Short Days and Long Shadows

It can be difficult to keep motivated and active through the gloomy weather and short days of mid Winter. Illness had kept me largely indoors through most of the festive period so it was great to get out for a long easy walk with some new friends.

We set out from Bakewell in the Peak District and headed along the Monsal Trail aiming initially for Monsal Head.  Once there, we took a few minutes to take in the spectacular view over the deep valley cut by the River Wye.

We descended to the chilly depths of the Wye valley and made our way along the riverside paths to Lees Bottom. We soon warmed up again with a steep ascent through the woods and out across gently rolling pastures to the village of Sheldon.

Just south of the village lie the historical ruins of Magpie Mine; a lead mine that was worked until the 1950s. It is one of the more well-known lead mines in the Peak District. The Magpie Mine site is now cared for by the Peak District Mines Historical Society which exists to preserve these important industrial heritage sites.

Finally with fading light and a distinct chill on the breeze, we strolled our way south-west across  open farmland, to the pretty village of Over Haddon. Once through the village we made our final descent to complete our circle, and return to Bakewell for a well earned pint and platefuls of hot pub grub.

I'd like to thank my new friends from the Yomping Mancs for their company and for organising this eye-opening walk.