UK TV abounds with programmes on how to buy, decorate, upgrade and profit from real estate. Our latest ramble at Little Morton took us close to a couple of properties which took Kerry’s eye. She suggested that we could install plastic double glazing windows in the little black and white number (see photo) and make a killing. This would be the first 15th century house to meet the new energy emission standards. As we happily rambled across neighbouring farmers fields, diligently following our tea shop rambler’s guide, we gave no thought to the previous nights news that foot and mouth disease had erupted in Surrey, and that a prohibition had been put on all stock movements across Britain. The things we do for Australian agriculture. Yesterday’s weather was close to drought conditions with no rain observed in the Macclesfield area for the whole day.
Faced with the nerve racking prospect of interpreting “Best Tea Shop Walks”, two days running we chose the simpler option on Monday, of the Macclesfield canal. Once we had made the agonising decision to head North rather than South, the pressure was off. We reckoned any 19th century horse, would prefer towing a barge than pulling a dray along rutted roads - and the hills are far easier. We passed many people chugging gently through the countryside on their holiday barges. If push came to shove as they say in Yorkshire, one could combine a barge holiday with tow path walks, and enjoy the countryside, while keeping fit.
After dinner Bella came into the room and explained that tow path walks are OK for the odd ablution, but she wanted to run through the heather, feel the wind in her ears and the sun on her coat. She wanted to bound over mountain springs and see the mighty redwood. She wanted -- hold on Bella!!! -- Your owners might be heading to Canada but pull your lead in a bit. We compromised with a proposed walk up Kinder Scout and got her to promise not to mention it to the cats, Walter and Lobby.
TUESDAY. BELLA'S ADVENTURE
Bella here: Something big is happening today. It’s fine, warm and sunny. Kerry and Colin have had breakfast-(theirs looked much more interesting than my dry biscuits) and they are ready to leave the house. Hope they take me too! Yes, Yes Yes. The lead, the plastic bags, that’s all they need. Car door open. Great, that means a long walk. I did whisper in their ear last night about the Kinder Scout. I wonder if they took that on board!! I love a ride in the car. It is quite relaxing, and they always tell me I’m a good girl. Well, we’re here, in a car park. I heard Colin say Edale, but how would I know! I don’t really care, as long as we walk, and that’s what we are doing. Wonderful. Kerry gives me full rein, so I can wander a little. Now into a field and climbing. Up, up and away. Hello, they’ve stopped. Admiring the view, yes that’s it. They’re breathing heavily too.
Now Colin is pointing that little black thing at me. I won’t look. I’ll peek. Click. He’s got me again. Actually, this walk is getting hard. I might stop myself and have a rest. I do believe we are on top of the world. The view is spectacular.
I'M ON TOP OF THE WORLD
Maybe we’ve done the hard yards now and it’ll be downhill from here. Oh oh. I don’t like what I see before me. Rocks. I can’t negotiate those. I’m going on strike!
A VIEW DOWN THE VALLEY
A REST AND SOME HELP FROM A FRIEND 
Nearly down. I see water across the track. I hate water, they know I hate water. But I made such a fuss about mountain streams. Oh well, here goes. Not too bad, as long as I don’t have to do that again. Can’t wait to get to the pub for my drink. I dream of my own huge bowl of water. Mmmm, lovely.
WADING THROUGH WATER
They must have read my mind. Called in at The Nag's Head at Edale. A pint of Cider for Col, half of local beer for Kerry and a gallon of water for me. I"ve promised not to mention the two large plates of Fish and Chips.
Into the car again and off to Castleton. They want dessert? How can they eat again after that huge plate of fish and chips.
ROSE COTTAGE
They are having a private joke about Rose’s Cottage, I don’t get it, something to do with a joke at Andrews wedding. I noticed they were tucking into scones, raspberry jam and clotted cream. They didn't offer me any! Stiil I never give them any of my dry biscuits. Kerry couldn't resist buying a pendant and ear rings at a gift shop in Castleton. These are made from Blue John, the locally mined gemstone, which is unique to the area. ( Aren't I a clever dog). One way or another we girls did quite well today.
If there are any other dogs reading this, the route is shown on this map. We walked from the bottom right hand corner up the ziz-zag to the peak at top right, then along the top ridge and returned down the steep scree( A word Kerry knew instinctively - clever little human) at the far left, and back along the path next to a stream ( centre of view) to Edale - bottom right
1 comment:
J. is in a detox clinic following a very successful Whitby.His nurses inform me that he is sure he saw Kerry and Col there being followed by a small black dog.Did it rush up the 199 steps to the graveyard?Better get the garlic out!
Tess
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