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John and I hadn't met for a wee while - 52 years to be precise. Some chance connections among old schoolfriends had put us in contact; and it transpiring that both of us enjoy the outdoors, we arrange to meet up for a day's walking in his back yard - the Derbyshire hills - and in particular Stannage Edge and environs.
At John's suggestion, we meet up at the Upper Burbage Bridge car park at 08.00am, I arriving with compass and map as John had told me that when he'd been up here with mutual friend Phil, they'd almost got lost in low cloud
. We get going more or less immediately, heading first up towards the ridge, but then turning briefly right towards Cowper Stone, which looks like it might afford the more childish among us a little amusement.
20220317-WA0004.Small child playing around on the Cowper Stone
20220315-082641.
20220316-WA0003.
20220315-084527. Moving on a short distance, we get to the high point of the ridge, the views from which auger well for the day.
20220315-084558. Two really ancient blokes... ... just to prove that we really were out and about.
20220315-090410. Initially we walk the main path along the top of the ridge, catching up a bit on what we've both been up to in the intervening 50+ years...
After about 4 km the path drops off the ridge and then splits, we following the left arm, which leads to...
20220316-WA0000. ...another playground!! Buck Stone. Not to be resisted.
20220317-WA0001.
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20220315-094842. Initial urge to play satisfied, we move on. This pic is looking back the way we've just come, with Buck Stone right over to the LHS.
After a short stretch on a minor road, we cut up left through a small wood, and before long we're back on the ridge...
20220315-110452. ...where the views north west along the ridge continued to inspire.
20220315-110510. Same pic as above, but in wider pano - the key characteristic of the views in this part of the world is their breadth, which one can really only get a feel for in pano.
We swing back to the car park, and stop for a coffee break (still gassing away, as old folks are prone to do...)
...after which we head out south east on the next leg of the walk, which is to take us to that establishment of historical, cultural and architectural reknown, The Fox House.
20220315-115633. Fine views also looking broadly south...
20220315-122256.
20220315-123615. Shortly before the Fox House, the path passes a disused quarry - which looks like it could afford a good bit of climbing fun (albeit NOT solo!).
A leisurely lunch at said establishment of historical, cultural and architectural distinction....
... and then a pretty leisurely stroll back to the car park via Higger Tor.
20220227-WA0002.
An excellent day, blessed with the two goods: weather and company!