September and a New Challenge

Some time ago we walked with members of Pioneer Church from Cromford along the High Peak Trail. Last year we inadvertently climbed up the Middleton Incline to Middleton Top. Having completed the Monsall Trail this became our new challenge.

Our refreshment stop was the cafe in Bonsall. The three mile walk took us through Hopton tunnel and on up the Hopton Incline. This was not as steep as the Middleton one but engines struggled to get up it. 

It was one of our noisier walks as we passed by noisy and dirty cement works. There was more industrial archaeology in the form of what were, most likely, lime kilns. They did very much look like Aztec temples.

 Ten days later after a pot of tea and delicious cakes (£3.50 in total) at our favourite tea shop in Wirksworth we set off to park where we had left off the walk last time.

We left the car all alone in a lay-by and walked over a field on to the track. The walk started past a group of rose bay willow herb which was changing from purple to the snowy colour of the seed heads.

A little way on was an unusual piece of industrial archaeology. Because we were on top of limestone there was no water. The solution was that an engine pulled tanks of water from Cromford up to a special platform and engines filled up from them.

The panoramas along the route were some of the most spectacular that we have seen.

On this walk we were to see ancient archaeology in the form of a tumulus (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tumulus); now known as Minning Low Hill.

At this point we began to see an even more impressive stone build. This time it was a huge embankment crossing over the valley.

At the other end of the embankment was Minning Low car park where we sat for our picnic. From there we returned carrying with us a great respect for the builders of the now abandoned railways.

There was then an urgent need to drive back to Middleton Top and the relief that was on offer there.

The following day I just had to take my camera up to the allotment. The profuse growth and colour was stunning.

Two days later it was Irene's mum's funeral. Nan had lived a long life and after a well fought battle against death she quietly succumbed at the age of 94.

The funeral was a good opportunity to spend time with our three boys and partners. In the morning we gathered together at the Peace Pagoda in Milton Keynes and went on to have refreshments at Campbell Community. This is a campus for special needs people where they grow their own food and serve in a cafe.

It was a dignified event at the crematorium with many people attending. Martin and Irene spoke well about their mother. Seeds were given out as a reminder for each generation to sow good things into next.

There was an old fashioned tea party in a nearby church hall. This was a good opportunity for the wider family to catch up with each other.

Then Irene and I gathered a wreath from the crematorium collection to put by the headstone and bunches of flowers to give to the staff and residents of High Clere Nursing Home.

Finally the Norwoods gathered in the garden of the local pub to spend more time with each other before sharing meal to end the day.

On the following Wednesday there was only time for an afternoon walk. This we did at Calke Abbey, resulting in a lot of bright, colourful images.

 The first Saturday that we were not obliged to go to Milton Keynes was not entirely free as the Haven Church had Vision Weekend in the afternoon and evening. But in the morning I took the opportunity to set up a photographic lamp and take photos of the layout. All of the photos were put on to Facebook but I include a couple here.

 Our Wednesday walk took us to the next part of the High Peak Trail. This time we had to start at Minning Low car park. The nearest refreshments and toilets were back in Wirksworth.

The sky was quite blue but we walked into a cold breeze. For the first time this year warm clothing was needed. The walk took us to a car park at Friden. We then went passed a factory producing special refractory bricks and then a little further to get to a recognisable place to turn round. Back at the Friden car park we sat down for lunch and I found a toilet stop. The nettles stung. Irene had to grin and bear it until she found a suitable wall to duck behind. Hopefully this will be the last time without there being any convenient conveniences. 

The last Saturday of the month was the celebration of our friend Mary at her house in Burrowash.