Walked: 6 Dec 08
Terrain: The steep ascents are worthwhile!
The local moggies like to laze on top of my garden shed and take in the great view over fields and The National Forest. I thought about this as I drove to my local farm shop this morning, which takes me over one of my favourite South Derbyshire viewpoints (SK365250). Why do animals and humans alike find it so rewarding to find a high spot and take in a long view?
It might have to do with defence - from this position you can see a predator or enemy coming hours before they reach you and fight them off much more easily.
This is all a bit irrelevant for us these days, but nevertheless it feels great to be up high and see a long way. I felt inspired to devise a new walk which would follow the high spots along the Trent valley.
A circular walk would be great - to the south of the valley, then crossing over and back on the north of the river. This would be a very long walk because points where you can cross the Trent are few and far between.
Today's walk was a bit experimental and I'll develop this route some more but it worked out very well. I started in Repton and headed East, making it to Stanton before having to turn around to get back before dark.
From Repton, there are a couple of paths taking you East - on the map there's the main green line, and a pink alternative. I tried both today (one out and one back) and preferred the latter - the green one is low in the valley and you can't see very much more than Willington Power station.
I've said before that the walk along the river between Foremark and Ingleby (passing Anchor Church caves) is one of my favourite spots. Today the path was flooded, as it often is after wet weather. Once before I took off my boots and waded through. Today I thought I could see a way up over the cave, which gave me a great spot for a picnic lunch. This was off the right of way and was probably trespassing, which I hope the landowner will forgive, so I can't recommend it. Instead, I recommend the alternative path (blue on my map below) through Foremark
This chap seemed to enjoy sitting up high enjoying the view too.
In the distance is Ratcliffe power station making its signature across today's amazing blue sky. I really don't like the short days, and we're very nearly at the shortest day, but it was a perfect day for walking. The air was fresh and clear as a bell and the sun was bright. Despite some puddles being frozen over all day, the air didn't feel very cold.
The white building flying the St George cross is the John Thompson at Ingleby, famous for brewing its own marvelous beer.
This time of the year, there is a little bit of colour if you look for it. Today I saw beautiful yellow gorse flowers and red rose-hips. Here they're both showing in front of a tree in wonderful copper foliage.
I used Meander for Mac to generate the route below. Click the map for a bigger version complete with all of today's photos.
3 comments:
I love the views down into the Trent valley. I also like it at night when you can see the lights of Derby & Nottingham.
Another view I like is down Manchester Lane near Boundry where you can see the Peak District.
The view from your house is indeed wonderful, Pea.
It's nice to see you managing to get out and about at this time of the year with our restricted hours of daylight. That blue sky truly was amazing!
I LOVE that photo of the oak tree. The low sun makes it glow.
Jules - I have resolved to do some night walking over the winter! I know Manchester Lane as it's very close to me. It's a horrible road to drive, but as you say has some great views. There's a farm entrance near the high point, with 'no parking' signs - I reckon they'd be better off putting up 'please park' signs and a pay-and-display machine! Dive - the sky was an amazing blue, and the air was polished, so even though most were bare, the trees looked amazing against it.
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