Padley Gorgeous

Hello Lovelies, it's tipping it down here this morning so I'm stuck indoors with time to write another blog post...every cloud and all that :0)

These pictures are from last Thursday's group walk in the Peak District. It's about as far away as the group journeys (generally we stick to within an hour's drive of home...this took 1hour 15mins) I think it was worth the extra miles and we always car share to save fuel and costs.

The Longshaw Estate is a national trust property high on the moors above Sheffield. It's in what's known as the Dark Peak ( with Millstone Grit geology as opposed to the Limestone of the White Peak) though I'm not fond of that description...makes it sound a bit off-putting and like the sun never shines.

It's actually rather beautiful moorland and wooded valleys. We started our walk from Longshaw Lodge in cloudy but dry conditions.

Wandered past the lake.

And through trees.

Where the rocky outcrop of Higger Tor could be glimpsed....and the Heather still looked purple....ish.

Here we crossed Burbage Brook and headed down stream.

To enter the boulder strewn delights of Padley Gorge.

I loved all the moss

and signs of Autumn just beginning.

There are some amazing twisted trees

And steep drops.

The recent rain meant the brook was quite impressive.

And trickles became waterfalls.

It takes some concentration to navigate but thankfully we stopped here for coffee and soaked it in a while longer.

Then the sun came out and the dappled light was gorgeous :0)

Blinking as we emerged into bright sunlight this tree caught my eye. I do love red acers.

The sun lit this roof beautifully too.

This glimpse of a garden gave a feeling of the alps.

We crossed the brook at the bottom of the gorge.

and passed these cute cottages.

Climbing steadily past cows.

And beginning to spy far reaching views.

Dry stone walls. Lovely.

Cross the road carefully.

 and climb higher still.

Fabulous light on Millstone edge, really making the jagged rocks stand out.

We passed interesting looking homes.

And here we began the short but steep final climb.

Zooming in.

Stopping to admire the views ( catch my breath) half way up. Oh look it's Mam Tor ( the wrinkly hill in the centre). I walked that HERE

Phew, made it to the top, excuse us Mrs cow.

Great views from way up here.

And interesting rock formations. Anybody see a snakes head here?

We enjoyed lunch on some rocks before it started to rain a little, time to head onwards. Past Mother cap.

And another snake...this one looks happy :0)

Spotting fungi. Fly Agaric.

Not sure :0)

Yay, more sun as we near the end.

And a rainbow.

Pretty Burbage Brook again.

And a final section though tall pines.

Back at the Lodge.

For a cup of tea.

With a view.

Perfect.

What a special outing that was. In case you fancy doing it too, it was THIS walk.

Thank you all so much for your kind comments on my recent posts. I never know if to reply, but I have done for the ones left on my previous post and I will try and do that from now on. It's great to chat with you and lovely to be back in blogland :0)

Jacquie x