True Grit Country

We have not been to hill country for months. So today was a bit momentous for us in these strange times. The longest drive we have taken since February, into the Peak District. The roads seemed quite busy.

A walk around Higger Tor, Carl Wark, Burbage Rocks and Stanage Edge. Millstone Grit country. This is a view from below Stanage Edge.

Monday used to be quiet, but the car parks were full - there were plenty of people around. Then again the Peak sits between the metropolitan areas of Greater Manchester, and South and West Yorkshire, a huge population catchment.

But we managed to keep our distance from people, and have a good walk. Which gives us a bit of confidence moving forward.

It’s good that after 4 months of doing very little walking, we can still do a walk like this. Even if we are both now very tired.

Other good things. It stayed dry. The heather is beginning to flower, and will get better in coming weeks. And I saw my first wheatear of the year (as well as the expected grouse, pipits, larks and hovering kestrel).