We headed up the Slanket, fresh overnight snow sparkling in the sun under a brilliant blue sky. It’s strange how even familiar landscape looks and feels so different when snow-covered. We identified wildlife tracks. One baffled us until we realised that the attractive pattern had probably been formed by a bird’s tail feathers. We’d planned a stop at Miller’s Dale and were pleased the sun was still out knowing we’d be in shade later.
A cold wind sprang up as we neared home prompting an enquiry as to whether we’d have been better off having Sunday lunch in a cafe where friends were but the answer was an emphatic ‘no’.
The car park at Miller’s Dale wasn’t deserted as it had been last time. There was little conversation as we tackled the steep path out of the dale. In Taddington churchyard we wondered whether to sit on a memorial for a break. We needn’t have worried as a passer-by exclaimed, ‘John would have been delighted.’ Interesting conversation ensued and we heard how John had been held in great esteem. The restored mere just out of Taddington was worth a look. Intriguing finger-length holes in snow were possibly shelters made by mice. Our next shelter was by the bus stop in Flagg where we had lunch.
Later we heard how the Farming Life Centre at Blackwell had begun. The path back to the Monsal Trail was new to most of us and views were unexpectedly good even in misty weather.
Helen Royle. 872507.