Eleven years ago, I was walking near Pilsley in Derbyshire. As I recall, it was a lovely day at the very end of September. Sunny spells played tag with the clouds and all seemed well with the world. As usual, I plotted a circular course, unsure of what sights I might see. Like a technicolour feature film without a plot. Just a beginning and an end.
When rambling, I am always drawn to abandoned farm buildings. They add a melancholy beauty to the landscape. Like old churches, they speak poetically of past times and of the now silent rural workers who once plodded along the same lanes.
Recently, I have been somewhat incapacitated - confined to barracks as they say so there has been a hiatus in my walking activity. In such circumstances, it is such a tonic to look upon the "inward eye" that is "the bliss of solitude" and recall past walks with the assistance of photo folders stored here on this aging personal computer.
Above, a man in a blue sweater walks up the lane towards Pilsley passing a stone cowshed with warped roof timbers. When it was constructed all of the materials would have been sourced close by and no building inspectors would have come along to stamp their official approval.
Before too long, I will be out there again finding new paths to plod while relishing the gifts that walking provides. It's so simple. One foot in front of the other and I shall do it for as long as I am able.
What you do best is describe the area. Next you gave a history. You make your walk interesting.
ReplyDeleteGood on you, as those beknighted New Yorkers are wont to say.
ReplyDeleteThe first and last photos are postcard worthy.
ReplyDeleteI do love seeing old ruins and wondering about them.
ReplyDeleteWhat stunning countryside. I agree those abandoned buildings have a majestic look about them
ReplyDeleteThe British countryside is indeed beautiful and our photos always manage to capture the old which we have a secret hunger for. Actually I think there is a name for it - Hiraeth, a deep longing, a sense of sadness or a belonging to the land.
ReplyDeleteI've just been sitting with my coffee gazing at the last picture and wondering how many years, nay decades, is it since I walked in that sort of landscape. It's so different from Scotland.
ReplyDeleteYP, we shall all be so glad when you're finally feeling fit again.
ReplyDeleteInteresting photos and I am particularly drawn to the building with the arched windows - it looks in good condition. In these days of solar panels, heat pumps, good insulation, etc., it would make a splendid off grid home.
Me too, Neil, me too.
ReplyDeleteHope you are feeling better soon, nothing beats being outside, nature heals our souls.
ReplyDeleteRecollections of walks. Recollections of times past? You must be very old.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you are finding comfort in looking through photo folders as you recuperate. Which reminds me to encourage you to have some kind of backup system if you don't already. My computer bit the dust with no warning and my compter guru figures all my files got fried. All my photos, all my documents, all my memes I had saved (the horror!)... I wish I could turn back time and save them all to an external hard drive. Hope you are feeling better each day, Neil.
ReplyDeleteA very good plan.
ReplyDeleteI've been unable to go on my walks lately as my back is acting up. Oh, getting old can really suck, Neil! Hope you feel well enough to get out soon. Thanks for sharing these lovely views. I love those countrysides with the old stone walls and buildings,
ReplyDeleteOh please do keep walking, and telling/showing us your wanders. I hope you have a back-up of the photo archive. I have has a couple of drive failures over the years, lost 6 months work one time when I had become complacent about back-ups.
ReplyDeleteI have no doubt you will be out there again soon! Meanwhile, enjoy your photos. It's probably a good opportunity to refresh your memory of past walks.
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