In that limestone country there are a few long clefts in the earth including Deep Dale, Horseshoe Dale and Back Dale. They are somewhat hidden from neighbouring roads. It would be easy to speed past them and not know they were there.
The aptly named Deep Dale appeared to be a haven for wildlife with unusual butterflies dancing above undisturbed beds of nettles, thistles and wild grasses.. I climbed up to a cave and even went inside. I am not sure how natural it is for there is much evidence of historical lead mine working in north Derbyshire. Later I discovered that it is called Thurst House Cave.
It wasn't the longest walk - no more than four miles. I didn't see another rambler and the paths I walked seemed little trodden. Where I parked at Brierlow Bar there is a bookshop and cafe. I had seen it but I had never ventured inside before. Considering how isolated it is - way out in the countryside - it was surprising to see what a wide range of books it sells - including "How To Live Vegan" by Bosh!
Beautiful area for a walk. The cut the grass in the church yard but it looks like the church is caving in.
ReplyDeleteEh? The church looks very sturdy to me. Maybe the cataract operation didn't work out Red!
DeleteWhen I was a wee lad, I learned to stay out of caves. Apparently such wisdom didn't penetrate the teaching in Sheffield.
ReplyDeleteI must admit, I didn't like being in there on my own without a flashlight (English: torch).
DeleteThe cave is almost heart shaped. Did you venture very deep inside or just a little? I partly agree with the grave trimmer, not everyone needs a university education. I think more people should get apprenticeships and learn the trades before the art of plumbing and other crafts dies out. Leave the universities for the up-and-coming lawyers, doctors, teachers etc. How many people study for years and get all kinds of certificates but then can't get jobs and have to flip burgers instead? And what happens when there are so few plumbers one can't be found when your toilet breaks down?
ReplyDeleteI also have some sympathy with his opinion. There doesn't seem to be much of a connection between acquiring a degree and the job market. I went about ten yards into the cave - then it got too dark.
DeleteA beautiful walk all around. The photo of the old church and stone wall is a close competitor for favourite with the big tree on the field.
ReplyDeleteThe cave could be of natural origin but maybe was later widened and deepend for mining.
I have since been doing some research on the cave. No connection with lead mining and at the end of the nineteenth century various Romano-British items were found there as well as evidence of two funerals. It would have been a very secret, hidden place to shelter. I think there is evidence of widening at the entrance.
DeleteLove the photo of the tree at the beginning. Nothing is nicer than a tree that has been allowed to grow to it's proper shape, so many are crowded out by other trees.
ReplyDeleteBriony
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I am surprised that that tree hasn't been bent by winds blowing across those pastures.
DeleteAnother beautiful walk in another beautiful part of your beautiful home.
ReplyDeleteSo much beauty to witness if we only care to look.
DeleteExcellent photos again YP - the tree (a Horse Chestnut?) looks quite magnificent and the church, slumbering peacefully in the sunshine, is timeless.
ReplyDeleteThe grass trimmer has a point, and River's observations make sense. I understand good workmen are getting harder to find in the UK, since many "foreign" skilled tradesmen left post Brexit.
Johnson and his gang didn't fully grasp what might happen to key workers from abroad after Brexit. I am sure that that tree is not a horse chestnut but I don't know what it is as I didn't get close enough to identify the leaves.
DeleteInteresting! Those dales seem like unusual features. Are they natural or a remnant of mining, as you said the cave may be?
ReplyDeleteThey are natural and research tells me that I was wrong about the cave. It has no connection with lead mining at all.
DeleteThere are some nice walks in that area.
ReplyDeleteGetting away from the limestone workings can be a challenge.
DeleteI've certainly met some people who would be better served learning a trade than going to college. But I'm careful not to say everyone would be better one way or the other. It really depends on the individual and I'm under the opinion that if one can choose both paths, they are probably better for opting to go the college route. I expect both our girls to go the college route for that reason.
ReplyDeleteIt depends on the person entirely. Some people have jobs that require college educations. I would sure hate to go to a doctor who did two years in trade school. On the other hand, there are impatient people like my son. He did not want to go to college at all. Tim insisted that he learn a trade. He went to Penn College of Technology and learned electro-mechanical maintenance, proved himself especially adept with computers, and now works for a Canadian company as an engineer. He is doing very well for himself, and expects to retire in his 50s. It all depends on the person, and the job they are going after. Both trade schools and colleges are of equal importance to my way of thinking.
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