Free

Following many days filled with Simon, I was finally able to do something I have been wanting to get back to for a while.

I worked out a circular walking route in what I call virgin territory and commanded my South Korean companion Clint to whisk me along bendy Derbyshire roads to Buxton and beyond. I parked on Bishop's Lane and laced up my trusty walking boots before applying Factor 15 sun cream to any exposed skin. Although I was in virgin territory, there were in fact no virgins around to assist with this application.

Oh it was good to be out and about with my camera over my shoulder and my rucksack on my back. Because of the warm sunshine, I  had my faded beach hat on my bonce - the one I bought in Malta in 2013.

Edgemoor

After plodding for a mile up onto the moors, I followed an old boundary wall  that took me up to Burbage Edge - not to be confused with another Burbage Edge near Sheffield. I had checked this area out courtesy of Google imagery and I correctly determined that a rough, unofficial path ran parallel to the wall for over a mile.

I paused at the triangulation pillar with cirrus clouds painted lightly in the blue firmament above. England is on the doorstep of another heatwave and very little rain has fallen in the last three months.

By the pillar, I paused to drink water from my steel flask and greedily chomped a rosy Braeburn apple before carrying on, soon leaving Burbage Edge behind me.

On Old Macclesfield Road, I saw four teenage boys approaching, strolling down the middle of the street like gunslingers. Nonetheless, the lead boy was charming. We stopped to pass the time of day and he asked me about my walking route. My A4 map printout proved handy.

I was pleased that in planning my walk I had not overdone the distance. Only five miles but it was enough in the heat and because my walking mileage has been reduced recently, my stamina has been affected. Sometimes it's sensible to be sensible.

Cottages at Burbage

from Yorkshire Pudding https://ift.tt/nEq5SCj