Midlands | BaldHiker

Shining Cliff to Alderwasley circular walk via Cromford Canal

Posted by Janine Moore | Apr 15, 2015 | Britain, Derbyshire, Midlands, Travel |

On this journey I met so many animal friends, my Favourite has to be this sweet foal, so of course the Foal and all the other animals had to dominate my photos on this occasion, the whole area is filled with natural beauty which hopefully shines through with a touch a spring time. Shining Cliff woods is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and full of natural diversity, birds range from warblers, bramblings and fly catchers along with my favourite the little robin and many many more woodland residents. In mediaeval days “Schymynde-cliffe” woods was one of seven royal...

Peterborough Cathedral – around and within

Posted by Sheena Findlay | Feb 16, 2015 | Britain, Cambridgeshire, Midlands, Travel |

Driving South I usually bypass Peterborough using the Ring Road. On previous visits into the city I’d often wondered what Peterborough Cathedral or to give it its full name, the Cathedral Church of St. Peter, St. Paul and St. Andrew, was like inside. It’s such an incredible building from the outside. Visitors are welcomed, there is no entry fee, unless you are doing a guided tour, but they do ask that you might like to make a donation. There’s a small fee if you’d like to take photos. So having paid my dues I set about taking in the...

Win Hill Pike – A snow covered pimple

Posted by Janine Moore | Feb 11, 2015 | Britain, Derbyshire, Midlands, Travel |

Known locally as the Pimple, Win Hill Pike in the Derbyshire Peak District is a feature of the lovely Hope Valley area, a place I return to regularly. The winter’s snow drew my soul up to this peaceful wonderland on the first day of February. I’ve spent many memorable summer days hiking up to Win Hill Pike and down again through the lush pines to Ladybower reservoir and beyond, but there really is nothing like a wintery covering up on the peaks to make it a magical experience. I wanted to share the stillness, the tranquility and heavenly views...

A Tranquil Walk on Hathersage Moor

Posted by Janine Moore | Jan 30, 2015 | Britain, Derbyshire, Midlands, Travel |

Hathersage Moor in the Peak District National Park is a peaceful and stunning location in any season, any weather. The area mainly consists of beautiful open moorland, bracken and dramatic stony outcrops with Burbage brook running through the grassland. For me a favourite spot is the Iron Age Hill Fort, Carl Wark. Carl Wark is a scheduled monument and has been described as “Unlike any other structure found in Northern England.” Another favourite location close by is the National Trust’s Longshaw Estate and the Old Hunting Lodge, a great place to stop for a hot chocolate or a lovely...

High Peak Junction in the Derwent Valley

Posted by Janine Moore | Dec 27, 2014 | Britain, Derbyshire, Midlands, Travel |

High Peak Junction in Cromford is part of Derbyshire’s industrial heritage in the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage site. A real hub for hikers and families, it’s loaded with history, a haven for wildlife and is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest. High Peak Junction Workshop and Visitor Centre is situated next to Cromford canal where, water vole and little grebe a tiny diving waterbird, the smallest of its species in Europe, have started to make a comeback and can be seen along the canal regularly. Leawood pump house is just a short distance along the canal and...

Dark Hills and Green Dales – An Edale walk

Posted by Janine Moore | Dec 10, 2014 | Britain, Derbyshire, Midlands, Travel |

A winter’s walk in the peaks to clear the head and lighten the soul. There’s nothing quite so simple, yet so pleasing for me as taking a breathtaking walk in the hills. All of the contrasting colour and texture draws my eye, the bracken is now a burnt umber and is receding for winter, even the grassy pastures that were once a bright vibrant playing field green is now a pale faded sepia tone. The Derbyshire stone walls remain ever the same stone grey with spots of lichen, a constant in this ever changing environment. The tree line is...