In my ongoing quest to cover the local paths I drove to Coal Aston to help me reach further into North East Derbyshire. This is an area with many intersecting paths so the task is larger than for some pasts of 'my map'. The majority of the land is agricultural, a combination of diary farming and small arable fields. Some smaller plots are paddocks for horses, recreational riding looks to be popular around here.
62 point 1 miles
I didn't complete a 100km ultra by my 50th. 80km achieved before 53 years, still working on it...
Saturday, 7 June 2025
Coal Aston towards Unstone
Sunday, 1 June 2025
Port Patrick coastal path
This morning I went out-and-back along the Southern Upland Way and a little of the Rhins of Galloway Coast Path for 2 hours. The latter seems to be under development still and where it became unclear on the ground I headed back.
As is so often the case there was a fair amount of walking involved due to steepness and/or uneven ground. However, the coast is picturesque and there was no need to rush.
Whenever I'm in this area I think that one day I should walk the cross country Southern Upland Way but haven't committed to it fully!
Wednesday, 21 May 2025
Running water even in a dry spring
The hills around Sheffield are, of course, separated by numerous brooks that are well known in the area.
The Burbage bridges are popular landmarks and meeting places. After plentiful rain it can be quite a challenge to cross the stream beside the bridge, but at the moment stepping stone rocks are well exposed.
Thursday, 15 May 2025
Intentional camera movement (ICM)
I'd read about the effects that could be made by camera movement so had a little experimentation whilst on a walk in the local woodland. My legs felt too tired for a run. These are the best.
The path is naturally ringed by trees and is enhanced by a rotation that emphasises the arches.
Sunday, 11 May 2025
Photography while out and about
On my last few runs I've taken my LX5 camera as the images are far crisper than those from my 'mapping' iPhone SE. Some of its controls are showing signs of wear and I've been considering buying a replacement. However, despite the online hype for a plethora of cameras I haven't found one that I'd be prepared to spend on just yet. The influencer videos have encouraged me though to make an effort to find good angles to photograph rather than become trapped in GAS (although I may already have this for trail-running gear!).
My favourite route to the moors from home is via Limb Valley which starts from a semi-managed pond.
Typically the bluebells in the local woods are at their best in the first week of May. This year they arrived early but are lasting well in shaded spots.
The top of Limb Valley leads onto a very popular byway that leads into the Peak District National Park. I frequently use a section of the track, and perhaps monthly, run to its far end at Fox House.
Saturday, 10 May 2025
Ringing Roger
This morning I was in Edale, setting off just as the village was getting busy. I could see a stream of hikers heading up Grindsbrook Clough so decided to head east, starting with the ascent to the viewpoint of Ringing Roger.
Despite making an effort, progress was relatively slow as the ascent is steep, the level paths have stones waiting to trip you up and the 'flat' route past the YHA is anything but!
Friday, 18 April 2025
North East Derbyshire
In my ongoing exercise to walk all of the rights of way on my local OS 1:25000 map, I headed to Unstone to walk in the South East corner of the map. I designed a marathon-length circular route to include a range of terrain and opportunities to take a break at a village pub or cafe.