Wetton - Wetton Mill - Wetton

28th December 2011 (5 miles)

Yesterday Allotment Julie and I drove to Wetton in the Peak District, originally we were meeting Rich and Donna from the Walking Forum but due to health issues had to pull out and so I had to come up with a route.  I choose to return to Wetton where I started my hill walking some 30 years ago.

Have to admit my memories of Wetton were totally different, I guess time plays tricks.

I got the map out and decided to follow the country road down to Wetton Mill, then followed the Manifold Way, looking up at Thor's Cave.  When we met the road we took it back into Wetton up a very steep incline.  Still suffering with a chest infection I found the climb very hard.

Once back at Wetton we decided to head for Alstonfield for a spot of lunch but ended up stopping in Mildale where we had home cooked meals.  I had Steak & Ale Casserole.

Here are a few pics...

Here is me and Lady wrapped up well.

Lady enjoying the view and saying hello to the sheep.

Looking down the valley.

The valley

Recovery!!!

Today I felt a little better so my father, Lady and I went to Croft Hill for a walk, my intention was a short walk up the old Croft Hill to let dad see the views but we met a nice women with two Labs and ended up walking up the new Croft Hill, down to the nature reserve and back to the car.

Anyway the foot didn't feel uncomfortable even once and I didn't get out of breath so perhaps things are improving.  My dad loved the 3 mile walk, it was his first time up there in over 35 years.

Tropical Birdland - Leicestershire

Here are a few photo's taken at a local tropical gardens situated in Desford Leicestershire...

 The short walk through the Bluebell Woods was lovely

 It was the first time I had seen the Emu's, didn't realise how beautiful they are to look at when zooming in.

Rutland Water weekend

Well tonight I should have been in Wing camping, near Rutland Water but unfortunately the car came to a stop on a very busy A47 near Uppingham.  Sorry to those who I have let down.  I guess there is a lesson for Walking leaders, make sure another party has a copy of the planned walks.

Here is the poorly car...

 

Just before this happened I came across an accident, an accident that had literally just happened involving from what I could see a lorry and 2 cars.  It didn't look good. 5 minutes later the police and ambulance went by.  What I can't understand is how nothing was left 1hr later, no debris, nothing and yet the cars were right offs.  I was sure someone would have been trapped.

Croft Hill views

Today I went for a walk with Lady to Croft Hill, the walk was the first for a week as I have been suffering with a painful foot, hoping it's just bruised.  Anyway the morning was glorious and we enjoyed the walk up original croft hill.  Here are a couple of views...

After walking up and down Croft Hill we followed the path to the nature reserve.

 

Well finished the walk with a limp, seams the foot isn't better but it wasn't as bad as it was a few days ago.  Hopefully it won't feel any worse tomorrow.

Edale - 4 miles

Today I drove to Edale, left at 7.00am from Leicestershire with the intention of taking the country route avoiding motorways as I had developed a fear of them.  Well the Sat Nav must have lost its settings as I was lead twice onto motorway restrictions, which was a good thing as the fear has now been broken.  Arrived at Fieldhead campsite at 10.00 (90 miles), was feeling a little worried but as it happened there was no need as I got my camping spot.  Pitched the tent and then Lady and I went on our first hill walk together.  Photos can be seen below.  After the walk we went to the Ramblers Inn to meet up with Rich (HumperLumper) and his wife Donna and had a very pleasant evening talking about hiking.  They are a lovelly couple who I am sure I will meet up with very soon.

Edale Church

Edale Village Centre

 

This was Lady's first experience of camping in a tent and she took to it straight away, my fear was her scratching at the groundsheet but all she did was push me off the camping mat.  Didn't get much sleep due mainly to the mummy sleeping bag, restricts my sleeping positions.  Think next time I will sleep on the sleeping bag and have a blanket over me.  Oh yeah there was a lot of snoring on the campsite including Lady.

The journey home was via the M1, the fear is over only taken 10 years to crack, looking forward to next trip to Edale.