This morning I got up with the sun for a change, took a shower straight away and then came downstairs for breakfast with my habitual pint of tea. I made a ham roll and a flask of coffee to take with me on my latest adventure in the December cold. It was nice not to have to rush.
I filled my backpack and checked that I had everything I needed. I had made sure that my camera battery was fully charged and I had printed off a map that would guide me south from New Mills Central railway station and round in a big circle.
Though short as all days are at this time of year, it was nonetheless destined to be as sharp and bright as a new pin. I had my red "Thinsulate" woolly hat, my fingerless gloves and my big Hull City manager's coat.
My train over the hills left Dore and Totley Station at 09.21 and I arrived at New MIlls at 10.02. It can be hard to estimate how long a circular walk might take but I hoped to catch the 15.16 back to Sheffield. If I missed that one I could always catch the 16.16.
Well I did manage to catch the 15.16 after five hours of walking - stopping only for coffee and my ham roll. I saw many things and had a lovely day out. It was good to be fatigued and by the time I got back to Clint - parked on Dore Road not far from the station - the December sun had disappeared - beckoning another early Arctic night.
On days like these I feel truly alive and grateful that my body is strong and pain-free. It might not always be this way.
What a lovely walkabout.
ReplyDeleteMaybe I am a sad guy but I was thrilled.
DeleteGreat shots, especially the top one. I don't think I've ever seen a cuddly crab before! I completely identify with how you feel on a long walk -- it is invigorating and a wonderful reminder of the beauty of the world around us.
ReplyDeleteIn these feelings we are united Steve.
DeleteI admire you for walking in these cold temperatures; I was ready to retreat indoors after a half hour walk with the dog. Stunning photos as per usual, I particularly like the canal shot.
ReplyDeleteThat is kind of you to say so Sue.
DeleteSunrise, about 8am. I am not terribly impressed by your early rise. The light looks so nice in your photos. It was quite a big day out for you.
ReplyDeleteI am very much a night owl Andrew. Getting my ass into gear so early was quite an achievement,
DeleteLovely photos, thank you. What was the dipping stone used for?
ReplyDeleteThose stones were carved maybe a thousand years ago. It is believed they held stone guideposts - like sockets but nobody knows for sure.
DeleteWould you give me permission, brother, to try to paint, in my own way, the River Goyt? with autumn leaves on those trees? What beautiful pictures!!! Are you using a different lens for your camera or for posting? What a wonderful walk, my friend. By the way, I have to now look up "puerile," a word I have never seen or heard before.
ReplyDeleteAs to your question of a few days ago, I think I do not have the inclination to spend my valuable EYE time on a new Blog. Even a little bit of time. Even if I had a lot to say, which I don't. I will lose sight in one eye completely soon and would rather read your blog and others and paint,Paint, PAINT and sew and READ, READ, READ until that happens.
Be brave Donna! You are welcome to paint The River Goyt. In fact I am very honoured that you have proposed this. May I please have an image of it when it is done? You are right to make the most of your eyesight while you have it.
DeleteA routine has to be set up and followed to get out.
ReplyDeleteA little bit of planning is vital.
DeleteYou are wise to do it while you can. Far longer so far than many of us, I dare say. I love your photos of the countryside.
ReplyDeleteAnd I am happy to take you with me Bruce. You seem like a nice guy... but I could be terribly wrong!
DeleteOh you are, you are.
DeleteBeautiful photos. I see one of those barges has smoke coming from the chimney, so I guess people live on them. I keep promising myself I'll start walking again. One day.
ReplyDeleteThe narrow boats or barges are mostly just pleasure craft. Very few people live on them 365.
DeleteI know exactly what you mean about feeling truly alive out there, perfectly at home in your body. It is one reason why we love walking so much, isn't it. And I guess you can guess which is my favourite photo of this post.
ReplyDeleteBefore I read the caption for the crab picture, I thought it was something real... dead.
Maybe I am feeling somewhat morbid today because of R's funeral this afternoon.
The thermometer shows -4C as we speak, the coldest of this season so far.
I know you like the ruined barn with its tantalising echoes of past times,
DeleteSuperb photos as always YP.
ReplyDeleteThis time of year the chilly temperatures add a wonderful clarity to the scenery as you walk along. That first photo is worthy of first prize in any competition - in fact they all are.
Even though I have never met you in "real life" Carol, I appreciate your kind support. Thank you.
DeleteEach picture has a story to tell, hasn't it.
ReplyDeleteI can feel the cold seeping through my screen.....
It was invigorating and rarely slippery. I felt so alive.
DeleteLovely photos. The epitome of an English winter.
ReplyDeleteThank you JayCee.
DeleteNice walk, thank you for virtually taking us along.
ReplyDeleteYou are very welcome Travel. I'll do the cold and you can stay snuggled up in front of your screen.
DeleteDitto what Steve said. I like that top photo. To repeat what I've also said before, I'm a bit envious of your walking situation over there.
ReplyDeleteMost English people are blind to this treasure.
DeleteThe top photo with the lady dog Walker and the narrow boats is amazing. It could be an oil painting. Definitely one of your best.
ReplyDeleteKind of you to say so Young Dave.
DeleteLooks as cold up there as it is down here. I envy you that walk - wish I could do that right now!
ReplyDeleteAt least you could have a virtual walk with me ADDY... so much virtue it hurts!
DeleteYour photos match your writing as ever.
ReplyDeleteThe mill by the River Goyt: I enjoy hearing about unknown rivers.
The Dipping Stone, out on the airy heights. I am seeing Cathy & Heathcliffe.
The misty sunlight by Peak Forest Canals.
Did the canal engineers know they would leave us such aesthetic delight ?
No they didn't. They were intensely practical men. Not spire-dreaming blokes like me and you.
DeleteBeauty & engineering are not mutually exclusive, lad.
DeleteAny more of thy hash and I'll set Tasker on thee.
As for dreaming spires, dost thou forget the guild stone masons ?
They dreamed their dreams in their Masonic Lodges.
Kipling, our finest short story writer, was a Mason and proud of it.
I met my love by the gas works wall.
Dreamed a dream by the old canal.
I kissed my girl by the factory wall.
Dirty old town, dirty old town.
Ewan MacColl, celebrating smoky Salford.
Sung by the Dubliners and the Pogues.
I have briefly lowered my head - suitably admonished - like a mischievous Jack Russell.
DeleteHow lucky you are! Thanks so much for sharing your hike with us, Neil! It is cold and rainy here today so I will be stuck inside. I will put up my Christmas decorations and read a book. Not as exciting as your day! :)
ReplyDeleteIt pleases me that you could come along Ellen. My leg muscles are achy today. It has been a while.
DeleteI envy your enthusiasm for a 5 hour walk. I wish I had that kind of passion for walking. Your pictures are fantastic.
ReplyDeleteI know the walks are good for me - helping me to live longer. That is just part of the inspiration Melinda.
Delete