Much as I prefer walking over mountains, open fellsides and rights of way, I never mind occasional strolls around country lanes – particularly if there’s not much traffic on them. Many of the great walkers of the past – people like George Borrow, Jim Phelan, Walter Starkie etc. (do read their books if you haven’t)Continue reading “Walking the Lanes of the Eden Valley”
Tag Archives: #DalesHighWay
Return to Murton Pike
Murton Pike is magnificent. No matter how many times I climb this, the highest of the three pikes that seem to guard the Eden valley from the long ridge of the Pennines, I never fail to be impressed. We hadn’t been up the Pike since before lockdown and Sunday was a good clear day, withContinue reading “Return to Murton Pike”
Far From the Madding Crowd
Wandering through the quiet fields yesterday with just the cries of curlews, I thought of the line from Gray’s Elegy, which gave Thomas Hardy the title for his novel. I happen to be re-reading Far From the Madding Crowd at the moment (I recommend the Oxford University Press edition which has restored many passages missingContinue reading “Far From the Madding Crowd”
An Old Path Obstructed
It’s a long time since I’ve encountered an obstructed path – the rights of way network in our area is generally good. I used to see them all the time in other parts of the country. But, as I say, a long time since I’ve encountered one here. And it’s a pity, because I thinkContinue reading “An Old Path Obstructed”
Walking the Roman Road
The Romans put a road through the valley, crossing the Pennines via the Stainmore Gap. A famous road even in later years, where the Viking king Eric Bloodaxe died bloodily. Much of the road’s now incorporated into the present A66. Look at the Ordnance Survey map and see the many Roman forts along the way.Continue reading “Walking the Roman Road”
Walking the Old Ways 