Post by doug789 on Apr 4, 2011 8:31:16 GMT -1
The BBC weather forecast again did us proud by getting it completely wrong again. Instead of the heavy rain and showers they had predicted we had a glorious spring day. The short shower we had on Pennyunk lane on the way back hardly seemed worth the effort to put on the water proof.
The sights and sounds of spring were everywhere, from the fields spotted with yellow celandines, the cute lambs staring curiously at us before dashing back off to mum (it was mothers day after all) and the river teeming with dozens of frogs. The access to the viaduct was for some reason blocked off. This proved to be of little problem as we climbed over the fence to avoid the barrier. We late saw posters saying this section of path was closed. Glad everybody had the good sense to ignore this totally unnecessary restriction, hikers 1 jobs worths 0.
The walking was really easy until we reached Litton Mill where we had our lunch. Perhaps a mistake as the food weighed heavily as we set off on the ascent out of the dale. Great views from the top which were hard to appreciate between tha gasps for air and the thumping heart. From the top a pleasant stroll through the quiet High Dale allowed us to recover before setting off on the road high above the A6. The descent back into Monsal dale was fairly unpleasant as the path was strewn with rocks and rutted. It wasn't long before the culprits appeared.
For the second week running we had to stand aside for 4 x 4 and trail bikers. They appear to have crawled out from under their stones after winter. Why the Peak Park authorities can't pass a law allowing you to shoot this vermin is beyond me. If they want to emulate red necks why can't they stay home and play the banjo or sleep with their sisters. I suppose having 6 fingers on each hand makes them want to do something with them.
After climbing the fence off the viaduct again, it seemed easier early on, we made our way back to Ashford just in time for the bar at Bulls Head to close so reluctantly went to the Ashford Arms. Sitting outside the predicted storm clouds eventully closed in so we sat through the heavy shower in the comfort and warmth of the pub. A truly lovely day and as I had a beer angel one I could appreciate even more.
The sights and sounds of spring were everywhere, from the fields spotted with yellow celandines, the cute lambs staring curiously at us before dashing back off to mum (it was mothers day after all) and the river teeming with dozens of frogs. The access to the viaduct was for some reason blocked off. This proved to be of little problem as we climbed over the fence to avoid the barrier. We late saw posters saying this section of path was closed. Glad everybody had the good sense to ignore this totally unnecessary restriction, hikers 1 jobs worths 0.
The walking was really easy until we reached Litton Mill where we had our lunch. Perhaps a mistake as the food weighed heavily as we set off on the ascent out of the dale. Great views from the top which were hard to appreciate between tha gasps for air and the thumping heart. From the top a pleasant stroll through the quiet High Dale allowed us to recover before setting off on the road high above the A6. The descent back into Monsal dale was fairly unpleasant as the path was strewn with rocks and rutted. It wasn't long before the culprits appeared.
For the second week running we had to stand aside for 4 x 4 and trail bikers. They appear to have crawled out from under their stones after winter. Why the Peak Park authorities can't pass a law allowing you to shoot this vermin is beyond me. If they want to emulate red necks why can't they stay home and play the banjo or sleep with their sisters. I suppose having 6 fingers on each hand makes them want to do something with them.
After climbing the fence off the viaduct again, it seemed easier early on, we made our way back to Ashford just in time for the bar at Bulls Head to close so reluctantly went to the Ashford Arms. Sitting outside the predicted storm clouds eventully closed in so we sat through the heavy shower in the comfort and warmth of the pub. A truly lovely day and as I had a beer angel one I could appreciate even more.