Padley Gorge and Longshaw Estate

Yesterday (Sunday) I decided I wanted to visit somewhere new in the Peak District. I decided to get off the train at Grindleford and, after some delays, got there at about quarter to eleven. I had written out precise instructions telling me how to get to the Longshaw Estate, however the way was quite clearly signposted most of the way.

The woods are amazing; even the rocks are alive, growing with mosses and lichens and tussocks of grass. 

Padley Gorge

Growing rocks

You could almost be in another world; the green was so beautiful and refreshing. A bit of birdwatching and I noticed treecreepers and tits. No dippers, unfortunately. Here are some pictures of Burbage Brook:

It took me over an hour to walk through the gorge, most of this time was spent simply admiring the scenery and watching the birds. You eventually get to a metal gate that leads you out onto a meadow where you have the most amazing view of the Longshaw Estate. The change from enclosed woodland to open moorland was so sudden that it simply takes your breath away. Well, it did mine anyway.

Leaving Padley Gorge

Looking towards Higger Tor and Carl Walk

My camera just can't do it justice, you really have to go there and see for yourself. Even though the weather was a bit bipolar, the breaks in the rain gave the sun a chance to shine through and light up parts of the moorland.

Longshaw Estate

I took the scenic route to the visitor centre, going past this interesting piece of artwork:

Ant Art

I arrive at Longshaw Lodge and nip in the visitor centre to see what goodies they have on offer. I'm not bothered about stopping for food in the cafe as I brought some with me, also it is a little expensive. I'm eyeing up one of the backpacks, I really like the style but at £45 I think I'll give it a miss.

Welcoming millstone

Longshaw Lodge

The trees lining the path up to the visitor centre are hung with bird feeders; literally a foot above your head are flocks of birds, I'm not sure if these are serins? Anyway, they are not bothered about the people passing below, only being interested in the food on offer.

Serins?

I head back past the pond and towards Padley Gorge again. Swallows are flying low over Longshaw Meadow, catching insects. Some perched on the fence and so as soon as the rain stopped again I got my camera back out:

Swallows

Walking back through Padley Gorge I checked out the old explosions building, now only useful for hikers wanting shelter from the rain. I also found an old abandoned millstone:

Old explosions storage

Millstone

And now back to the station for the train. The whole walk only took me four hours, next time I plan to spend longer exploring the walks on offer.

Cloud Watching

Went to the Rusty Bump again a few weeks ago, and finally decided to put these pictures up on here. I wanted to go in the evening time to increase my chances of seeing any foxes or barn owls that were about; unfortunately the only mammal I saw was a rabbit, and the only birds were swifts and swallows. However, I did manage to lie back in the grass and take these pictures:

I thought the clouds looked interesting and beautiful. It was so peaceful just laying there, listening to the birds squabbling overhead as they caught insects in the air.

Here is a photo of the shadows lengthening as the day draws to a close:

And a couple of the sun glowing dimly through the clouds as it sets.

The beauty of this is, this is the kind of nature you get even in the heart of a city centre. You don't have to go looking for it, but many people take it for granted. Open up your eyes to the beauties in the skies above you, and reconnect with nature. You won't regret it :)

Edale again

Went into Edale again yesterday, at another attempt to climb Jacob's Ladder. The weather was terrible, it was at least 22 degrees celcius in the valleys, too hot for me as I much prefer cool weather and even some rain. After all, when you spend money on waterproof clothing it's nice to be able to put it to the test :-). I walked up through the village, took a couple of photographs of the church then headed down to Upper Booth Farm, as usual.

Edale

Public Footpath

Edale Church

As you can see, not a cloud in the sky. Up the path towards Lee Farm and past a beautiful wildflower meadow which was just alive with the sounds of grasshoppers and bees.

Wildflowers

Butterfly at Lee Farm

The barns at Lee Farm were surrounded with swallows flying in and out, possibly feeding young in the nest. I sat down for ten minutes just watching their acrobatics. Although I prefer the cooler and wetter months of spring and autumn, even I could sit and tolerate the heat to enjoy the antics of the local wildlife.

Didn't quite make it all the way up Jacob's Ladder and I can't honestly say it's gotten any easier since last time I tried. However, after replenishing my energy reserves with sandwiches and chocolate, I went down to the stream at the bottom to paddle and read my book whilst listening to the sound of the water.

 

 

 

The stream, which I believe is called the River Noe?

When I come camping here, which will be soon I hope!, I plan to do this again, use my bag as a pillow and lay down next to the stream to read. Who needs foreign sands and shores when the UK offers places like this?

Back again into Edale, stopping at the cafe at Upper Booth Farm where they sell cakes and drinks. A pint of orange juice and a piece of chocolate flapjack went down well, the chickens enjoyed the crumbs.

Free range and hungry for crumbs

There's no wonder why rural life is considered the good life. Sitting here, outside sipping a glass of juice with chickens pecking around your feet and clucking gently, should be enough for anyone to consider getting away from the stresses of town living. If only it were that easy.

Next Sunday, I'm planning to go to the White Peak to revisit Lathkill Dale. Many thanks to the gentleman on Wild About Britain who gave me advice on the buses that run here from Sheffield.