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| The summit of Lose Hill |
There's no better medicine for lethargy, depression, worries or stress than a vigorous walk in the English countryside. Forget all these pills produced by profit-hungry drug companies and forget costly counselling sessions with reticent counsellors who nod their heads wisely but say little except "That'll be £50, Can I book you in for your next session?". No - just get your boots on and get marching. Walk your cares away.
Hull City were on live television yesterday evening and I was filled with anxiety that we might not beat Bristol City. The installation of our new "Neff" dishwasher has also been a source of much unwelcome stress. Above all, in writing my sin poems, my mind has been filled with sinful thoughts - lust and envy, wrath and gluttony have been warring in my cranium like brawling delegates at a Conservative conference late bar.
There's a valley that's a fifteen minute drive away from our house and, surreal as it might seem, it is called Hope - The Hope Valley. It was known to Bronze Age people, the Normans and the Romans and you might say that it is a little microworld with its farms and various little settlements - Castleton, Thornhill, Hathersage, Aston, Shatton, Bamford and of course the village of Hope itself.
So around two o' clock yesterday I parked north of Hope and hiked in a long loop over the fields to Castleton and then up to the Hollins Cross ridge and along the high paths to Lose Hill. How bitter was the wind as it lashed my tender cheeks. I managed to get back to the car by 4.45 and then whizzed back to Sheffield so I could mosey down to "The Banner" to watch the match. Shirley joined me at halftime to witness another thumping victory by The mighty Tigers. Then we treated ourselves to a meal in "La Luna" - the little Italian restaurant next to "The Banner". Especially nice as it's a "bring your own wine" establishment.
Here's more evidence that my Lose Hill walk actually happened...
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| Peveril Castle, Castleton in the sunshiny murk |
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| Ramblers descend Back Tor |
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| Black headed sheep above the Hope Valley |
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| View north from Lose Hill to Edale |
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| Holiday cottage at Townhead, Hope |
Hi Yorkshire Pudding.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, a good ‘long’ countryside works wonders and as far as paying £50.00-p or so for a councilor is beyond my budget.
Expect a broadside from our friend from Wrexham - [Let me know how you get on please] - Mick
I agree about the walk.... as long as the weather is cool and the countryside is pretty. You are lucky to have both.
ReplyDeleteCheers
MICK re. the "broadside" - I realised I was waving a red rag at a bull even as I wrote that. But will she take the bait?
ReplyDeleteHELEN As you know, over here in the motherland we don't get attacked by killer magpies or kangaroos wearing boxing gloves but I don't like walking in grey, rainy weather.
Does Black Tor have a special meaning, Mr. Pudding? Or, is it just a large outcropping where people venture to get the best view of the valley? Anyway, beautiful pictures, as usual. My walks seem kinda' dull compared to yours as I always walk the same path. But, every day seems to show me something new or something different. No matter how many times my foot falls on the same dirt that it did yesterday. Amazing, eh?
ReplyDeleteWalking....fresh air....beautiful countryside... what a lovely way to spend a few hours. Being at work and looking after elderly parents and accommodating visitors and life in general seems to mean that I only get a walk to the local shops these days, and in fact, at the weekend cannot seem to get my arse in gear enough to plan a good walk....but Copenhagen beckons next week so we shall be walking and exploring then. PS. don't beat yourself up too much re the sinful thoughts YP..you are human after all.
ReplyDeleteWalking....fresh air....beautiful countryside... what a lovely way to spend a few hours. Being at work and looking after elderly parents and accommodating visitors and life in general seems to mean that I only get a walk to the local shops these days, and in fact, at the weekend cannot seem to get my arse in gear enough to plan a good walk....but Copenhagen beckons next week so we shall be walking and exploring then. PS. don't beat yourself up too much re the sinful thoughts YP..you are human after all.
ReplyDeleteI loved the 'sunshiny murk' but better was the huge one (that needed chiding to open) - wow. Now THAT would make a lovely watercolour, YP. Are you going to do any? Some time ago, you thought you might.
ReplyDeleteMOUNTAIN THYME It's not Black Tor - it's Back Tor. A "tor" is an ancient pre-Christian name for a hill - especially a rocky outcrop. I guess the word "Back" may refer to the fact that this hill is at the "back" of the Hope Valley - facing away from it.
ReplyDeleteLIBBY Excuses! Excuses! Soon winter will be upon us and your new excuses will include "it's too cold", "it's too dark". Hope you enjoy wonderful wonderful Copen-haagen!
KATHERINE I am sorry that the big photo wouldn't open easily. I did try an acrylic version of one walkiing picture - on canvas. I had never used acrylic paint before and I know I should have another crack at it. Thanks for inquiring.
Oh, well done YP. Keep practicing. Making art is a muscle. It gets stronger with use.
ReplyDeleteKATHERINE Your last comment could so easily be misconstrued but I am not into censorship.
ReplyDelete