Buxton Monday 18 May 2015
It's amazing how quickly the landscape can change as you gain height. For the first three hours this morning, I climb (albeit gently) as the rolling Staffordshire scenery is replaced by the altogether more hard nosed Derbyshire Peak District.
The views would be fantastic - if I could see them. I emerged from the warmth of Hermitage farm full of their delicious breakfast into a light rain. The rain gathers intensity as I climb up. By the time I reach Morridge Moor Ridge the visibility is occasionally down to around 100 metres. Cloud surrounds me and it's cold enough to see my breath. I'm warm enough, except for my hands. I need some gloves. I can't help thinking of friends and family all cozy in their warm, toasty offices. A smile breaks out over my face and I stop, turn to face the way back so the wind is out of my face, spread my arms wide and shout a loud, long Alan Partridge "AAAHHHH HAAAA!!!!!" I wouldn't be anywhere else at this moment.
At one point the cloud is blowing across the road and I catch glimpses of a house in front of me. As I get nearer it appears to be the "Local Shop" from the League of Gentlemen. It's the spitting image. I wish I could take a photo but my hands are too cold and I'm still scared of getting my phone wet. Try this instead:
Eventually the weather eased, and I reached the village of Flash. There are signs claiming it to be the highest village in the British Isles at 1519 feet above sea level. It's cold enough to be true. My hands are completely numb. As I cross the busy A53 shortly after, there appears, like a mirage, a cafe. Hot chocolate and a Danish restore my circulation. The rest of the walk into Buxton is dry, and the sun shows itself occasionally. I find a outdoors shop and buy some water proof gloves, and a compass. I've stupidly kept mine in my pocket near my phone, and de - magnetised it. Kenonymous has sorted a room at the Old Manse Guesthouse which is warm and very comfortable.
Ken's beer of the day is staying with Peakstones Rock Brewery: "have a pint of this Black Hole. After 3 weeks in the sun, it seems to describe you rather well :-)"
Thank you so much Ken.
Buxton is a splendid town. It has grand architecture, an opera house, caves, public spaces, music and theatre festivals, amongst many other atttractions:
A short day tomorrow. Wet again in the morning. I might just put my tent up...
