That had been very little overnight rain and we were promised sun today. I didn’t think I’d make it all the way to Thorpe but with three shorter days to follow, I expected to arrive at Hebden Bridge in four days time on time for my rest day with my friend Mikey. I was looking forward to the Peak District, canals and Sunday lunch along the way.
My first goal was to navigate towards the Stepping Stones where I would pick up my route towards Abbotts Bromley in the Peak District. It was tricky to begin with. There were many different paths criss-crossing one another in a confusing way, but more by luck than judgement I found a beautiful route through heather with a view of the Peak District in the distance. I loved Cannock Chase and enjoyed a couple of hours walking in the morning sun.
Shortly after leaving the forest, I turned right onto the Manchester Liverpool Canal, walking in the wrong direction for a couple of miles, but deliberately for once. Again, this was idyllic, narrowboats in locks and on the canal on a lovely Sunday morning.
I stopped at the lovely Sparrow’s tearooms near Woleseley next to Bishton Hall. I then returned to the towpath and after another mile or so turned off across through fields and pretty villages, stopping here and there to rest.
I reached Abbotts Bromley about 3 o’clock. It was a pretty village and I had a couple of pints. I then had a very pleasant afternoon’s walk over green fields and pastures. Lots more buttercups and cows. At Knightsfield farm I met the friendliest farmer and his two grown-up children. We chatted for about 20 minutes. He told me he regularly had to rescue walkers nervous about walking past his cows. I’ve no idea why they would be nervous. Half an hour later, I arrived in Uttoxeter, hungry, looking for a good meal. Few of the pubs served food, so I decided to go for an Indian meal instead. I stopped in a friendly pub for a blackcurrant cider first. I don’t know why, but I’m craving sweet things.
I had walked 23 miles so far today but was still 14 miles away from Thorpe. I’d walk another four or so after my meal. I was confident I’d be on time for Hebden Bridge and Mikey.
In the event, I walked only two because I found a nice spot in a meadow overlooking the river Dove.
Day Summary:
Forests and heather, canals and narrowboats, beautiful sunshine, a fantastic day.
Discover more from Henry’s very long walk
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Sounds like a good day. I’ve had reason to be scared of cows in the past! Much better to exude no fear at all as you clearly do, but not easy to do.
Photos are sublime Henry. I’m still catching up but you have had unbelievable early summer weather so far!