Derwent Valley and Barrow Stones
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The most unlikely March day possible - June temperatures and cloudless blue sky . A perfect day thefore to visit the wetter bits of the tops . The downside is the dusty dryness and fire risk in the nesting and breeding season . I took the higher track over Oaken Bank to cross Stainery Clough about half way up , and tracked across the higher ground below Horse Stone Naze , joined the main path and crossed the river by Barrow Clough , to climb the hill to the Barrow Stones . Which is a great place to laze on a day like this . Then a wander around the usually soggy groughs behind the Stones before a descent from Grinah down to the top of Grinah Grain . And even this bit was almost dry .As was the path across Ridgewalk Moor , mainly . There's always a bit that never dries out . A return down Linch Clough completed a fine day .Wildlife was out in force . I saw 7 mountain hares , 2 or 3 curlews (one could have been the same one twice ) , a buzzard , a snipe , and two lizards . I must admit the hares looked very out of place sunbathing in full winter coats .... Plants are still subdued , but patches of colour can be found . Anyone interested in rarer species will probably enjoy the grough scenery .