I decided to go for an early morning walk where I've never walked before. The weather was sunny but cloudy. One of the reasons I've not been here is that it is blocked off further down the road due to subsidence. In typical British style, it's been like it for years. Whether it will ever be fixed is questionable but I have seen cars on either side of this stretch of the road and people have gone off walking. I knew I'd be lucky to get a parking spot but luck was on my side, and I got the last spot.
My first obstacle was getting over the stone stile in one piece!
Once I'd climbed over the stile, I stopped to read the sign that informed people of 'leaky dams'. I'd never heard of the term before but apparently they are natural woody materials, such as tree branches that are deliberately placed in streams and ditches. The leaky dams then help slow down the flood water by holding it back temporarily or just directing the excessive water onto the banks. It is a very clever idea. Even though they are man made, I suppose they mimic nature because branches and debris will naturally fall into the streams.
In the distance, I could see something glistening in the sun. As I got nearer, it turned out to be a feather lying on the fern. I think it might be from a buzzard.
As I was walking out in the sticks on my own, I always have to be aware of my surroundings. Unfortunately, when you are walking on soft footpaths, you can't always hear people walking behind you, which happened to me this morning. There was a man and a dog on its lead behind me and I only became aware of him because he gave me a little whistle. I appreciated that he wanted me to be aware he was there.
There was a strong smell of pine as I walked past the pine trees. It reminded me of those air freshners you use in your car only much, much nicer!
My second obstacle was getting over the small stream using the stepping stones. It is a good job we've had little rain, otherwise the stepping stones would probably be underwater.
After crossing the stream, there was a bit of a drop where I could see the stream carried on running down through the forest.
My next and last obstacle was another stone stile which was quite high up. Surprisingly, I got over it with all limbs unbroken.
As I followed the footpath to the top of the moors, the sun went behind the clouds and the temperature suddenly dropped.
At this point, as I wasn't very familiar with this part of the moors and as I have no sense of direction, I turned back as knowing me I would get lost. I will do more research next time and pick out a proper walking route.
