Sunday, December 23, 2012
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Nonsense!
Having done like lots of people do at this time of year. Been shopping.
One of the tactics that electronic product companies are using to seemingly make us buy is this "Cash Back".
Now i don't know about you but personally if i walk into a store to buy a camera or a phone or similar item and it's £300 and then i'm told that if i buy that one i can redeem £50 from the manufacturer. It puts me off the whole thing and i walk away.
What is the point of me spending time filling out a form to reclaim cash that in my view i shouldn't be spending in the first place. Why don't they sell it for £250 and have done with it.
Can any blogger reading this, who has a financial bent please tell me where the logic is of this stupid (in my opinion) trend lies. I cannot understand where the benefits are to either party. I may be just thick but i won't buy a product that does this pitch and so we both lose out.
One of the tactics that electronic product companies are using to seemingly make us buy is this "Cash Back".
Now i don't know about you but personally if i walk into a store to buy a camera or a phone or similar item and it's £300 and then i'm told that if i buy that one i can redeem £50 from the manufacturer. It puts me off the whole thing and i walk away.
What is the point of me spending time filling out a form to reclaim cash that in my view i shouldn't be spending in the first place. Why don't they sell it for £250 and have done with it.
Can any blogger reading this, who has a financial bent please tell me where the logic is of this stupid (in my opinion) trend lies. I cannot understand where the benefits are to either party. I may be just thick but i won't buy a product that does this pitch and so we both lose out.
Friday, December 14, 2012
Hartington - Pilsbury Castle circular.
Todays walk (Saturday 8th December).
This was a short walk to see how i was shaping up after a bout of Flu, bedridden flu that is!
I was still taking the Lemsips and still had a bit of a high temperature and overall was still a bit shaky.
The day was crisp, icy in parts with blue skies and not a breeze. We didn’t have a plan and as we would be walking south of Hartington on the Sunday decided to walk north of the village today. The route north is not a route i had done before so there was lots of map reading to do and the occasional compass bearing.
Looking at the map i decided that going up the escarpment towards Sheen would be a good test and it was in that direction we set off.
The route leaves Hartington on the lane behind the Charles Cotton Hotel and then turns north before the cheese factory. Then heads for the footbridge across the River Dove crossing a number of stiles along the way. Once across the Dove the path heads west to the top of the escarpment from where a number of paths join giving the walk a number of route choices.
We chose the route north passing through a mixed woodland where we found quite a few Chanterelle mushrooms. We didn’t pick any. Alway’s in view was Sheen Hill.
Sheen is an ancient settlement with a number of Stone Age barrows. There was a settlement here in the 11th Century and most likely Sheen in ancient times meant “shelter”.
The day was warming up nicely and although i had struggled with my breathing on the up hill stretch it was a delight to be out. The views all round are wonderful.
On route the valley opens up giving grand views of Chrome and the Parkhouse Hills. Another day definitely.
Our feathered friends posed quite willingly without fear. I think they must get well fed by the residents of Pilsbury.
The light was just starting to fade as we approached Hartington from above Bank Top Farm.
This was a short walk to see how i was shaping up after a bout of Flu, bedridden flu that is!
I was still taking the Lemsips and still had a bit of a high temperature and overall was still a bit shaky.
The day was crisp, icy in parts with blue skies and not a breeze. We didn’t have a plan and as we would be walking south of Hartington on the Sunday decided to walk north of the village today. The route north is not a route i had done before so there was lots of map reading to do and the occasional compass bearing.
Looking at the map i decided that going up the escarpment towards Sheen would be a good test and it was in that direction we set off.
Sheen is an ancient settlement with a number of Stone Age barrows. There was a settlement here in the 11th Century and most likely Sheen in ancient times meant “shelter”.
Sheen Hill looking from the east.
Chief navigator pointing out the obvious route.
We made our way, with no rush across to Harris Close where we joined the minor road for a short distance until the footpath marker directed us on a diverted route around some new stabling at High Close Farm. The owners have made a lovely job of the improvements.
From the farm the path drops steeps down to a footbridge back over the Dove to the hamlet of Pilsbury. It’s said you need a lot of “dough” to live here.
At the junction with the minor road just in front of the hamlet i checked the map and seeing that we were so close to the Motte and Bailey castle decided to go and have a look at the earthwork.
Pilsbury Motte and Bailey castle which dates from the 11th Century.
View North towards Chrome.
Anyone name the flower? No prizes.
Another view of the whole valley
The water pump in Hartington Village where we found the general store, bought a couple of Huntsman pies and sat out the remaining light.
What a superb day and a beautiful walk. Not particularly long but so scenic. We will be back to walk some more here.
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Martin's Christmas mud fest.
For the last week flu has taken over me. I missed a walk with JJ and Rick on a lovely sunny Wednesday and i was doubtful for this weekends Christmas walk, which Martin organises and which we had booked an overnight stop as long ago as last February.
If we didn't go we would still have to pay the hotel.
I emailed Martin, just to let him know that i was still going and even if i wasn't up for the walk, i would still meet for lunch. I hate letting people down.
So, Sheila and i did a walk on Saturday as a kind of "am i up to Sunday”, and i did struggle on even the slightest gradient. My breathing was a mess and the sweat was profuse. Fortunately the pace was of our own making and numerous coffee breaks were taken. I will do a separate post on this walk, next.
The Sunday group walk is easy walking with little gradient and the actual walking only takes about 4 hrs. After a couple of whisky's on Saturday night i decided that i would do the walk. I really didn't want to miss it.
8 o'clock Sunday morning, it's raining, that fine stuff that wets you through. We breakfasted, paid the bill and headed off to meet the 28 souls at a lay-bye on the A515. It was only half light as we pulled in to find the attendance already busy, with about a dozen cars neatly lined up.
I switched off the car and watched the world disappear into a watery grey. I wasn't looking forward to getting out and putting on gaiters, overtrousers, boots etc etc. Gradually as 10.00 am approached, other bodies apeared from the sanctuary of the vehicles, so we did likewise.
Hello’s done, we set off. First crossing the busy A515 and onto the the Tissington Trail, the old railway line. It was too damp at this point so i didn’t get a photograph of the trail. The rain eased thankfully as we turned off the trail and steeply down to the River Dove. This path is remembered fondly due to the fact that your boots weigh about a kilo more each, with the sticky mud that gets attached by the time you reach the river.
The Dove, was high, fast and full of silt washed off the fell sides. A bit of a gap had been created on the downhill as folk picked there way cautiously to the river path.
There was more mud to come.
Most of the walk consisted of chatting. Walks planned, the TGO challenge obviously, gear, illness etc etc. Martin introduced Jeff to Sheila and I. This is your blog stalker was the introduction. We hadn’t met Jeff before although i knew of him through his excellent and numerous gear sales on OutdoorsMagic. Good to meet you Jeff and i liked your Canon Camera.
The Charles Cotton looked after us wonderfully well and nothing was too much trouble for the staff. The dinner, 2 or 3 courses as you wished was beautiful and plentiful. Then tea/coffee served with mince pies. Time moves fast when you are having fun. We did a quiz which Martin had prepared and although there was some cheating going on from some quarters Sheila and I came runners up behind Mick and Gayle. We did have a bit of help from Jeff as well.
Thanks to Alan,Judy and the staff at the Charles Cotton for making it a lunch to remember.
We were not being rushed in any way but we had to get moving as daylight was going. It’s never nice getting back into wet gear after a couple of hours in the warm. But that’s the fun of it.
Quite a pace was achieved during the last 4.5 miles of the route, probably because the sky was getting darker by the minute. Last year the weather was worse on the return leg and we finished walking in snow showers. This time it was relatively calm and pleasant.
Once we hit the Tissington trail again, the pace quickened even more on the good surface and before long we were back at the car just as darkness took over. It was so dark it was difficult to see who was who as we bid our farewells and said our thank you’s for a good day out. Considering how bad i had been during the week and how slow i had walked yesterday, i was pleased that i still felt good at the end.
Thanks everyone for your company and to Martin and Sue for the Organisation. I think there were other bloggers in attendance too which we didn’t manage to speak with. If that was the case then we must apologise and make more effort next year.
Looking forward to next year already.
If we didn't go we would still have to pay the hotel.
I emailed Martin, just to let him know that i was still going and even if i wasn't up for the walk, i would still meet for lunch. I hate letting people down.
So, Sheila and i did a walk on Saturday as a kind of "am i up to Sunday”, and i did struggle on even the slightest gradient. My breathing was a mess and the sweat was profuse. Fortunately the pace was of our own making and numerous coffee breaks were taken. I will do a separate post on this walk, next.
The Sunday group walk is easy walking with little gradient and the actual walking only takes about 4 hrs. After a couple of whisky's on Saturday night i decided that i would do the walk. I really didn't want to miss it.
8 o'clock Sunday morning, it's raining, that fine stuff that wets you through. We breakfasted, paid the bill and headed off to meet the 28 souls at a lay-bye on the A515. It was only half light as we pulled in to find the attendance already busy, with about a dozen cars neatly lined up.
I switched off the car and watched the world disappear into a watery grey. I wasn't looking forward to getting out and putting on gaiters, overtrousers, boots etc etc. Gradually as 10.00 am approached, other bodies apeared from the sanctuary of the vehicles, so we did likewise.
Hello’s done, we set off. First crossing the busy A515 and onto the the Tissington Trail, the old railway line. It was too damp at this point so i didn’t get a photograph of the trail. The rain eased thankfully as we turned off the trail and steeply down to the River Dove. This path is remembered fondly due to the fact that your boots weigh about a kilo more each, with the sticky mud that gets attached by the time you reach the river.
The Dove, was high, fast and full of silt washed off the fell sides. A bit of a gap had been created on the downhill as folk picked there way cautiously to the river path.
There was more mud to come.
The swollen River Dove
Elevenses, showing how wet the area was, no one sitting down.
Martin and Sue distributed delicious Caramel and Chocolate shortbread with ginger and Fudge Brownies. Yummy. I resisted the temptation to try seconds as lunch was not too far away.
Onward through the extended river bed.
The river and bridge crossing at Beresford Dale.
The dinning room at the Charles Cotton Hotel.
The rain that had been intermittent during the walk thankfully had stopped by the time we reached the Charles Cotton Hotel for Christmas Lunch. In fact some blue ski had appeared and we actually saw the sun, be it briefly.The Charles Cotton looked after us wonderfully well and nothing was too much trouble for the staff. The dinner, 2 or 3 courses as you wished was beautiful and plentiful. Then tea/coffee served with mince pies. Time moves fast when you are having fun. We did a quiz which Martin had prepared and although there was some cheating going on from some quarters Sheila and I came runners up behind Mick and Gayle. We did have a bit of help from Jeff as well.
Thanks to Alan,Judy and the staff at the Charles Cotton for making it a lunch to remember.
We were not being rushed in any way but we had to get moving as daylight was going. It’s never nice getting back into wet gear after a couple of hours in the warm. But that’s the fun of it.
Mick, Gayle, Graham and Martin on our route to Biggin
Sheila and Jeff with his GG Gorilla pack.
Quite a pace was achieved during the last 4.5 miles of the route, probably because the sky was getting darker by the minute. Last year the weather was worse on the return leg and we finished walking in snow showers. This time it was relatively calm and pleasant.
Once we hit the Tissington trail again, the pace quickened even more on the good surface and before long we were back at the car just as darkness took over. It was so dark it was difficult to see who was who as we bid our farewells and said our thank you’s for a good day out. Considering how bad i had been during the week and how slow i had walked yesterday, i was pleased that i still felt good at the end.
Thanks everyone for your company and to Martin and Sue for the Organisation. I think there were other bloggers in attendance too which we didn’t manage to speak with. If that was the case then we must apologise and make more effort next year.
Looking forward to next year already.
Sunday, December 2, 2012
A wintery local 10 miles
Our Saturday morning 10 mile walk was a slippery one straight from the front door.
Sheila was sporting her new boots. Now that winter has arrived, she had decided that after last weekends very wet walk up Hail Storm Hill, that a waterproof, warm pair of boots was necessary. Hopefully i can persuade her to do a review on them in a few weeks time. They look good and are very light weight. She also has a new pair of gloves which i am very envious off, so maybe 2 reviews are pending.
The sun had only just appeared about the horizon causing a lovely pink tinge to the cloud edges. The mist was still thick across some of the low fields yet others cleared as the sun warmed the air. In the cold misty fields the sheep had not yet risen from there slumbers and the tup was showing no interest what so ever. I don't blame him.
The heavy rains of recent weeks had flooded fields that now resembled ice skating rinks with handrails full of frost. Proceeding along the Rochdale canal the ducks greeted us noisily but it was to no avail, we were breadless. They went back to bottom feeding.
Dorothy was finding staying up on her feet quite difficult and progress was slow. We should have brought some shoe spikes with us but we didn't realise how bad it was going to be.
One of the routes we use is usually very flooded and so today we changed paths hoping for an easier and dryer way round. It wasn't to be, it was just as wet and a lot of bog had been created by a herds of cows which were now comfortably inside the barn. Across the boggy land we made a mental note not to go that way again.
The view over to Knowle Hill and Scout moor had the wind turbines bathed in sunshine. A bit different to last weekend.
When we eventually reached Tandle Hill Park, via more very slippery Land Rover tracks, it was unusually quiet, not that many dog walkers out yet. The cafe in the park was closed. What a disappointment. We usually stop here for a brew instead of bringing our own. We hung around hoping that the proprietor would turn up at any minute but it wasn't to be and so we headed off.
We passed what looked like a TA unit doing some excercises. Good to see some hardy souls out as well as us.
Derbyshire looks very dark at this point although North across Lancashire and East into Yorkshire was looking good. Quite a breeze was blowing and too chilly to hang around. Down and back onto more slippery tracks and homeward bound.
A few photographs of our walk can be found by clicking on the link below.
Photo’s link
Sheila was sporting her new boots. Now that winter has arrived, she had decided that after last weekends very wet walk up Hail Storm Hill, that a waterproof, warm pair of boots was necessary. Hopefully i can persuade her to do a review on them in a few weeks time. They look good and are very light weight. She also has a new pair of gloves which i am very envious off, so maybe 2 reviews are pending.
The sun had only just appeared about the horizon causing a lovely pink tinge to the cloud edges. The mist was still thick across some of the low fields yet others cleared as the sun warmed the air. In the cold misty fields the sheep had not yet risen from there slumbers and the tup was showing no interest what so ever. I don't blame him.
The heavy rains of recent weeks had flooded fields that now resembled ice skating rinks with handrails full of frost. Proceeding along the Rochdale canal the ducks greeted us noisily but it was to no avail, we were breadless. They went back to bottom feeding.
Dorothy was finding staying up on her feet quite difficult and progress was slow. We should have brought some shoe spikes with us but we didn't realise how bad it was going to be.
One of the routes we use is usually very flooded and so today we changed paths hoping for an easier and dryer way round. It wasn't to be, it was just as wet and a lot of bog had been created by a herds of cows which were now comfortably inside the barn. Across the boggy land we made a mental note not to go that way again.
The view over to Knowle Hill and Scout moor had the wind turbines bathed in sunshine. A bit different to last weekend.
When we eventually reached Tandle Hill Park, via more very slippery Land Rover tracks, it was unusually quiet, not that many dog walkers out yet. The cafe in the park was closed. What a disappointment. We usually stop here for a brew instead of bringing our own. We hung around hoping that the proprietor would turn up at any minute but it wasn't to be and so we headed off.
We passed what looked like a TA unit doing some excercises. Good to see some hardy souls out as well as us.
Derbyshire looks very dark at this point although North across Lancashire and East into Yorkshire was looking good. Quite a breeze was blowing and too chilly to hang around. Down and back onto more slippery tracks and homeward bound.
A few photographs of our walk can be found by clicking on the link below.
Photo’s link
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