28 July 2024

Denby

Highland cow at Marehay - a former coal mining village

Today was a lovely summer's day here in northern England. I was up early to fire up my South Korean travelling companion - Clint. "Where are we off to day mighty sire?"  he asked.

"Denby village in Derbyshire," I replied.

It took longer to get there than I had anticipated because of a major road closure. Even so, I had my boots on and I was striding out into the countryside before ten thirty.

There, north of Derby and east of Belper, you are outside The Peak District National Park and so some of the paths shown in official maps are little trodden and badly signposted. I got rather lost near the large pond at beautifully named Bottom Dumbles and it took me more than half an hour to sort myself out. I still don't quite understand where I went wrong.

Anyway, I made it back to Clint by 2pm. Three and a half hours of solid exercise under a summer sun. My seventy year old body has not had a workout like that in a while. And it felt good to be dog-tired with new images in my camera. 

I dedicate the top picture to the lovely Mary Moon in Lloyd, Florida who turned seventy today. She is a blogger extraordinaire and I send her my very best birthday wishes.

Accidental art in a  horse riding paddock at Denby

St Mary's Church at Denby
At "The Village Inn", Marehay
Barley field near Codnor Breach


35 comments:

  1. As always, lovely pictures of a picturesque landscape.

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  2. Is that where the Denby Pottery comes from? I had a few pieces years ago and I think "no-one" has them now. Mostly mugs. I LOVE the highland cow and his/her beautiful coat. This 70+ body hasn't had a good walking workout in quite a while, there seems to always be something out there to trigger a hayfever or asthma attack lately and soon it will be Jasmine season, the worst time of the year for me.

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    1. Yes. That is indeed where Denby pottery comes from. There's a big factory about a mile north of the village.

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  3. I know of Denby pottery YP.

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  4. So good to see that you are finally out and about on your walks again YP. You must surely feel energised after such a lengthy ramble.

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    1. Walks like that soothe my troubled soul.

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  5. Put your feet up today, YP. You are not getting any younger you know.

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    1. If I put my feet up they might stay up!

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  6. Highland cows have nice expressions, but I am sure they are as revolting as all other cows.
    Are the mirrors for equestrians to admire themselves as they pass by on the steeds?
    Barley makes a good product and I am not thinking of bread.

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    1. The mirrors are probably for gay horsemen to test their dance routines.

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  7. It looks a very good walk, shame you got a little bit lost. Didn't you have your compass? I'm sure Tasker will show you how to use one.

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    1. I am sure of that too. He knows everything.

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  8. Fine weather for a fine walk - what could be better?

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    1. I can think of a couple of things but they are unmentionable.

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  9. Great photos, as usual. Love the accidental art and the church.

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    1. I should have climbed into that paddock but somebody was watching me.

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  10. Sound like a nice day out.

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    1. It was indeed David. All new territory for me.

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  11. Oh, Mr. Pudding! I am so honored! Thank you! And I do so love a beautiful Highland Cow. Glad you got in a good ramble. Getting lost and finding our way back is often the best part of a good walk.

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    1. I am sorry that your cow had flies around his snout.

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  12. I was going to lecture you about carrying a phone but you are going to be you and at least you are enjoying your hikes! It's so lovely out there, Neil!

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    1. You can lecture me any time you like Ellen. I have always been a naughty boy.

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  13. Great day for a long walk. I've been lost in the Rockies when signage is poor. However, I got things sorted out as I'm still here.

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    1. I bet The Micromanager was relieved to get you back.

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  14. That cow looks like Ed Sheeran.

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    1. I didn't realise that Ed Sheeran was blessed with a pair of horns.

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  15. Such lovely photos, thank you for sharing. I'm also a fan of Denby pottery.

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    1. https://www.denbypottery.com/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw-5y1BhC-ARIsAAM_oKnmFOJi_xPj9CPoBMSoNAkW3QoUxcHiw4JcSk9Wp4Ht9XjV1U7xudoaAr_xEALw_wcB

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  16. I also wondered if that is where Denby Pottery comes from.

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    1. There are a few places called Denby but YES - this is indeed where Denby pottery comes from ADDY.

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  17. Love the 'accidental art'. (Doesn't it confuse the horses though - I wonder??)

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  18. On that day, we were on our way south towards a place not far from Thurnscoe, where we had a family gathering at a restaurant. Like you, we had to deal with major,road works, plus the Pontefract Race was on, adding an extra lot of traffic to the area. We still arrived almost half an hour before everybody else, and the way back wasn‘t too bad, either.

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  19. Sorry - I meant to say that you had a great day for a walk, and the area looks beautiful.

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