People are just too much for me to face
I'll climb way up to the top of the stairs
And all my cares just drift right into space
On the roof, it's peaceful as can be
And there the world below can't bother me
- Carole King "Up On The Roof" -
Well Carole King might have escaped to the roof for some time out and relief from "this old world" but I prefer to go walking in the countryside. And here, in this great northern city, we are extremely fortunate in that the countryside is right on our doorstep - just a few minutes away.
Earlier this week, I needed the simple relief that a good walk can provide so I drove up to the Owler Bar road, parking Butch opposite the gas distribution facility that is up there. Then with boots on I set off for the cairn that sits at the southern end of Brown Edge.
It is a great viewpoint. Using the zoom option on my Sony bridge camera, I took a shot towards Sheffield city centre. I know it is not the sharpest of pictures - quite hazy really - but incredibly, in the top lefthand corner, on the horizon, you can just make out the towers of Drax Power Station - almost fifty miles away!
I also revisited the triangulation pillar on Flask Edge with its view across the moorland to faraway Stanage Edge and Higger Tor. If you want to know more about the history and purpose of triangulation pillars, please go here.
Less than two hours after leaving Butch at the lay-by, I was back at his boot (American: trunk) changing into my regular shoes and feeling good after that invigorating session of ambulatory self-therapy. It was only then that rain swept in from the south west.
The triangulation pillar on Flask Edge
Your drive home was a bit wet then. Walks are quite simple pleasures, but can be so very satisfying, I am sure. Btw, I had forgotten about very good fish and chips were had at Whitley Bay.
ReplyDeleteRay took you to some exotic places!
DeleteIt's good to have the countryside on your doorstep. Ours is just up the road and around the bend so no driving required. Although P sometimes drives me around the bend ...
ReplyDeletePoor old Lord Peregrine! He cannot help his aristocratic upbringing.
DeleteGood for your body, good for your soul.
ReplyDeleteAnd free! Who needs a gym?
DeleteSuch a beautiful, therapeutic walk in "this old countryside."
ReplyDeleteEvery walk is a kind of healing.
DeleteFrom Drax and Pollington on his country rounds, during the war, my dad could see the bombs falling on Sheffield (he worked through and was not in the forces because of childhood polio).
ReplyDeleteI love to take walks, too. Always lifts my spirits.
ReplyDeleteA very well timed walk, both mentally and physically.
ReplyDeleteThat triangulation is very cool. The original took 61 years to complete. Wow! Can you imagine people working that long on one project these days?
ReplyDeleteLovely song and I'm so glad you got some fresh air and exercise. It's very important at your age:)