Derwent Edge from Foul Clough
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It's fun to set off without any real idea of where you're going sometimes . Beyond a broad idea of setting off from Fairholmes , and perhaps Abbey Brook there was little planning today . Perhaps not wise in winter , but you can always be certain the Eastern Moors will be thronged on a sunny day , and , besides , it seems to be paved from Bradfield to Ladybower nowadays . Going up by Shireowlers gives many choices of route on top . I went left onto Abbey Bank passing opposite Ouzleden Clough , then drifted round to the right to catch the path towards Lost Lad . A loss of height down Sheepfold Clough , then an ascent by Foul Clough after crossing Abbey Brook took me to a vantage point opposite the gorge , where soft grass gave a good excuse for resting . Unfortunately the orientation of the gorge makes photography tricky , one side in deep shadow and the other in full sun usually when I'm there . Today was no exception . There are no paths , but also no difficulties in going round Crooked Clough . A halt for lunch by the head of the gorge , and then there is a little casting around to find a place to cross the brook . After picking a way to the obvious rocks the rest of the way to Derwent Edge and beyond is by flagstone path .
I diverted below Dovestone Tor , partly fed up of pounding along a rural pavement ; and was rewarded by a group of climbers , and a peregrine falcon . If you squint , it's the dot in the centre of the photo . Later on the path a kestrel hovered and stooped , and I'd also seen a raven earlier . So not a bad day for birds , considering it's now Autumn .
Free parking is available before the Fairholmes visitor centre .
I diverted below Dovestone Tor , partly fed up of pounding along a rural pavement ; and was rewarded by a group of climbers , and a peregrine falcon . If you squint , it's the dot in the centre of the photo . Later on the path a kestrel hovered and stooped , and I'd also seen a raven earlier . So not a bad day for birds , considering it's now Autumn .
Free parking is available before the Fairholmes visitor centre .