What a lovely day! We were not impressed when we woke to drizzle and the prospects of a cloudy day, but brightened when Kathryn, her friend David, and Rockford arrived from Nottingham in time to join us on our walk. We climbed through woodland from the pub up to Froggatt Edge, where we were rewarded by panoramic views. We then passed through farmland and descended gradually to the Burbage Brook and then on to the moor. The four of us enjoyed a simple picnic in the shelter of some rocks (thank you Kathryn for the pecan pastry!) and then Kathryn, David and Rockford retraced their steps, whilst we continued to our destination for the day.

The afternoon involved some serious rock climbing and scrambling to Stanage edge and a walk along the top, before descending across the rather boggy moor and then on to the Ladybower Hotel. We just had time to shower and change in time for dinner, where we were joined by my cousin Paul and his wife Joan, who had driven over from Rotherham. We enjoyed catching up whilst eating a lovely meal. Altogether a great day!

A Backward Glance

Today we were joined by our daughter Kathryn and her two friends David and Rockford. As we set off up through the wooded hillside, we were the ‘Famous Five’ on another adventure. Kathryn (Georgina, the tomboy, short hair, headstrong by nature with a fiery temper). David (Julian, intelligent, natural leader and reliable). Carol (Anne, the ‘mother’ of the group, dislikes adventures, but soldiers on loyally, very practical). Me (Dick, annoying joker, but actually quite thoughtful). Rockford (Timmy, the group mascot, gentle but ready to attack unwanted people on George’s command). All the ingredients for a great tale of travel, mystery and escapade; pity it was only for the first half of the day, but so glad we had a good time together on such a beautiful part of our walk. At lunch on a windswept outcrop of rocks deep in the Moors, George surprised Dick with his favourite treat – a big bag of Liquorice Allsorts, which he was reluctant to share with rest of the gang. However, as a result he now has a sugar stash almost equal to Anne’s store of Kendal Mintcake. After lunch we went our separate ways and the dream ended; me trying to keep up with Carol ascending Stanage Edge, whilst looking back watching two tiny figures chasing Rockford back to the Chequers Inn. From Stanage Edge the way to Ladybower Hotel took us through miles of peat bog with unrecognisable paths that only Mr. Komoot was confident about. Clumpy tufted grass over peat hides holes and water logged ground, making for nervous, hesitating and slow progress. Right leg disappeared to above my knee at one point, so was really pleased when we eventually were back onto more obvious stony paths out of the area. At Ladybower Hotel we were joined by Carol’s cousin Paul and his lovely wife Joan for an early dinner. Good company sandwiched our day perfectly and later we both closed our eyes for an early night, feeling exhausted and privileged to have shared the day with such lovely family and friends. Altogether, a great day indeed.