Earlier this week, I went for a walk along along Baslow Edge, Birchen Edge and Gardom Edge, following the interface between the gritstone ridges and moorland. It is beautiful country.
I parked just up the hill from Curbar village and soon found myself on Baslow Edge where there was an amazing view of Curbar Edge and Froggatt Edge to the north. I think you just might be able to make out my car on the road below. There were a few folk climbing here on Baslow Edge, but I didn’t bring my climbing gear since I was planning a relatively long walk and didn’t want to spend too much time climbing and not make it back to collect the kids in time.
I soon came to Eagle Rock and I wished that I had brought my climbing shoes since this stone just calls out to be climbed. Legend, according to the author of the route instructions I was following, claims that this rock was a favorite of ancient witches of the area and that local lads used to climb it before becoming betrothed.
There are some interesting monuments to the Duke of Wellington and Admiral Nelson along the cliff edges as well as a decent view of the Chatsworth estate, the home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. I have a vague plan to go visit there sometime. There is apparently a farmyard and adventure playground that might add appeal to the younger set who have perhaps become a bit jaded about seeing more enormous stately homes.
I also came across a fold of highland cattle. For some reason, a group of highland cattle are not referred to as a “herd” but as a “fold”. Anyway, these beautiful animals are well adapted to harsh conditions and low quality pasture and have been transplanted far and wide from their native Scottish Highlands. I love the color of their shaggy coats.
I came upon more rock faces that I could only look at whistfully since by this point I was running short of time.
I did complete the walk and get back in time to pick up the kids and even had a couple of minutes to kick back in the sun and take these pictures from our garden:
Spring is coming!
March 14th, 2009 at 11:43 am
Andy, It sounds like a lovely day. I cannot believe the cattle!! I’m looking forward to seeing all those pretty flowers in your garden. Love,Gail
March 14th, 2009 at 2:42 pm
It’s so nice to hear about your hike–I had looked at the pictures on Flicker and was wondering about them. I was particularly curious about Eagle Rock–what an amazing formation! Did I ever mention that there’s a movie out that was filmed at Chatsworth? It’s called “The Duchess”–it’s the story of Lady Georgiana Spencer. Anyway, it’s always wonderful to see what you are seeing! I loved the comment about your “jaded younger set.” Love, Dana
March 15th, 2009 at 11:17 pm
I was just checking in again, and your comment about the jaded younger set and the enormous stately homes reminded me of your adolescent self who described Masterpiece Theater as a program in which nothing happens in beautiful houses! Love, Dana
March 21st, 2009 at 8:47 pm
Al came back from a bike ride into Levrett years ago, saying he had found a field full of hairy volkswagens with horns. It was Highland cattle. They are pretty spectacular!
Happy Birthday to Sage!