Autumn Colours

Yesterdays stunning 9 mile walk with the walking group filled my heart, mind and senses with the most beautiful autumnal colours and shades and brilliant images of flaura and fauna.  A veritable feast for the soul.

 It was very easy walking with no climbing and plenty of time to take in the wonders of this amazing scenery on Sheffield's doorstep.

 We walked from the Foxhouse Pub at L:ongshaw across to Curbar Gap and Froggat Edge.  We walked in wind, rain and sunshine - the shafts of sunlight were at times exceptionally spectacular.

 You can't help but feel "on top of the world" up here.  We used to walk a lot, but are finding we walk even more with the walking group and our walks are more varied.

 We looked across to Loosehill where we had walked a couple of weeks ago.

 These walks make my weekends feel more like mini holidays.

 The young man was home for the weekend so accompanied us on the walk.  He was able to explain  the Geology of the rock formations which made it even more interesting.

 I can't resist a fungi snap or two.

 I thought these looked like roses.

 And the beasts on the moor were magnificent too.....

 Some more so than others.....

 He reminded me of my latest sewing project which is waiting to be framed.

Our walks with the group cost us £1.00.  If I had paid £100 for this walk I would have thought it was a bargain.

The Rainbow Walk

On Sunday we partook in the Family Walk organised by our walking group.  We were walking around Langsett Dam which is only 15 mins away from home.  I used to find this walk strenuous before we joined the group, now I find it a stroll in the park!!  

 They have added many information boards in the car park - they are so interesting.

 It was an incredibly blustery morning

 I think that the group had record numbers for this walk - it's great to see so many families joining to explore the outdoors and get plenty of fresh air.

 Langsett nestles in the foothills of the Pennine range.  It has some great views.

 The top of the hills gave us our first glimpse of a double rainbow.  Pretty spectacular.

 But the best rainbow was saved until the end - we all got our camera's out!

 At the end of our walk, we called into this fab cafe.  It was on the route for the tour de France earlier in the year, and so they trimmed up accordingly.  They serve fabulous food and lovely coffee!

Another great walk with the walking group x

Beware of the Lion!!

On Saturday, we found ourselves with a free day - no plans - so we decided to go walking out into Matlock (where I could so easily live!).  We found a nice walk on the internet and drove out through Sheffield to this gorgeous little Peak District town.

 The walk was listed as being fairly hilly, but I hadn't realised that 5 of the 5.5 miles was UP very very steep hills, and only the last half mile was actually DOWN hill!!!

 Any one that has ever visited the Heights of Abraham will appreciate how steep the climb is - sane people take the transport up!

 Once at the Heights Cafe (for a spot of lunch and a gander at the marvellous view) I thought that was the climbing over, but no, the hills kept on coming!

 I slowed down the climbing by photographing loads of unusual fungi - this looked like sticky toffee!

 The walk led us to discover the gorgeous little village of Bonsall.  I didn't know this place existed, but we shall certainly return for more exploration.  It's a fascinating place.

 We popped into the pub for quick refreshment - The Barley Mow is the best little pub on earth!!

 Apparantly one night per week they have French lessons - I think the landlady is French.

 And I loved the mural in the ladies loo.

 But hubby doesn't let me sit for too long, and we were soon off again.  More fungi.....

 And fabulous village map....

 Finally, on our descent, hubby spotted a Lion in our path - can you see it?

 It was actually just the bracken but it really did look like a Lion, and hubby reminded me that Riber Castle nearby used to be a Zoo!

We haven't walked on our own much since we joined the walking group, so it made a change to walk and actually talk to each other.