9 August 2022

Free


Following many days filled with Simon, I was finally able to do something I have been wanting to get back to for a while.

I worked out a circular walking route in what I call virgin territory and commanded my South Korean companion Clint to whisk me along bendy Derbyshire roads to Buxton and beyond. I parked on Bishop's Lane and laced up my trusty walking boots before applying Factor 15 sun cream to any exposed skin. Although I was in virgin territory, there were in fact no virgins around to assist with this application.

Oh it was good to be out and about with my camera over my shoulder and my rucksack on my back. Because of the warm sunshine, I  had my faded beach hat on my bonce - the one I bought in Malta in 2013.

Edgemoor

After plodding for a mile up onto the moors, I followed an old boundary wall  that took me up to Burbage Edge - not to be confused with another Burbage Edge near Sheffield. I had checked this area out courtesy of Google imagery and I correctly determined that a rough, unofficial path ran parallel to the wall for over a mile.

I paused at the triangulation pillar with cirrus clouds painted lightly in the blue firmament above. England is on the doorstep of another heatwave and very little rain has fallen in the last three months.

By the pillar, I paused to drink water from my steel flask and greedily chomped a rosy Braeburn apple before carrying on, soon leaving Burbage Edge behind me.

On Old Macclesfield Road, I saw four teenage boys approaching, strolling down the middle of the street like gunslingers. Nonetheless, the lead boy was charming. We stopped to pass the time of day and he asked me about my walking route. My A4 map printout proved handy.

I was pleased that in planning my walk I had not overdone the distance. Only five miles but it was enough in the heat and because my walking mileage has been reduced recently, my stamina has been affected. Sometimes it's sensible to be sensible.

Cottages at Burbage

15 comments:

  1. Walking in the heat is definitely a different activity than walking in cooler weather. You were wise to plan a shorter stroll today.

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    Replies
    1. Floridians are more versed in dealing with the heat than we English.

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    2. And we are smart enough to know when enough is enough.

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  2. I am pleased that you decided to be sensible Mr P. You may have melted like a block of rum'n'raisin if left out in the heat too long.
    Edgemoor looks lovely. Such a beautiful garden.

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    Replies
    1. Edgemoor was a nice discovery and there I saw a woman driving a big dumper truck - so sexy!

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  3. Looks like a perfect walk to clear your head of the past few days and weeks.

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  4. It's certainly some relief to get out and away from some of the challenges.

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    Replies
    1. Walking out some of my recent cares and woes.

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  5. It is indeed sensible to be sensible at times, and you did everything right, from the planning of your circuit to the water and apple you took along and the sun hat and sun cream you wore.
    It must have felt so good to finally be out there again, walking on your own!
    The photo of the gate in the drystone wall is iconic.

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    Replies
    1. I am glad that my sensible actions meet with your approval... and it certainly did feel "so good".

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  6. You walk through some stunningly pretty areas. A hat and sunscreen is always a good idea.

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    Replies
    1. Aussies are more used to dealing with heat and sunshine than we pommies.

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  7. Edgemoor looks idyllic, and even from a distance the gardens look well-cared for.
    Agree - it's sensible to take care and pace yourself. Does Clint need sunscreen too - or do you find a nice shady spot for him.
    Melting like a block of rum'n'raisin doesn't bear thinking about!

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  8. Gosh, Neil, the countryside is so lovely near you! I especially like that first photo with the gate and the swirling clouds in the sky! Well done!

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  9. There's nothing wrong with curbing your long walks until the weather gets a little more temperate. I think five miles in this heat is pretty good.

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