But we slapped on the factor 20 and 50 and set off, puffing and panting up the hills to the high point of the park, 'Old John' as the folly at the very highest point of the park is known (photograph taken from the road along the bottom of the park).
Stopping periodically to sit in the shade and cool off a bit, we made our way towards the road, via a small wood of ancient oak trees. They're so old, in fact, that often the only living part is the outer 'shell', with the core of the tree rotting, or even completely hollow.
I have a thing for trees at the best of times so I was busy taking photos as we wandered among them. I remember clambering around in them when I was a kid.
They're just so beautiful and... old.
We also had the ubiquitous 'group' photo.
Down on the road, we had about 3/4 of a mile to walk back to the car, but we had a brief stop at a cafe where we enjoyed a cup of tea and sat talking. The closer we got to the car park the more people there were - everyone seemed to be enjoying the sunshine, kids paddling in the stream and dripping ice cream all down themselves. The deer were doing the sensible thing and were crashed out in the shade under the trees. There didn't appear to be any fawns yet, which surprised me a bit, but maybe it's just too early.
Back at the car park I ditched my bag in the car and we went and indulged ourselves in an ice cream and sat by the stream and ate them. Then we headed for home. A lovely day out.
PS: There's an interesting bit about Bradgate on this website:
http://www.woodland-trust.org.uk/ancient-tree-forum/events/eventinfo/events_calke.htm
