BLUE SKIES OVER MACCLESFIELD

Wednesday 22nd

The weather is slowly improving, and this week we explored more of the Derbyshire peaks and dales. On Wednesday we walked along Millers Dale which contains the river Wye and two large mills (wool?) originally driven by water wheels. The Wye starts above Buxton and joins the Derwent (not the Malton one) at Rowsley which then flows past Chatsworth. We parked at the Pub at Monsal Head located above the Derby-Manchester viaduct. The viaduct's construction was the subject of conservation criticism by John Ruskin in the 19th century. It is now a notable feature of the landscape. We started at the viaduct and followed the disused rail track from Bakewell to Buxton through Millers Dale. We traversed a hill side where the rail line disappeared into a tunnel and were completely oblivious of the shear limestone cliffs beneath. Only on the return journey alongside the river, did we appreciate our adventurous path high above. Unfortunately we have no photographs of the dramatic scenery. Bella simply forgot to bring the camera - she could pay for this mistake! Along the trail Colin had his greatest rambling triumph when a couple of lost ramblers approached with a book of Derbyshire walks and asked “Vous pouvoir me dit la façon au Moulin de Litton?” With our impending trip to France in mind the reply came [quickly] “Oui Monsieur, vous avez besoin de tourner est parti “ . The walk was completed with a sandwich and a relaxing drink in the sunshine at the Monsal Hotel.

Thursday 23rd

On Thursday we climbed the mighty Shining Tor , altitude 559 metres Long. 2.00 deg West, Lat 53 deg 16 minutes North- just South of the Arctic circle. We started from the Cat and Fiddle, the second highest pub in England [used to be called the Fat Cat until the hikers arrived]. Armed with an Ordnance Survey Map, cleverly the one covering this area, and with camera, we argued our way to the first way point, in French of course, and then settled into a gentle ramble under the big blue skies of Derbyshire (photo). En-route we spotted and photographed a Richardson Falcon waiting for the correct sized dog to hike by. Bella squeezed herself close to my legs until the danger was over and then reacted (see photo) as only a seriously scrutinized Spaniel could -- barking “ put that camera away you perverted paparratzi pensioner”.

The hike up-hill from the reservoir (shown in the photo) to the Cat and Fiddle, which by now had become the highest pub in England, proved taxing for both dog and man, though seemingly not for la dame. We duly rewarded ourselves with a big bowl of water, a pint of cider and half a pint of local brew and chatted over the events of the day. “Geeze that was a tough walk” drooled Bella with her ears draped in the bowl of water -- or was that Kerry?.

A MAN AND SOMEONE ELSE'S DOG

RICHARDSON'S FALCON

THAT'S A RELIEF

FULL SUMMER SWEETNESS