The sun was out first thing in the morning, although still a bit on the chilly side. We parked up on the side of the road to visit Jack Flat, which is a lovely wooded area at the side of Baslow Edge. Peeping over the wall, it was a nice surprise that the Highland cattle were there, too. Looks like some pooch had lost its tennis ball as well.
Normally, I don't like walking through cattle having once been chased by a herd of cows. I obviously lived to tell the tale, but the Highland cattle are gentle giants. They just ignore you and go about their business of eating!
We didn't get too close to them to begin with as we didn't want to disturb them. (Coming back was a different matter).
The wood was steep on one side, and it was a bit difficult underfoot and rocky in parts, which was a bit tiring. There were lots of old gnarled trees along the way as well that looked quite interesting.
We came across a little brook. I could tell the cattle had congregated here as it stunk of cows!
I think these were horse hoof fungi. They certainly looked like horse hooves. They were quite tough and woody to the touch.
After a small circular walk, we made our way back. We found that some of the Highland cattle had made their way back on the footpath, so I had no choice to walk through them. Not that they cared one iota.
Two of the lads were having a bit of a fight. It was more like handbags at dawn, though. It didn't last long, and both of them went on their merry way after. A much ado about nothing.
We found a Companion Stone on part of the moor called Eaglestone Flat. Companion Stones are a group of 12 stones that have been placed in the countryside that have been designed by local poets, artists, masons, and sculptors. SourceEvery one has an inscription that points to the future. On this stone the inscription reads:
Edge keen to the wind
Canvas all points
Graze the Azimuth
Quit the Tide
From 1709 to 2008
To see you right
It was being used as a scratching post at one point.
There were some lovely views over yonder. A few dark clouds as well, so we cut our losses and headed back to the car.
"Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints, kill nothing but time." ~ Aliyyah Eniath
