Back to Surprise

 Look, I'm not doing anything else ok....

Sorry, I know it's a bit dull but the walks have at least been sunny this week. Last week would have been horrendous, grey and drizzly all week!

After a thrilling 3 hour workshop on procurement practises this morning, Rich came back from work at lunchtime and we headed out with Gary for a hit of sunshine.  We couldn't resist the lure of Surprise View again. It will be mad busy over the weekend so off limits for me and with no sheep is just brilliant for G. 

Gary scared us for a few minutes skirting along the quarry cliff edge. Annoying dog.

This tree's roots are embedded in the cliff edge and the tree must have fallen over many years if not decades ago but still it flourishes.

Sun shining through the silver birch in the old Bole Hill Quarry. Rock from this quarry went via rail to build the massive Ladybower, Derwent and Howden reservoirs to the north of Bamford. 

This whole wood, totally peaceful now, would once have been a bustling industrial quarry full of men and animals. Gary always cools off in this old trough which presumably used to water the horses and donkeys. 

The quarry was also used for the production of gritstone millstones. So many were made before the market for them collapseded and now the remnants sit stacked under a covering of moss and bracken. 

The view down the valley towards Hathersage and beyond.

I love this broad grassy track leading up from the quarry.  A part of history.

Then we cross over the main road from Sheffield and into the old Millstone Edge quarry.

There are several old quarry buildings decaying quietly amongst the silver birch wood.

Then back up onto the moor and the blue skies!

I think I would have gone mad this week without my lunchtime walks. I'll have to plan carefully tomorrow and Sunday when everywhere will be so much busier but I know a few good spots....