Day 3 - Higger Tor and Burbage Rocks

More quality sleep. Set the alarm for 8.30 so we could do a smirk-worthy walk before Gill arrived on the train from Colwyn Bay. A quick bowl of museli and a cup of tea, then we drove out just past Hathersage to park the car further south than suggested in order to extend the walk slightly.

The weather was glorious and as the morning wore on we got quite hot! Firstly we followed Burbage Brook on the Longshaw hunting estate (NT) before crossing the road and continuing on towards Upper Burbage through granite boulders, heather and quite a wild open landscape looking east to Sheffield. Some of the route was quite challenging but we were rewarded with spectacular views and less mud than of late! Walked past discarded stone troughs and mill stones hewn from the smooth rock, and looked down on an abandoned quarry.

At the top we crossed back over the brook before climbing again to Higger Tor and the Burbage Rocks, presumed Tobermory ancient forts. Clambering down we hit reeds and marsh in different landscape again before walking back along the road to the car.

5 1/2 miles, 3 1/2 hours.

Collected Gill from Hope station and went for a late lunch at the Ladybower Inn overlooking the reservoir. Fish and chips (S) and game pie with veg (girls) before heading back to the cottage to freshen up. Faces very sun kissed and wind worn!

Drove out to Chesterfield and called at Morrison's for a few supplies. Made our way to the b2net stadium, home of Chesterfield FC, and the away stand to watch the league 2 top of the table clash with Wycombe Wanderers. A couple of poor refereeing decisions helped Wycombe to a 4-1 defeat which not even the half time cake and free tea from the snack bar could compensate for. Still the 300 traveling fans were in good, if rude(!) voice and it was certainly a different evening. Back to the warmth of the cottage for a cup and bed.




Words by J