walkpeaks

Jack Frost nipping at our ears...........

2012-01-20T18:09:00.001+01:00

....and we were glad of it too, it meant that the muddy fields and paths were put into stasis by the low temperatures. We LOVE low temp's, so we set off to Great Longstone, where the walk started.

These fish seemed quite happy under the ice in a trough outside one of the village cottages.

This impressive line of troughs was ice free, though. Probably because the water was running all the time.

The wall surrounding the churchyard was a bit of a shock - it was in a TERRIBLE state. It really needs some care and attention..........

Ah, I might have known. In the Peak District, we have an organisation that is supposed to look after the area. They do a lot of good work, there's no denying that, but they also have a very hard core of 'little Hitlers' who make it their job to really antagonise residents. You see some of the most appalling freaks of building (look at Bakewell's agricultural centre for one) where the Peak Park have given the all clear, then you get something simple like this. WHY do they have to make things so hard (and expensive) - it's a graveyard WALL, not some rich mans palace that will be flouting the planning rules! (Rant over)

The first signs of spring, as usual - SNOWDROPS! It does the heart good to see the first bunches pushing their way through the cold, hard ground.

Amazingly, we also saw this bunch of Primula (looking a bit more bedraggled than the snowdrops - probably due to the frost having nipped them too).

We turned into the fields, and headed forward towards our goal - Longstone edge.

In no time at all, we were on the lower slopes and looking back at the frozen landscape.

Looking over the cold, hard frosty land.

In all this frost though, the ever-present Gorse had flowers for us. You know what they say - kissin's out of fashion, when Gorse is out of flower.

Disappointingly though, this pretty flower has no real scent to it.

As we reached the top of the edge, we saw this 'spaceship'. Was it one of those underground houses we'd seen on 'Grand Designs'??? No, it turned out to be just a reservoir when we investigated it.

The huge scar of workings on High Rake. Actually, this wasn't too bad. You could only see it when you were on top of it. They are old workings that have recently been re-visited.

Looking across to Curbar edge.

In Calver village, we came across this strange set of 'covered' troughs. The only information I could glean about them was they might have been to supply water to the miners in a local mine many years ago. I'm still trying to find out more about them.

Curbar gap & the edges, from just below Bank wood.

Looking back to Curbar edge.

The beautiful, ethereal scene from Bank wood. Not the clearest of days, but a treat to the eyes, all the same.

Sue walking though Bank wood.

Although drab, with no leaves on the trees at this time of the year, the sunshine picked out the moss on the walls to great effect.

The difference between an old working, and a new one.

We walked into the village of Hassop. The most imposing building (that can be seen) there is Hassop church. You can read more about it here; http://www.derbyshireheritage.co.uk/Menu/Buildings/Churches/all-saints-hassop.php

Always a sucker for a lone tree, I went into the fields to capture this one.

As we made our way back to Great Longstone, the winter sun began to set in a most spectacular fashion. No matter HOW many times I witness this phenomenon, it always humbles me. Sue and I feel SO privileged to be able to see this throughout the year, in all seasons, and we never take it for granted!

A beautiful end to another perfect day.

Wham, bam........

2012-01-13T18:10:00.000+01:00

.......thank you.....for Bamford edge! Lots of recent rain meant that the fields were VERY muddy. Solution? Take to the edges. It's been a while since we were on our favourite edge, so that's where we made tracks for on Tuesday. We parked at the roadside (seeing as the once free car park at Newholme is now pay and display - it always happens), and drank in the first iconic view of the Ladybower viaduct. Somewhere this side of it once stood the village of Ashopton, now deeply submerged in the cold, acidic waters of the reservoir. To read about Ashopton, click here; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashopton_Village

We started on our way up. Since the 'open access' laws were passed, this edge, and many, many other beautiful and wild places, have been accessible to all. Thank goodness for that law - places as lovely and unproductive as this should not be private. We were doing the edge 'backwards' today. In the past, we'd always done it South to North, as the wayfinding wasn't easy. Now that people are starting to come here more, paths are marked and being walked.

As we made our way up towards Bamford edge, the views over the reservoir, across the open countryside to Kinder Scout and beyond opened up more. The two prominent knolls in the foreground are Crook hill.

Sue makes her way among the browns of the bracken, along an obvious path, with Win Hill poking up in front. You can also see Lose hill as well on the right.

NOW the view was good! The weather wasn't perfect, but it felt REALLY good to be out and high.

The Wheel stones on Derwent edge, just peeping over the horizon.

To our delight, we heard Buzzard calling overhead, and watched as two pair cavorted and soared in the sky above us.

The reservoir was full to overflowing - literally! By the time we got back from our walk and took a stroll across the top of the dam, this overflow would have stopped. I was SURE I had seen it going over when we were up here, and it was only when I checked the photo that I saw I was right.

Time to pause and reflect on what was around us.

Sue, silhouetted against the cloudy sky.

The sharp top of Bamford edge.

The wind, frost and rain can create some weird effects.

Looking south along the edge.

The only blot on this fantastic landscape - Hope cement works.

The Ladybower dam, with Win hill behind. The dam was strengthened in the 90's, you can read about it here; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ladybower_Reservoir

Old mill stones left over and abandoned up on the edge.

Looking south to Froggatt and Cubar edges.

Bizarrely, we saw this mat at a stile - I know the fields are a bit muddy, but REALLY!!!!

We next had to cross the river Derwent by some stepping stones. No problem - there they are - just a little bit of water coming over them...........

Just hitch up the trouser bottoms, and we'd be ok, I reckon?

"Now just hang on", said Sue - "let me check the map. I'm NOT going over those no matter WHAT you say......"

We decided that it was a BIT too deep to go on, so we quickly re-wrote the walk and continued along the road. We then joined the bed of a disused railway that once served for the construction of the Ladybower dam. The view to our right of the edge we'd been on earlier was good. On a clear evening, the sunset lights this edge up flaming red. Sadly, tonight was not one of those nights.

Early signs of spring - the first catkins we've seen.

As I said, we walked across the dam for one last look over the reservoir in the dying rays of the day, then it was back home. This was the view over the water from the middle of the dam towards Derwent edge.

Ram Raid!

2012-01-06T09:53:00.001+01:00

Today we REALLY wanted a walk, but the weather forecast was for heavy rain and high winds. The forecast did look slightly better by the time the BBC had changed its mind for the umpteenth time, but lo and behold, when we looked out of the window at 8:00am, it was LASHING down! We sat, looking out forlornly at the rain as it beat against the windows......and waited.

At around midday, the clouds parted and it brightened up a bit. We quickly made a flask and some butties (sandwiches), and shot off to do a short walk over Ramshaw rocks. We pass these rocks whenever we go to see Sue's son, and I had vowed they were next on the walk list. As we topped the moors, we could see this dramatic sight in front of us. It was just like some God showing us where the rocks were. (Don't forget, you can click on any image to see a larger version.)

After taking pictures, we parked up just below them, and got out of the car........in the driving snow! We REALLY needed our four layers today, plus warm hats and gloves. The weather changed as soon as we got going, and we set our sights high.

Determined, we pressed on to the top of Ramshaw to be rewarded with spectacular views. most of which were directly into the sun, so the camera didn't stand a chance of getting what we were enjoying seeing. We spent far more time than we could afford, scrambling over the rocks, enjoying the fierce wind and views before heading off towards the Roaches. This is Sue, and that building hunched up on the far ridge is the Mermaid pub, as bleak and remote a place as you'll ever find.

The cold couldn't get to me through all the layers!

The light now just got better and better. This kind of light is a photographers dream, and I tried my best to get some good shots. This is looking back across the Ramshaw ridge.

Shutlingsloe was clearly visible, just across the fields.

Another shot of the Mermaid pub. The name alludes to the myth that a mermaid appears in a pool on the top of the Roaches (Doxey's pool) once a year, and gives the gift of either eternal life, or certain death by being dragged into the murky depths!

Some impressive rocks stand on the ridge, this one looked really good with the sun behind it.

We decided to have a late lunch on the lower reaches of the Roaches, just enjoying the changing light and super views. This derelict barn made a very atmospheric picture in the golden light of the low sun.

Tittesworth reservoir.

Looking back to Ramshaw rocks from the lower Roaches.

The Mermaid pub looked even more remote now, looking at it from here.

Hen Cloud. We had intended going up it, but time and light were now at a premium, so that will have to wait for next time.

Stark shadows & perfect light highlighted everything on this ridge.

We sat down in the lee of a large boulder to snatch some lunch. Looking up at the rock face, we could almost feel the ghost of Don Whillans was with us. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_Whillans He, and MANY other famous climbers, cut their teeth on these difficult gritstone buttresses.

Wait.....is that Don I see there, hunched over a difficult move?

...........See him now?

It was then that we decided we had to make for the car and not go on to the top, as time was getting short. Luckily, we knew there was a road we could end the walk along, so fading light wasn't too much of an issue. One last look around in this light, then it was time for a sharp exit.

It was dark when we got back to the car, it had only been a short walk of about three hours, but we were VERY well rewarded for making the effort.

Lack of walks :-(

2011-12-30T09:50:00.001+01:00

What with Xmas and all, we've not had a walk now for almost a month, so REALLY hoping the weather isn't too bad next week when we next get a chance. I DID get a chance to shoot up into the fields above Haddon hall to get some nice shots of it in the sun (which I failed to do on our last walk as the weather wasn't very good).

As you can see, looking over Bakewell, it was a LOT better today.

....and over towards Chatsworth.

One of our favourite pubs, the Three Stags, is trimmed up for Christmas now. The landlord makes almost all of the decorations himself from natural things, and even collects his own mistletoe.

This is the fireplace and centre beam of the bar.

The back room. You can see the bower above the fireplace. Those are real apples in the middle of it.

Plus a big bunch of mistletoe......just in case - should get plenty of use on New Years Eve. :-)

Another unusual thing about the stags is this - when you walk in, you wonder why there's a fox's tail above the door and 'into' the wall??

.....then, when you look on the other side.......

A HAPPY NEW YEAR to all my readers, may you have health and happiness in 2012.

Wreckless on Bleaklow

2011-12-18T00:25:00.000+01:00

It's two for the price of one this week - the first walk was cut short (picture-wise) by heavy, prolonged rain - the second was a great walk, but.....ummmmm SOMEONE accidentally deleted all the pictures.......DOH!

Anyway, the first walk was from home, through Bakewell, over the footbridge to the Agricultural centre, and on towards the Haddon estate. My aim was to try and get some good shots of Haddon hall, but the sun didn't shine all day. This was the view of the very full river and weir.

Recent storms had caused noticeable damage. This thick branch had been completely rent by the wind. It takes some force to do this kind of damage!

However, if you want PROPER damage, a lightning bolt does the trick nicely. This tree was split in half a few years ago by such a bolt, but to this day it hangs on to life!

The power of nature. This is (was) a very sturdy fence, but the falling tree paid it no heed on it's way to earth. The tough steel fence might as well have been made of rubber.

The 'best' views today of Haddon Hall. It's a hall I only went into for the first time recently, but we're planning to visit it and do the full tour soon.

We made our way to the quiet little hamlet of Alport, near to Youlgrave. This really is a quiet backwater. It felt soothing just to BE here.

The old mill. All this land, and these buildings, are on the Haddon estate, and belong to it.

There was some REALLY good fungi around today, sadly none of it good eating. It made for super pictures, though.

Shortly after the fungi pics, the rain came, with a vengeance, and the camera was quickly consigned to the rucksack until we got home. Now then, these next pictures explain the title of this posting. I had seen a story about aircraft wrecks on Bleaklow, a moor that you cross on the second day of the Pennine way. I decided we hadn't been up there for while, so off we went to try and find the wreck of the 'over-exposed' B29 that crashed up here in 1946;

http://www.peakdistrictaircrashes.co.uk/pages/peakdistrict/peakdistrict44-61999.htm

When we got out of the car at Bleaklow, it was BITTERLY cold. We quickly added a couple of warm layers, and set off across the moor.

There was still plenty of snow about as we followed the Pennine Way over the moor.

People wonder how you can get lost (or not find aircraft wreckage) up here, but believe me - it's not hard when it's so featureless, as these moors are. It's also disconcerting when any little feature, like a set of stones, or a wooden post, quickly disappear as you walk.

This is Bleaklow head (and yours truly). It was from here that we took a compass bearing and walked off into the pathless moor, but didn't manage to find any wreckage. We intend to go back on a better day, with more light and time, to see how far off we were.

In search of Autumn

2011-11-30T02:01:00.000+01:00

This year has been a really strange one, weather-wise. It's been far too warm, and it seems to have taken nature by surprise! Nothing seems to know what to do. Flowers are blooming when they shouldn't, birds are laying eggs (a clutch of 7 ducklings appeared last week), and the leaves don't know what colour to be! We went 'in search of autumn' to see if we could capture the colours. We had mixed success.

This is where we started from, Ashford in the Water. The trees behind

Ashford church.

So, with the warm, autumn sun on our shoulders, we set off.

The iconic sheepwash bridge at Ashford, second only to Bakewell bridge.

Soon, we were pulling up Great Shacklow woods. Autumnal, but not that carpet of leaves we were looking for?

.....not in THAT position, I haven't!

The skies were clearing now, and the visibility was - well, infinity!

A splash of brown among the green.

Looking North, from above Taddington. Hard to believe, in all this serenity, that the busy A6 road was in the valley to our right. It was SO peaceful here.

As we passed through Taddington village, we saw this terrible accident!

She was a throwback to the recent Halloween witch competition.

This is what I would describe as the perfect sky. Those huge cumulus clouds always do it for me.

Daisies, clinging on the very last of the good weather. Looking a bit bedraggled now, though.

We left Taddington and took in the hard climb to the top of the nature reserve above Millers dale. There was a recently refurbished house on the very top, just behind us here. remote, I know - but WHAT a view!

The wall patterns here are great, with the light JUST right to highlight them. Like a huge, finished jigsaw puzzle in front of us.

Looking over Water-cum-Jolly dale and Cressbrook.

The magnificent hostel building at Tideswell dale, set in an autumn sea of colour'

We lost all the height that we won during the day to cross the river at Litton mill.

These lovely red leaves caught my eye.

We called to see a friend in Cressbrook village, and were AMAZED to see these flowers in the garden. Nature really HAD been tricked!

We stayed FAR too long and, although we were offered a (declined) lift, we needed to press on, as evening was drawing in. We crossed the weir to climb back up to the old railway line.

Bottoms up - cheers!

As expected, we had talked for too long and ended up finishing the walk in the dark. With the moon so small, its light was no help, but we couldn't fault it for trying!

Thanks to you ALL!

2011-11-27T09:31:00.000+01:00

Thanks to everyone who reads my blog - today was a milestone - I passed ten THOUSAND views! Click on the picture for a larger view.

Les

Matlock, and the dizzy heights.

2011-11-18T20:01:00.000+01:00

We decided on a more local walk today. It had been a good while since we'd been around the Matlocks, so we parked up in the town and set off. Of course, we were drawn to the grounds of High Tor. You used to have to pay to walk over here, but now it is free (so it should be). The skeleton of Riber Castle was to our left. Never a fortification, just a very grand private dwelling. You can read more here; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Riber_castle

In front of us - High Tor and the gash of the beginnings Matlock Bath.

Looking down from High Tor. From here it is a vertical drop to the river below.

This is the start of a path called 'giddy edge' - can you guess why? For the giddy amongst you, there's an easy option over the top, but this was always going to be our path :-)

The path gets thinner - and giddier!

Yes, that IS a vertical drop to the left!

We saw LOTS of berries about, some say a sure sign of a hard winter to come. These looked like a lovely red necklace.

Close study of the berry.

After Giddy edge, we dropped down the High Tor grounds, and spotted this gorge in the rocks. The sign said; 'no public access', so we climbed the fence to explore further!

WHAT a little gem this is. I imagine it's only stupid health and safety that prevents this being exploited. If this was in France, it would be made into SUCH an attraction. Sue said she was sure the local kids knew every inch of this place (I would if I was a kid living nearby). It was a little wonderland, and we really enjoyed following it as it twisted and turned. We've no idea how it got there, if it was natural, or what.

In some places it was a tight squeeze - all the more exciting.

After a very enjoyable half hour exploring, we emerged and made our way to the grounds exit. Here, you see the cable car station. The cars go up to the heights of Abraham, an easy option if you don't fancy the hard climb..

We decided to walk up there - this is a fine view of Matlock Bath from the road above. The roads (and paths) are quite vertiginous here, almost to the point of impassable, but people live up here - God knows what they did when we had all that snow last year.

I saw this really unusual inclusion in a gable end. It looks like a crying boy

Matlock Bath to Ember farm, 600 feet in half a mile! This is Sue, pulling up the incline. Photo's NEVER do it justice, this was one damn hard climb!

T'owd man of Bonsall. Wikipedia says this about 'him';

There is a tiny carving in Wirksworth Church, taken from Bonsall Church during a restoration project and never returned, of a miner with his pick and "kibble" or basket. The carving is known as "t'Owd Man of Bonsall."

They also have this stunning map, almost a work of art, displayed near the cross.

The detail in it is beautiful. We spent quite a while examining it all over. It was obvious a LOT of time and attention to detail had gone into making this.

After eating our lunch in the sunshine, we left Bonsall by a leafy track.

Soon, though, we were out in the open fields in greatly improving weather.

Looking over the Wensleydale valley to the hamlet of Oker from Jughole wood.

Fungi was starting to show now - shame there were no field mushrooms yet.

As we dropped into Snitterton, we saw that the owners of the hall were having an underground pool built. You have to be VERY serious about your morning dip to want to spend THIS much money to get it!!

The bull ring at Snitterton. They used to tie bulls up to these and have them 'baited' by dogs. You can read more about this practice here; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bull-baiting

We saw no bulls today - but we DID encounter a very friendly hen. I keep some seed in my rucksack for just such occasions. The hen seemed very happy with this idea.

Oker hamlet. We crossed the fields, before turning right and following the river back into the centre of Matlock, and a welcome coffee.

Lakes, final part.

2011-11-13T09:48:00.003+01:00

Here we go - the last part. Don't forget, Blogger has now added a slideshow facility, so if you click on any picture, you will see a slideshow.

We puffed and panted up the steep, winding path until we reached the ridge. It was a glorious day and we could see for MILES! I remember coming along this ridge from Stonethwaite, when I did the coast to coast walk in 1993. That was a REALLY hot day, as I remember.

Although there were clouds about, we were bathed in sunshine (which made the climb a pretty warm affair). It was going to be hard to leave here in these perfect conditions when it was time to head home.

Sue got to the top first.

Sue, on Helm Crag. That crag looks nice........

....of course, I HAD to have a go!

The view from the top was brilliant. You can just see Easedale tarn in that dip.

Looking back along the valley we drove down.

Grasmere. We sat in the lee of the outcrop and had lunch. Unexpectedly, it began to rain. We had quite a heavy shower for about 15 minutes.

Then this.

The rain blew over, and we soon dried out in the warm sunshine and breeze. We set off down.

These pastures are VERY green-looking for the time of year.

This was more like it - a lane of autumn leaves.

Looking back to Helm crag.

The sky cleared quickly, and left these fabulous shots with lovely clouds and perfect clarity.

This incredible set of walls across the valley must have taken a massive amount of time to build.

A nice set of stepping stones in the beck.

So we made our way back to the car, passing this chocolate box cottage on the way.

And that was the end of our Lakes trip :-(

We'd had mixed weather, but on the whole, we really loved it. It had been far too long since we'd been among the mountains, and we vowed it wouldn't be as long until the next time.

Lakes, part six

2011-11-13T09:39:00.001+01:00

Our last day here in the Lakes, and we decided to go to some hot spots that I hadn't visited before, and also maybe do a low level walk before going home. The car was all packed, but we left the boots etc within easy reach. First 'tick' was Ashness bridge - probably the most photographed bridge in the Lakes. If the weather is good, the view behind it is STUNNING. Today, it was a bit so-so, due to the low cloud, but still lovely.

On the road to Ashness, there is a break in the trees, and you are afforded what is called 'the secret view'. This is it. Again, if only that cloud wasn't so low.

The top of Derwentwater and the fells, the sun was JUST starting to break through.

Cat Bells.

After that, we decided we HAD to visit 'Watendlath', as that was the name of our cabin. Sue has been here before, but I hadn't. You got to it via a single track road about 3 miles long, with passing places, - it must be a NIGHTMARE in the summer! At the end of the road, why was I not surprised to see the ubiquitous cark park, where the MINIMUM charge to stop is £3:70! Needless to say, I wasn't going to pay that much for ten minutes of photographs. This is the tarn at Watendlath.

Many walks start from here, so it's very popular. The words 'fish' and 'bucket' come to mind.

On the way back, I snapped this stone that the road passes. Not much chance of widening the road, and yet small lorries have to negotiate it to deliver gas to the farm at the end of the track.

Next we visited the Bowder Stone (car park, minimum £3:70). Victorians had, for some reason, decided to put a staircase to the top of it. It's VERY slippery up there as the rock has been well-polished by countless numbers of feet. The view wasn't bad though.

After that, we drove towards Grassmere, intending to walk around the lake, but the weather had improved so much, we pulled up in a lay-by, booted up and set off 'up'ards'!

This cottage stands alone with a cracking view. Amazingly, it dates back to 1577!!

Now things were REALLY improving, and the layers started to peel off as the heat got to us. Also, we were about to start to climb in earnest.

Here we go then, Sue - knees in chest!

There was our goal - Helm Crag. This was one place I'd been before, as it's on the coast-to-coast route. It's only a little 'un at 405 metres, but it's quite famous. Read more here; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helm_Crag

The 'Lion and the Lamb' is clearly visible on the road approach, but you don't get the correct aspect on this climb.

Lakes, part five.

2011-11-07T20:02:00.001+01:00

Here we are at the top of Grassmoor. There was a howling gale, which necessitated a hat and gloves (but I stuck with the shorts). It wasn't really cold, but VERY windy - the tail end of some Yankee hurricane ;-)

We hunkered down in the lee of the summit shelter and enjoyed our lunch and a flask of hot coffee. We stayed on the summit for quite a while. We never want to leave once we're up there, it's usually time that dictates.

Today, there was no real rush, but we eventually made our way back down to Buttermere.

Of course - after all that hard work, one deserves a reward........

.....so does two - CHEERS

We decided to take the long route back, as we still had daylight and wanted to take advantage of it. This is the top end of Buttermere.

Looking back down Buttermere in the improving evening light.

Fleetwith pike and Green crag.

Honister pass. I LOVE these Lakeland passes. To drive, photograph or just walk above, all a delight.

Clearing weather over Catbells, with a finger of light pointing out detail.

Blencathra, I'm glad we're not up there this evening, it looks a bit dire!

Fallen leaves on the road home.

The next morning we had a visit from Dave & Chris, who own Walking World ( www.walkingworld.com ) A great site with over 5,500 walks (and a site to which I contribute walks in the Peak District). It had been a while since we'd seen them, so it was great to get out and chew over the fat. This is Sue and Chris, climbing above Derwentwater.

The day did NOT look promising, but we live in hope!

Again, a mixed-up Foxglove flowering in October.

Nice rays - worrying clouds.

As we reached the end of the lake, it started to spit with rain.

It STILL looks lovely though, even in a mantle of mist and cloud.

Before the serious rain started, we managed to get a few shots in of Lodore falls, amazingly, free to view!

Video of falls; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FswX1xsVa4M

The weather then really closed in, and the rest of the walk was spent under hoods and waterproofs. A bit dismal, you can see what it looked like here; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhPNH6TtnkA Still, all this water brought out some lovely fungi, which you KNOW I love to take pictures of.

These fragile little brackets were on a broken branch.

This stump was covered in a lovely patch of honey fungus.

That night we went out for a meal with Chris and David. It was a bit of a disappointment, not as good as the 'Casa Bella' bistro, but we made the most of it and enjoyed the good company.

Lakes, part four.

2011-11-07T19:38:00.000+01:00

Tuesday, and it rained REALLY hard during the night. We lay awake listening to it clattering on the wooden roof of our cabin. When we got up, it had stopped, but the skies still looked full of it. Nothing ventured, nothing gained though, so we booted up and set off to Buttermere.

We parked up in a little lay-by near the beautiful, simple Buttermere chapel. Buttermere means 'lake by the meadow'.

We started the climb up to Whiteless edge, looking over the valley to the amazing Lakeland pass we drove along that runs from Braithwaite to Buttermere. Incredibly, this pass doesn't have a name!

Susie puts her back into the start of the climb. That mountain range behind her includes Haystacks on the left, which is where the ashes of the famous Lakeland author, Alfred Wainright, were scattered. You can read all about him here; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alfred_Wainwright

I must have seen happier faces, but I can't remember when!

Looking down to Crummock water, with Lowes water behind. The autumn mantle was beginning to wrap the lakes. This was just the beginning.

I had a bit of a knee problem, but with the support, it was kept in check and I could do these climbs ok.

Wandope and Whiteless edge

To our left, we could see part of the top of Grasmoor. It was only now that we decided to walk to the top of it. Todays walk had always been 'suck it and see', but now we had fair weather and the bit between our teeth, we were rearing to go!

The view up the valley was great too. We've both done that edge you can see, so we were eager to add the part to the top of Grassmoor, unseen over to our left, to our list.

But first - this one had to be climbed. The path up it was STRAIGHT - knees in chest time.

Behind us, the sun was wrestling with the clouds to shine through, and WHAT a show it was giving us.

The rays raced effortlessly across mountains and valleys, picking out this feature and that.

WOW! This was better than any man-made show, it deserves the word awesome!

The wind was starting to get up as we got higher.

The rays were now concentrating on the Rannerdale knotts and Crummock water, to our left.

The next part sees us top out on a VERY windy Grasmoor. If you want to see just HOW windy - look here;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ez26J5_Bl3s

To be continued........

Lakes, part three.

2011-10-30T10:09:00.000+01:00

Sunday dawned, and the heatwave 'enjoyed' for the last week broke. Rain was in the air. Our intended day consisted of a 'rest day' with a trip on an Ullswater lake steamer, then a walk back along the lakeside. As the rain persisted, and the cloud was very low, we went to Ambleside for a mooch around to see if things would improve as the day went on., but they didn't really. We left, and drove to Thirlmere, where we got out of the car, and I spotted some good fungi in the damp conditions.

This is the deadly one - Fly Agaric.

There were other flowers around too, some real surprises for us. I snapped this orchid........

....and, amazingly, a newly-flowering foxglove - in OCTOBER!!! This weather really was playing havoc with nature.

We also called by Aira Force. Sue had seen this before, but I hadn't. With the night rains, it was quite spectacular.

The beck made for some good shots too.

The more we waited, the worse things got and, by now, the light but persistent drizzle had set in - not good. We drove round the 'quiet' side of Thirlmere and ate our lunch on the shoreside. We then settled down - and went to sleep! The Helvellyn trip had taken it out of us, but then we had enjoyed it SO much, so maybe this siesta was needed for the coming week.

So, we got back to 'Watendlath' cabin early, and decided to hit the town.

This is the inside of the Dog & Gun pub in Keswick. It was always busy when we went in, with friendly bar staff, great food and a buzzing atmosphere. The pub was famous for it's goulash. Should we try it?

Well - it would be RUDE, not to! We loved it so much, we had it again later in the week. Its reputation was WELL deserved.

This morning (Monday) looked a bit dire, but at least the night-time torrential rain had abated. Our aim today was to bag the peak we could see from the cabin - Latrigg. At only just over 1,200 feet, it's one of the minor fells in the area, but the views from it are so good, it makes it a popular one. We 'needed' to do it just to see for ourselves. Also, it was a gentle walk to re-start our bodies after a day off.

The sun wasn't shining, but this little robin was happy to sing us on our way.

The top of Latrigg - not an exciting mountain really, but enough for us today just in case the weather turned really bad. For now though, things improved slightly.

We kept our eyes on the 'big guy' (Skiddaw) to our left, but it stayed sheathed in cloud.

Likewise the fells around catbells. This view is really stunning, one of the 'quintessential' in the lakes (like Ashness bridge the other end of the valley) and, even today with this weather, it felt great to be looking at it.

Again, this seat must be a really special place - on another day! The rain had just started to fall, so it was hoods up time for us.

Every cloud has a silver lining, and here were the first of many natural laser-type shows of light through the clouds.

After topping Latrigg, we turned left up the exciting-sounding Lonscale Crags - but of course, today they were hidden in the cloud. Still, I can think of a lot worse places to be walking.

Looking back along the crag path towards Keswick (all the crags are to the left......somewhere).

The drizzle had stopped now, but things still looked decidedly wet ahead. It was almost time for lunch, so we made for the head of the valley to sit and eat.

After lunch (sitting in a steady rain) we set of back. The rain stopped, and stayed away for the rest of the journey back. What was supposed to be an 'short, easy' walk had turned into an all-dayer but we both loved it.

Some of the autumn leaves were fallen already, but there was still a long way to go, and there would be some super photo's to be had in the coming weeks. Conditions dictated that this would probably be one of the most colourful autumns for many years.

We eventually joined an old, disused railway line that ran back to Keswick. There were several of these sturdy old sturdy bridges.

We arrived back at Keswick station early evening. It's a beautiful building, and well preserved too.

That night we 'went Italian' to a little bistro called 'Casa Bella', and it lived up to its name - we had a really lovely meal, in nice surroundings, served by cheerful people. Tomorrow, we had another 'big one' planned. Neither of us had done Grasmoor, above Buttermere - it was time to put that right!

Lakes, part two

2011-10-21T09:59:00.000+02:00

Sue gets an early start to the day. We had a big day ahead, so a hearty breakfast was called for (and eaten).

The weather WAS a little cooler, so we were really excited about doing Striding Edge.

On the way, we drove along Ullswater. It looked very peaceful and serene.

Also, the fells looked good in their blue mantle.

Today it was time to 'tick off' Striding edge (at least, for me. Sue had done it three times before). We did attempt it last time we came, but here's what it was like - you can probably agree with me when I tell you I decided to go back and save the edge for another day!

So, smiles out, and let the climbing begin!

As on any good day, we had PLENTY of company.

It was warm, with a lovely cooling breeze accompanying us. Not the clearest of days for long pictures, but absolutely PERFECT for hard walking.

Approaching 'hole in the wall'. You can see Helvellyn, our goal, and on the right, that sharp peak is Catstycam.

Here we go then, the going now gets a bit tougher.

I thought it was GROUSE that said that?????

Now we were getting higher, and could see Red tarn in the glacial bowl below us.

OK, OK - here we go then, the 'me posing on a rock' picture :-)

Looking across Patterdale to St Sunday crag. Been there, done that.

Yes, Sue - that IS the way.........

Righto! - lets get it done...........

Come on, I'll hold your hand, if you like.

Watch me - CLIMBING!!!!!!!

Done that - NEXT!

Steady, lass.

After a GREAT crossing of Striding Edge, looking back is awesome.

You can see the 'get out of jail' path that slinks below the top edge - but none of that for US. Most of the enjoyment is the adrenalin rush you get from doing it the hard way.

The view across the wide, blue yonder from Helvellyn.

This sort of view stops me dead. I LOVE it, and so does Sue.

The summit of Helvellyn. It was about 1:30, warm, with that lovely breeze. We sat and surveyed the wonderful scene while we ate our lunch.

Looking back, from Nethermost Pike. The edge looks REALLY sharp from here.

Then it was on to Dollywagon pike (a name I've always thought lovely). This is the view back from there.

Again, fabulous 'blue views' from here.

After that summit, the path starts to drop to Grisedale tarn. Last time Sue & I were here (on separate occasions) we were both doing the coast to coast walk, Sue 5 years ago, me in 1993.

After all that climbing, it was good to refresh in the cool mountain water.

Just LOOK at this wall! I remember being astonished at it when I first saw it back in 1993. Someone has gone to all the trouble of building it, stone by stone, over that inhospitable terrain. God only know how long it took them! It's not alone, there are MANY like it all over the Lakes.

A study of the tumbling beck in Grisedale.

We passed Lantys Tarn, still as a mirror in the evening calm, before dropping back into Glenridding for a pint and a really lovely lamb shank (me) & chilli (Sue). We sat outside on the patio with lots of other walkers, all recanting what a super day they'd had. We let the sun go down on the view over the valley as we sipped our beer and sighed. Well deserved, we thought.

Click on 'older post' to see the previous days pictures.

Lakes, part one

2011-10-21T09:58:00.001+02:00

These are the pictures from our week long trip to Keswick, in the English Lake District. They are 'back to front', so these are day one. Subsequent days will be posted later.

Here we go then - the first set of pictures from the Lakes trip we did at the beginning of October. It was a bit of a gamble - the Lakes in October, and there was a freak heatwave the week before we went. When we arrived, we spoke to lots of people who had been there for a week, and they said it was TOO hot to walk, even saying it was uncomfortable! We went for a short walk to Castlerigg stone circle in the late afternoon, and it WAS very hot. We were in just shorts and tee shirts, but by the time the walk was over, we were very wet with sweat. Also, the horizon was very 'muggy' and not good at all for long photography.

But first - breakfast! We managed two on the patio while we were there. Nice, inviting view of Latrigg from here.

That's GOT to be a walk one day, while we're here.

On the Friday evening, we decided on a short stroll of about 4 miles, taking in the standing stones of Castlerigg, somewhere I'd never been. It was only a short walk from where we were staying. We met people who had been in the Lakes the past week, and said the heat was AWFUL! Too hot to do anything strenuous. This evening it was the same, and although we were just in shorts and tee's, it was quite uncomfortable. Still, it wasn't raining, which is always a plus :-) Here's a view of the famous stones.

It's really hard to get a view that doesn't include people - they are a very popular place for visitors.

This superb topo' plate is there, with raised, named examples of the fells you can see.

Sue and the stones.

Of course, with people there, you've got chance of a 'together' picture :-)

After the stones, we took a path over a nearby fell and made our way towards a church that Sue wanted me to see at Saint Johns in the Vale. On the way, we saw this beautiful Red Admiral butterfly.

The sky clouded over a little, and gave us some really beautiful effects.

Still stiflingly warm, though.

Tewet tarn.

Skiddaw was looking good tonight.

I just LOVE this 'blue' effect you get in the evenings.

Approaching St Johns in the Vale, with Clough Head behind.

Inside the little church there. You can find out more here;

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_John%27s_in_the_Vale

Now, is it me - or is that water running UPHILL?????

At the end of our evening walk, I saw this lovely door-knocker fashioned like a woodpecker.

The weather men say cooler tomorrow, with a light breeze. That sounds like a great forecast to do a walk I've had my eye on for years - Striding Edge. Sue's done it three times before, but I've always avoided it in busy periods, as it's one of the Lakes biggest 'honeypots'. Tomorrow, all being well, I was to cross it off my list. Last time we tried to do it 'out of season', we got snowed off. You can see the pictures here;

http://biggersteps.blogspot.com/2008/06/newlands-round-lakeland.html

The pictures of Striding Edge are at the end of the posting (scroll right down).

Lakeland sojourn.

2011-09-25T17:18:00.001+02:00

We're off to the Lake District for a week (30 Sept to 7th Oct), so watch this space for the pictures in a couple of weeks time. For pics of our last visit, please click on this link http://biggersteps.blogspot.com/2008/06/newlands-round-lakeland.html

East face of the Matterhorn.........

2011-09-20T10:13:00.003+02:00

.....well, maybe not THE Matterhorn, just what they call the 'Cheshire Matterhorn', or Shutlingsloe!

We parked up opposite the Cat & Fiddle pub, a really remote place on the top of the moors, looked out across the expanse of Wildboarclough (where the last wild boar in England was reputed to have been killed)........

........and set off into the 'gorgeousness'.

We were soon leaving the Cat & Fiddle behind as we looked back across the moor.

As we reached the top of the rise, we saw the huge outline of the Roaches in front of us, like a dragons back on the horizon.

We also got our first peep at Shutlingsloe. That was our objective today, but we had a fair bit of walking to do before we reached it.

We dropped steeply into Danethorn hollow to join Cumberland brook.

At the side of the brook stands this very remote cottage. The grassy track on the left is the only access to it. I don't know if it's still inhabited (it was at one time), or if it is used as a holiday cottage?

Thar she blows!! The CLASSIC view of Shutlingsloe, and my particular favourite. I've seen this in snow, frost, sun etc, and it always delights me.

The berries on the hawthorn were now ready for the hungry birds, should winter be a hard one.

We crossed the bridge at the bottom of Cumberland brook.........

.......looked back up the brook...........

....and made our way though Clough House farm, always one of the neatest farms I've seen.

Their free range hens came to investigate us and see if we had anything for them.

The last of the swallows could be seen working hard to catch their last meals before heading off for the winter. It wouldn't be long now until they'll be lining up on the telephone wires, readying themselves for the long journey ahead.

I saw this lone ladybird. 'She' was very dormant and didn't want to move at all.

The meadows, although in their last flush, still looked good. Not as colourful as in recent months, but Summer is now over, so that's to be expected.

But now the hard slog began. We approached the East flank of Shutlingsloe. As we climbed, so the views got better. This is looking back to Cumberland brook and Wildboarclough.

In no time, we were at the top, looking over to the Roaches. You can also see the edge of Tittesworth reservoir glinting on the right there.

SMILE! (click).

We spent a good while on top. It was quite windy (as is usual up there) but the wind was warm so we were in no hurry to leave. Once we're on top of these high places, we are ALWAYS reticent to leave as we both love it so much. The exhilaration on such a clear day in indescribable. But, leave we must, so we started down towards the Macclesfield forest on the slabbed pathway built to combat the erosion.

A couple of large bracket fungi, looking like a pair of clogs sticking out of the tree!

At the bottom, we sat on a handy wooden seat for lunch. It was at this point my camera battery died. No problem, I always carry a spare (but then, I really SHOULD make sure that I re-charged the spare - which, of course, I hadn't), so I was left with only my phone camera. It was a good job I DID have that, because just as we set off after lunch, Sue spotted something in the trees to our right, and 'shushed' me. What was it she had seen?

YES! Two beautiful deer, what a great spot. Sue has a way with seeing these 'hidden' things. We called in at the Trentabank ranger station when we reached the edge of the forest, and he told us there were very few in the forest, and that some people had been coming for twenty years, and still not seen deer. We were very lucky, thanks to Sue.

We dropped into the valley, crossed Ridgegate reservoir.

We JUST missed getting a half in this lovely 'Leathers Smithy' pub. They closed at three, it was ten past when we got there.

This lane leads down to Forest chapel. As you can see, the rain decided to pay us a visit, so Sue is now suitably attired! Truth is, as soon as we'd suited up, the sun came out again, and we were steaming! We only had the wet gear on for about 30 minutes.

As we made our way back up to the Cat & Fiddle, Sue remarked that somehow I seemed to have written a walk that was upwards for 90% of it. I just told her to stop whinging ;-)

As we climbed, we could see the view of Shutlingsloe that leads to its 'Matterhorn' nickname. The sky here looks lovely, but within ten minutes, it had changed.......

As we reached the road, we could see the storm clouds gathering, and the rain falling on the distant horizon. We had been very lucky today with the weather, and as we reached the car and pulled off our boots, we thought; 'another great day in the bag'.

A bit of wind!

2011-09-09T09:36:00.000+02:00

Again, we went two weeks without a day off, so we were more than ready to blow away the cobwebs. Thing was, the weather forecast was AWFUL. Heavy rain and high winds, they said. We pottered about in the morning, and when we finally got out and drove to Upper Burbage bridge and parked up, the rain was really beating against the windscreen. It was at this point that Sue realised that her waterproof trousers were in her other sack. What to do? We sat for about 15 minutes, and amazingly, it stopped! I made a decision, we booted up, and we were off. The idea was, with it being late(ish), we'd walk along Stanage edge as far as we could in the time we'd got, and come back.

Please remember, you can view a larger version of any of these pictures by clicking on it. Click on the 'back' button to return to the blog.

This was the dreary view along Burbage rocks, we wanted a nice, sunny day!

Oh well, our spirits were soon lifted as we got the air in our lungs, and the breeze in our hair. It was GOOD to be out again :-) We could see the start of the edge ahead, and our pace quickened.

The heather was just past its best now, but it still looking lovely, even though the light wasn't very good.

Once up on the edge, we could see the whole thing in front of us. WHAT a draw! The sky didn't look that promising, but I hadn't forgotten MY waterproof trousers, so it was ok :-)

In no time at all, we were at the trig point. Super views from here today.

The mighty Stanage edge, with the run of Win hill and the Lose hill to Mam tor ridge behind.

We could hear a very pronounced whistling on the edge, so we walked over to investigate - we soon found out it was a VERY high wind, I estimated gusts of around 50MPH. This is Sue, 'discovering' it for the first time.

Really loving it now - and enjoying it too.

Until a REALLY hard gust blew her over (and I almost joined her).

Of course, once we'd started, we couldn't stop and spent about an hour 'playing' in various hot spots along the edge. You can see us by clicking here;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BigPGVecxw

and here; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATUEv1KHRHE&feature=related

and here too; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNZTRQsztI0&feature=related

A lot of women fuss if they get a hair out of place - Sue likes NOTHING BETTER than having hers blown by the wind (and me too). When did you last see a happier face?

The sweep of Stanage, always a moving sight.

Looking down towards Hathersage (which you can't see, it's just over the ridge).

We even got a little bit of blue sky, which we NEVER expected today. "Enough to make a sailor a pair of trousers", my Mum used to say.

However, looking over Castleton, we could see the rain falling.

The 'great ridge' of Win hill, lose hill and Mam tor.

Some of the gargantuan rocks on Stanage edge.

Weathered and wind-cut, these rocks have been here for millions of years, facing whatever is thrown at them. They show the scars of time.

They are also good for millstones, or were. The 'industry' died suddenly, and many stones were abandoned, even seemingly finished ones.

These remnants of a bygone industry litter these gritstone edges.

Tired, windblown but happy, it was time to go, but today would be remembered for a LONG time to come.

THEY LIED!! Don't you just HATE wrong weather forecasts?

2011-08-26T09:50:00.000+02:00

WHY do we EVER believe the weather forecast? We did this week, and missed a good day to walk! It said 'heavy rain' but what we actually got was a few light showers in the morning, that's IT! Yes, we had jobs that we had to do, but the idea was to do them on a wet day (which Tuesday was forecast to be). Anyway, rant over. I did, however, sneak up onto Curbar edge early one morning because it was a bright, sunny day, and I knew the heather had burst into bloom so here are just a few 'heathery' pics for you. There's also a short video.

First, I parked at Curbar church. The light and atmosphere was really good at 7:30am.

The Bridge inn pub, by now (5 days later) it's probably a really red shade all over. It's already starting to turn on the far end, which gets all the sunshine. We get a lot of these 'ivied' pubs in Derbyshire, they look lovely at this time of the year.

Here's the video I took.

I drove up to Curbar gap, left the car and was soon up on the edges. This was my first, lovely view.

I really wish I could transmit the smell too, as it was fabulous, and VERY heavy with the morning dew.

The path over Curbar edge. I prefer to walk on the actual edge, which is away to the left as the views are better, but this shot of the heather-edged path is nice.

Looking towards Owler bar(Sheffield). The road across this moor is one of my favourites, and it's the one we take when we go to the cash and carry in Sheffield. In the winter months, we see some really good sunrises.

Looking towards Baslow edge

Then I left the inland path to see the view from the edge.

Looking down to Curbar village.

Not a soul around - I saw one woman dog-walking, but that aside, I had all this to myself.

I've NO idea why I look so tentative in this picture, I felt really comfortable?

I thought that I'd go as far as that rock, then turn back. I had to get ready for work, but WHAT a way to start the day!

I could see the iconic arch of Froggatt bridge below me.

The view from that rock back along Curbar edge, then it was time to turn back.

One last picture, we saw this moon on our way home one night, and I couldn't resist stopping the car and taking a shot of it.

Chewing over Laddow

2011-08-17T17:36:00.001+02:00

About a year ago, I wrote a walk over the Blackhill moors, but on the west side (a side I've not done before). We got up good and early, got everything ready, and I placed my boots on the garden wall while I locked the door. Off we went, and yes - you've guessed - when we got to the car park at Crowden about an hour later, where were my boots? It was too far to go back for them, so a disgruntled Les did a local walk that day, but vowed to come back to do this walk again soon.

Well, today was the day, at Sue's suggestion. Making sure (doubly so) that I HAD remembered my boots, we arrived at Crowden, and set off on a perfect day. Blue skies, fluffy clouds, a cooling breeze - mmmmmmmm!

The rosebay willowherb was at its best now, reaching up for the sky.

How inviting is this road? STRAIGHT up, onto the moors.

We were soon climbing. This walk was only about 11 miles, but had over 2,000 feet of ascent in it, most of it sudden and steep. Still, there was no hurry, and as I said, we had that lovely breeze to help with the temperature.

Ahead, we could see Laddow rocks, a favourite haunt of climbers.

Heather in bloom, and moors in sunlight - heaven on earth!

Ahead, we could see Laddow rocks, a favourite haunt of climbers.

We reached the path that leaves the edge and turns into the wild moors towards Chew reservoir. Lots of lovely bog cotton was in seed around us.

After a tramp over the moor, we got our first glimpse of Chew reservoir. A small, isolated body of water up on Laddow moss moor.

Manchester wasn't far away, and the planes are setting themselves up to land, so we were 'quite close' to some of them as they made their final descent.

We passed the reservoir and continued on, following another edge that rises towards Oldham.

The ridge path ahead

Wow! What a perch. We just didn't want to stop, as the super views unfolded as we walked along.

Dovestone reservoir. There is a really good walk around this water, and up onto the moors beyond, but today, we weren't taking that option.

I give you, paradise!

After walking the entire length of the ridge, and sitting down for a very enjoyable lunch with the views, it was time to set off back. This is the view as we re-crossed Laddow moss moors.

Some of the hillsides were starting to take on that purple hue, as the heather begins to bloom. In about a week or so, the whole moor will be that colour. I'd like to get a good day on the edges for some pictures, they do look fabulous in a good light.

At Laddow rocks, we took a sharp right and began to rapidly lose all our hard-earned height. The moor across the valley is Bleaklow, day two of the Pennine way, if you're walking it from Edale.

We disturbed three young grouse. They looked happy, but it was only three days until the 'glorious twelfth'. Who knows if they would survive?

The quarry on the opposite side was where the stone was hewn to make the Longdendale dams.

All this walking tires a girl out! Sue loves nothing more than lying in a warm sun, and this was the perfect opportunity. It was great, and very peaceful there.

The cones were looking good on the tree branches now. Not long before they spread their seed..

Rowan berries. A sure sign that autumn is on the way.

More heather - in a few short days, the hillsides all around would be covered in this purple beauty. I MUST get up early one morning to get some photo's.

As one final treat for the day, this butterfly posed perfectly for us on a wooden fingerpost as we reached the car park. He too, loved soaking up the rays of the warm sun.

Deja vu!

2011-07-29T18:09:00.006+02:00

Sue's son, John, decided to come walking with us this week as he had some time off. As he'd never been to the Derwent valley before, we decided to repeat the walk we did a month ago so he could see the area. This is a shot again (I know - you've seen it before, but it's a classic) of the viaduct. We noticed that the res' was a lot lower than when we came last, despite some rain.

Looking at this shot, it was even more obvious. A lot more of the pipe supports were revealed, and the grass on the hillsides looked parched.

You can see the difference here - this was taken a month ago.

As we walked up through the forest, I commented on the fact that, had we been in France, we would be seeing lots of lizards basking in the hot sunshine. About 15 minutes later, low and behold, this little guy ran across the path in front of us. Sue noticed it, but I missed it, so I stood stock still and waited.......... suddenly, he popped back out - can you see him?

No? Here's a closer look.

There was some pretty impressive fungi about too. I've no idea what this one is, but if it was a good eater, I would know it. It was pretty big though.

You can see here with my hand for comparison.

We also found a penny bun, or cep (boletus edulis - which you can tell by the name, IS an eater), and it went into Sue's sack, to be added to a pasta meal the next night. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boletus_edulis

As we climbed up to Alport castles, we looked back to see the farmer lining up the grass to dry and collect before it rained. The patterns looked really good from here.

There's a small pond just below the castles, and we think that's why we saw lots of these beautiful blue damselfly. They sat for me while I took pictures.

After declining to top the towers of the castle, John and Sue started the descent to the reservoirs again, pausing to take in the magnificent views from here.

This top reservoir didn't look too low. It was a nice last shot before we started back home.

Safe Arbor

2011-07-21T18:29:00.002+02:00

Arbor low - once a place of sacrifice, celebration and ritual, is now a lot quieter! These days it has a real air of mystery and calm about it. It's been a while since we've been there, so we parked up in Hartington, and started off towards the sacred site.

This is the centre of Hartington, one of many lovely villages in Derbyshire, but this one is famous for the cheese it used to produce. Sadly, the cheese factory closed in 2009, but an enterprising lady has bought the old cheese shop and kept it going. They still sell the Hartington white and blue Stilton cheese, but are not allowed to use the word 'Hartington', as it's not made in the village these days, but it IS made to the same recipe.

The old cheese shop.

As we left the village, we came across this cottage with a superb display of hanging baskets, not to mention the garden. While we were standing in admiration, the owner came out to us and invited us in for the 'grand tour'. Reg told us he watered the baskets almost every day from his ladder, and he's not a youngster. Rather him than me!

Some of the exhibits in and around his cottage were breathtaking, and testament to the love and care he gave to it.

These lovely poppies he saw on the roadside at another village, Wetton, and decided to take some of the seed and set them in the verge by his house. He called them his 'legacy to the village'.

Aren't they beautiful?

He also had a way with juxtaposing (I've always wanted to use that word) certain species, and he really had an eye for this. These foxgloves and daisies go together SO well.

After chatting to him, and promising to return to see the garden at its best in about three weeks, we left the confines of the village and rose into the hills.

Now we were seeing the wild side of plant life, these thistles caught Sue's eye, and she said they were some of the most perfect she'd ever seen.

We were heading towards, but not as far as, Pilsbury castle. To our left, we could see the trig' point on top of Sheen hill.

Looking forwards was the iconic view of the reef knolls of Parkhouse and Chrome hills.

This time of the year there are always inquisitive calves that come up to you. That's OK if they're on their own., BUT..........

OK, OK - no problem!

This SUPER 'clock' caught our eye. We're sure it's called 'Goatsbeard', but it was very much like one we'd seen in the Pyrenees in France. MUCH bigger seeds than a dandelion.

This lamb was a lovely shade of brown.

We left the open fields, stopped at the cycle hire centre at Parsley Hay for lunch, before doing a bit of road walking towards our goal today, Arbor Low. If you look on the O.S. map, you'll see there are NO paths immediately around the site, which is really surprising and disappointing. The henge of Arbor Low is actually on private ground (something I strongly disagree with) and you have to pay to visit it. It's a bugbear to have to 'Tarmac trot' to get to it, but there is just no alternative. The cereals were well advanced in the fields now as we looked over them.

So, this is what the 'experts' say Arbor Low USED to look like in its heyday.

Sadly, the stones were probably knocked down in Victorian times because of the Pagan connections of the site. However, it's still impressive, and with a little imagination, you can see how it used to stand up. This place DOES have a very strange, yet calming, atmosphere. With the incredible panorama from here, you can see why the site was chosen to be special by our ancestors. Read more about it here; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arbor_Low

After our visit, and another unpleasant walk along the road, we returned to the high peak trail, but at this point branched right onto the Tissington trail. You can see from this cutting just how difficult it was to build a railway in these parts. There are lots of these, and embankments too, but this is one of the deepest and most impressive.

These old railways provide safe haven for LOTS of wild flowers and insects. Often too, you'll see an apple or pear tree, the result of some engine driver throwing his core out of the train after eating it, and it self-setting by the side of the line.

At Hartington station, we left the trail and once again took footpaths through the fields. We also negotiated this delightfully overgrown track.

The farmers knew that rain was forecast, so they were out trying to get the silage grass in, dry and wrapped as soon as possible before it was too late.

This was the reason for their urgency - threatening!

The fabulous flagship YHA hostel at Hartington.

In no time, we were back in the village centre, with one last look at the church before setting off back home. We JUST missed the cheese shop, which closed at 5:00pm. We were just ten minutes too late, but we'd had a lovely day, I think you'll agree.

Sunsets at Monsal Head

2011-07-15T16:04:00.000+02:00

Sometimes, Sue & I love to go to Monsal head on a clear night to sit, eat, drink a glass of wine, and just watch the spectacle of the sunset.

Life doesn't get much better than this. :-)

Hollinsclough, and the 'new arrivals'.

2011-07-04T18:57:00.003+02:00

This Tuesday, rain was forecast, but we decided to disbelieve them! After all, they get it wrong SO often, and today was another one of those occasions so we were very happy about that. I wrote the walk to take in the farm of some friends of ours, Andy & Chris, who come in our cafe. Their lovely place is in Hollinsclough. They've had a few 'new arrivals', so we went to see some of them.

These are a future dinner date ;-) ALL the animals on this farm are handled and looked after really personally, so they are very friendly and people-wise, but they are still food!

I know, I know - how COULD you eat this?

(Pass the mint sauce.......)

Anyway, we moved on to the barn, where the foal was. Again, very friendly.

(No, this wasn't for food!)

Mum was keeping an eye one us!

And the calves enjoy being petted too, especially by Sue (who I quite like being petted by as well).

Two piggies, Chris told us that these are ready to be slaughtered in just TWENTY ONE weeks, they grow at such a phenomenal rate! In the commercial world, that figure is reduced to just TWELVE weeks. I like food from this farm, because I know EXACTLY how it's been reared, and that it's had nothing I wouldn't like fed or injected (including extra water).

They go for the odd bike ride - it's like a cycle hire centre in the garage!

If the snow gets deep, this is 'Andy's Landy' - his pride and joy that never says 'NO!'. It's in dock just now for a spot of 'belly painting', Andy is giving the chassis a rustproof undercoat.

I'm told he never has the hard top on, he must be b%**%Y FREEZING sometimes! Chris says he just puts overalls on over his suit, and off he goes - never fails, and never been late!

But it was time to start the walk, and with a view of Chrome hill like this, it was a wonderful start. The paths in Staffordshire Moorlands (where we were) are not a PATCH on the Peak District, and navigation is extremely difficult sometimes. Also, they do not keep stiles and other 'furniture' in good condition, so it's often you see broken stuff (bridges, stiles, gates, etc).

Their flowers are something to behold though, this one is of the orchid family.

Not sure on this one, but lovely, all the same.

I love the way some people turn bits of old farming paraphernalia into garden ornaments.

The meadows were really incredible. Sue & I were really taken by the huge amount of flowers, and their variety. These daisies might be weeds, but they are lovely.

Old barns too, make a nice picture. This one was near the village of Flash.

I didn't know this, but buttercups 'lose' their butter as they wilt and die.

This clover was in perfect condition, though.

See what I mean about these meadows?

Lots of walls had foxgloves climbing up them.

Again, no idea what this is, it just took my eye.

The bracken was well-advanced too, as Sue will testify.

.Me, crossing a small clapper bridge over a stream.

This stile took some finding!

Ah, what a lovely picture. AN old packhorse bridge. This area was VERY important to trade at one time, but now it's just a backwater.

Before too long, we were back to Chrome hill, which was a nice foreground for the sky.

Then, it was a rush home as we had arranged to go out with a meal with some friends. Can you BELIEVE we went for an Italian?

A 10/10 day around Alport Castles - Part One

2011-06-17T09:37:00.019+02:00

WHAT can I say about today, except it was darn near perfect! Weather, breeze, time, just everything! We decided to go to Alport Castles, one of the largest natural landslips in Europe, but this time we would 'attack it' from below (we almost always have gone along the top of the cliffs, in the past). Quote from Wikipedia;

The Alport Castles are a landslip feature in the Peak District of Derbyshire, said to be the largest landslide in the United Kingdom. They lie north of the Snake Pass and north west of Ladybower Reservoir. Alport Castles are part of the National Trust's High Peak Estate.

Debris from the landslide has produced several mounds, the largest of which — the "Tower" — from a distance resembles a full scale motte and bailey castle. The remote Alport Castles Farm lies on the River Alport below the site.

We parked at the side of Ladybower reservoir - looking decidedly low, after the recent dry spell.

It was nice to see the first foxgloves of the season, reaching up. We saw a very strange anomaly later in the walk - bluebells and foxgloves blooming side by side!

We crossed the quiet road and entered the woods up to Lockerbrook farm, now an outdoor centre. The dappled light and vibrant greens were at their best today.

Some of the foxgloves were really forward in their growth.

We passed the farm, and climbed up to the ridge beyond to get this spectacular view of the Castleton skyline, before dropping down past Hagg farm, once a YHA, now another outdoor centre.

More walking through dappled light for Sue. We LOVE to walk in the week when it's quiet. Often, we go the whole walk without seeing anyone else. The serenity of these places really does the heart & soul good! Last time we were in this area, Sue saw a small deer in the woods. Not today though.

BUT WAIT, WAIT!!!! WHAT'S THAT?????

Oh no - it's just a sheep ;-)

We were surrounded all day by beautiful moths and butterflies. We're not sure what this one is. The wings were a dull brown when closed, but a lovely pattern when open.

This was a feeder we followed. We were surprised to see small fish, that looked like trout, swimming in it. The water was very brackish and brown.

The National Park are implementing a very bold 40 year plan to return the Alport valley back to deciduous from its present coniferous status. It's a huge plan, but the valley should look much more pleasing to the eye, and be very much more wildlife-friendly when it's completed. Click on the picture to enlare it.

We followed the River Ashop through the woodlands valley, crossed the snake pass again, and started our walk up the Alport valley. Our skin tingled, as we got our first glimpse of our goal - Alport Castles. The 'Towers', as they are called, peeped over the horizon as we walked.

As we climbed higher and got closer, the view became more dominant.

Just past Alport farm, this stile has a convenient lifting top rung. I've seen this many times before on the Pembrokeshire Coastal path, only on theirs, it says; 'codwch' (which, I assume, means 'lift' in Welsh).

http://walkdiaries.blogspot.com/2006/07/pembrokeshire-coastal-path-diary-les.html

We could now see the Towers VERY clearly, and we knew we had a stiff climb to get to the cliffs above, but first, it was time for tiffin! We crossed this lovely bridge.........

.....and did a bit of pre-climb relaxing .

During lunch, Sue made friends with a small grasshopper, which insisted on perching on her finger!

....but then it was time to make our way onwards and upwards.

The Castles were calling!

The view back to the Alport valley. A green heaven, if ever there was one.

Sue had really got the bit between her teeth now.....COME ON LES - KEEP UP!

I was doing my best to catch her, but with all this loveliness around, it was easy to get distracted.

Then, as we passed a nick in the rocks, we saw that we had drawn level with the towers.

Wow. So close, and yet..........

Sue said; "let's just walk towards them a bit - see how far they are away......."

"Look, Les - I'm SURE we could get up there, you know? We've got time, if we just......."

OMG WOMAN!!!!!!!!!

"SUE - STOP IT - THEY WON'T GIVE YOU YOUR PENSION, IF THEY SEE YOU!"

Queen of the Castle.

Looking across to the cliff face. There was a curlew screaming in the sky here - as dramatic as this place is and was, that bird made it all the more so!

Hopefully, you can see a short video here; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tV1uSsar2Es

Looking Northwards.

Of course, I had to have a go too - Sue climbed down with the camera to get this shot.

It was time to stop all this shenanigans and get on with the walk. We still had lots of time, so no rush. There was a temporary bird hide on top of the cliffs and we had a short time in there too, watching for kestrels etc. Mainly though, it was a curlew day. We didn't mind, as this is one of our favourite bird calls.

After we climbed down and re-joined the path, we made our way onto the top of the cliffs. The views down to the towers is superb from here, but also the wide expanse of the northern moors opens up when you get on the top. It's often VERY windy up here, but today a gentle, cooling breeze accompanied us. The path turns right, and drops down the grouse moors to Howden reservoir. We saw MANY grouse butts to the left and right of the path. I would think the birds couldn't stand a chance against that lot.

Howden reservoir - greatly depleted.

Howden dam and the rhododendrons.

When full, the water runs over that middle section. Today, it was at least twenty feet below it!

The navvies who built the dams lived in a specially constructed village. Read more about it here; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birchinlee

The low water exposed these old rail supports.

We saw a big patch of these fungi, which I think are birch boletus, a member of the penny bun family. I have eaten these in the past, but they were past their best (and had been nibbled by slugs).

We reached the end of the walk at Derwent dam. You can see by the silt sides how this has receded. We called in at the cafe for a welcome cup of tea before making our way home, very happy with what today had given us.

Finally, just to show you how low Ladybower HAS been in the past, here's an old photograph I took and scanned.

Around Bakewell

2011-06-10T09:14:00.009+02:00

Sue had to go over to Alsager on family business this Tuesday so, after meeting up with my daughter, I was left at a loose end in the efternoon. I decided to explore some of the paths around Bakewell. I set off, this was the great view of the church from Yeld road, where we live.

I passed above the church, and turned up this delightfully overgrown path to reach the open fields above the town.

Today had been a real mixture of weather, but to look at the sky now, it looks just perfect as I look over my shoulder!

Lots of wild flowers in the fields now, and mostly at their best. These are Sue's favourites (well, one of them), a daisy-type flower.

The wine-makers favourite - elderflower.

As I crossed the fields, I saw these two piggies making, well, pigs of themselves.

They look like 'Gloucestershire Old Spots'.

A Pee-Wit (Lapwing) or two kept crying overhead, and I disturbed a mother pheasant with six chicks too.

I wasn't quick enough to get a shot of the chicks - they were well-hidden in the long grass, but mum flew up into my lens.

Mostly, farmers just plant and leave, but this one had admirably kept to the letter of the law and left a metre-wide path through the crop of barley.

If I was a plant, THIS is where I'd want to grow - what a view!

I found this old milestone, in amongst the undergrowth, so I 'freed' it for a picture by trampling the grass down around it.

Super old carving - there was a destination on each face of the stone. I noted that 'Tideswell' was spelt without an 'e' and only one 'l'

The modern counterpart doesn't look anything like as nice, does it?

THIS was one of the reasons I came this way - I'd seen all these buttercups from the car.

Lovely to be in the middle of (look at that sky now - angy as you like).

This plant smells just like pineapple if you rub it between your fingers.

Meadowsweet and a visitor.

Almost at seed, already.

After a short shower, one one flash of lightning and boom of thunder, I was treated to this rainbow.

Ten minutes later - the perfect summer day?

This years crop of wool, which as everyone knows grows wild in Derbyshire, was well on the way to ripening.

Stunning view south on my way home.

The final fields before Bakewell.

The unusual twin chapels in the graveyard.

Then it was time for another great sunset.

Goodnight.

Driven to the edge!

2011-05-25T16:45:00.002+02:00

Yesterday was our 'day off', but with a bank holiday coming up, we had to do a cash and carry run :-( However, we got everything done in good time, so we drove up to Curbar gap about 5:00PM, parked up and did a short walk over Baslow edge. To our delight, as we stepped from the car we heard our first cuckoo in the trees nearby.

This was our goal. The path goes to Baslow over the top is quite a way inland from the actual edge, so I decided to walk, but hug the edge for a change.

That's the car, parked in a lay-by below Curbar edge.

The sunlight was coming through the clouds in those lovely shafts, but BOY! was it WINDY!! We were glad of the tops we'd brought with us, and it wasn't long before they were on. This sort of wind and sun mix is one of our favourites, as it really makes you feel alive.

Getting further along the edge now, and this is a view you would not see from the 'normal' path. I vowed never to walk that normal path again when we come here, but to stick to this far more interesting and visual path on the edge.

Shafts of sunlight combing the valley - sighhhhhh.

The sky looks angry, but Sue looks positively happy - who could blame her, what a fabulous place to be. You can see by her pose and hair that the wind was howling across the edges today, but it was barely cool, not cold and biting.

I spotted this rock, which I said looked like a face - Sue said I was using a bit of artistic licence - what do you think, can you see it?........

How about now???

(Click on the picture for a larger version)

You don't need a ship to do a Titanic impression - we had ALL the wind we needed here today

We also saw this started (but not finished) millstone. It was the only one we saw. On Stanage, there are LOADS of these abandoned stones, all due to cheap French ones coming into the country and destroying the market here overnight.

A finer seat, there never was. WHAT a view!

You can see one of our favourite edges, Bamford, just above my rucksack, that's Win hill in front of me, and Kinder Scout in the distance.

The shafts running across the valley were stunning.

The sun also caught the 'Eagle stone', which we would pass on our way back.

Here we go - close up and personal. Also quite a face on this stone too (but I think you can see it without any help this time).

Then it was time to take one last look, and drive home to a nice piece of steak, but not before a swift one in the Bridge Inn at Calver - cheers.

If you want to see a couple of short videos of the windy condition, look here;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1P56jOhTkY

and here; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nprx1g1xRoE