Bakewell and try some of its delicious recipes!

Wrygarth Inn to Hull

Bang! a gun could be heard, then several more bangs in the distance.

It had been a chilly night but nothing compared to a couple of months ago.

The noise of the shooting party helped get me up, 7am! oh what joy, the morning was bright and I needed the loo!

No one was up, no where to go, so off me and willow trundled, toilet roll in hand back down the track and out of sight - or so I thought!

In full flow was I when a man walking his dog popped on by!

He promptly turned around and waited for me to finish but i could do nothing for laughing and the only thought that popped into my head was " does my bum look big from where you are?!" and entered more fits of giggles.

I quickly arose and raced down the track and back to the tent with visions of the poor bloke seemingly not amused!

After packing we went back to the track and followed it, in the opposite direction of the toilet incident!

The morning had started bright but now it had begun to cloud over and was getting chilly.

The route we followed was flat and not hilly.

Hull was only 9 miles away and I had no accommodation so again I would be taking pot luck on where I would be staying, which didn`t bother me, a little apprehensive maybe.

The wooded trees eventually gave way to lush green fields and with hardly a soul about, it was a quiet affair.

We met a farmer and his dog and walked with him awhile towards his farm, talking he was pleasant and it was nice company.

The track eventually gave way to busy main roads and built up areas, we were on the outskirts of Hull, then began our problems..........

We saw a signpost showing the direction of the trans pennine route and followed that, then came across 3 others all pointing in different directions! which one , toss of the coin I think! eventually I asked a local car dealer and he pointed me in the right direction. We headed for the deep.

Hull was a busy bustling place and where we were headed it was new and quite a bit in new development , it had (like so many towns and cities) been developed and the old demolished and new bought in, though not always for the better.

I met a young man called Stewart, who had been living rough for a while. He had lost his home and made no excuse for his life and was now living under bushes and through his bottle of cider, blurred and confused he wanted more out of his life.

He was friendly and shook my hand and left.

We talked for a good 20 minutes, but how many people apart from those t shelter, The Salvation Army and other groups would talk to this man?

How many would see him as a person and not as he is now, scruffy?

Many have probably passed him by, called him an alcy, thought him a layabout and probably up to no good.

Me? I saw bits and pieces of me in him and I saw him as a person and beyond his alcohol, which is why he shook my hand, I took time for him and gave him some of my time, would you?

I was struggling again, the pack was heavy to start, but it was proving to be a severe discomfort, but I hadn`t found anywhere to stay just yet.

Willow and myself carried on the slow painful walk! passing the deep and watching as dusk was fast approaching. We walked across the rooftops at hull harbour and we passed a man walking his dog and he turned around and walked with us, I was glad of some company and he offered to carry my pack! I thanked him but if I`m struggling I wouldn`t like to think what it would do to him!

We chatted for a good hour about anything, he told me about the new developments and how it was killing of the town centre, something alot of places know about, big massive centres overtaking the small communities that once thrived, I hate these big massive stores.

We bade our goodbyes and he wished us luck and it was not long before we had left the hub of hull and were heading towards the humber bridge, just visible in the distance some 5 mile away.

We came across some fishermen when one asked if I`d like a cup of tea, I was delighted!

It gave me a good opportunity to put my pack down and boy was I glad and Willow enjoyed the welcome break!

Here was I in the middle of Hull about 3 mile from the humber bridge drinking tea with fishermen I had never met, I came as a stranger but we parted as friends and they gave me helpful advice.

It was now 7pm and very dark, I had to find somewhere to stay and quickly, eventually we came across a small grassed area near some big posh buildings over looking the river and in the distance flashing lights of the humber bridge.