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Published: June 15th 2006
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Edale Valley
This picture requires no explanation. Just soak it in. It's one hundred times more breathtaking in person! On my return from Prague, and after battling yet another British passport control officer who seemed to think I looked more like a representative of Al Quaida than an American woman travelling alone, I received an invite to go camping in northern England from Graham. You remember him, right? He's the guy who took me for a totally responsible ride on his Triumph a few weeks ago. Well, despite being ill, I accepted the invitation.
That decided, I headed north on the train to a village called Edale. Graham picked me up on his bike at a pub nearby the train station and delivered me to the public land and working farm that would be my home for the next five days. I was already in awe of the scenery. I had no idea that such a place existed on Earth and finally came to the conclusion that I was actually in the middle of the film set for Lord of the Rings.
We arrived at Upper Booth Camp which is situated in a valley at the start of the Dark Peak and the beginning of the Moors. It offered a spacious meadow for visitors to set up
The Penine Way
The hills just go on and on... camp. There were quite a few others camping and enjoying the fair weather which finally broke the chain of rain and gloom. I couldn't have imagined a more lovely place to camp and explore.
Being ill slowed things down for me and for Graham who has spent a good part of his life coming to Edale for outdoor adventure. He claims that Edale is his favourite part of England and quite possibly the entire world, which he has seen a lot of. His knowledge of the area put me at an advantage as he showed me around the camp and guided me on some very casual walks among the beautiful scenery.
Visiting Edale allowed for me an insight to how British people enjoy their free time. As I have mentioned before, England is very much a walking country and Edale was just more evidence of that fact. Everywhere you looked was a public footpath with miles of National Trust Land which anyone has the right to enjoy. The camp I visited is actually the beginning of the Pennine Way, probably England's most famous walking route and a hikers' dream. It is a 270 mile walk which takes you
What a Waterfall!
Off the beaten path, this waterfall provided a lovely spot to sit and take in the gorgeous sunshine. This isn't Salt Springs folks...the water is much colder. Graham jumped in the pool below the waterfall as he called that day a "scorcher!" It was only 80 degrees I think. Those silly English folk! over isolated land and is not for the beginner. Needless to say, I didn't take this hike; however, Graham's friend Les has walked the Pennine Way all the way to Scotland. I thought that was a brilliant accomplishment and must have been so fulfilling.
The walks I did take left me in awe of this beautiful country. A suprise is always waiting around the corner including waterfalls, lush green meadows, rolling hills graced with gorgeous stone walls that have been standing for hundreds of years and beautiful views from high above the valley. Edale village is accessible by footpath from the camp and is worth the walk into town.
On Sunday, we walked into the village and had a couple of lager shandy's at The Nag's Head Pub. This is a typical light and refreshing beverage for the English and I know how to make them now, so I'll serve them up when I get home. While we sipped our drinks, a rescue helicopter soared over our heads. Graham suggested that someone may have gotten themselves into a jam up on the Moors and needed help. This is proof that despite the gentle facade of this beautful region,
Look! More Sheep!!!
This is a great shot of the stone walls I mentioned which farmers use to divide land and keep their cattle and sheep. Who knows how long these have been standing, but from what I hear, a good stone wall should last for hundreds of years! it is still wild country and much care should be taken when exploring or hiking. Later that day we stopped by the Edale summer fair which had folk dancers, an exhibit of brids of prey, tractor demonstrations and arts and crafts for sale.
On Monday, we decided to ride into Hope and Castleton, nearby villages to Edale. Sad but true, I had to once again climb on the snazzy British bike with the snazzy British guy and go for yet another gorgeous ride through the winding roads of the valley. What a chore! Hope was very small and quaint and is where Graham procured all the fixings for camp dinners. Watson's Butcher shop provided the ultimate in huge steaks, juicy burgers and tasty sausages. Castleton was also lovely and boasted on it's hillside Peveril Castle built in the 12th century.
For me, the most beautiful part of my visit to Edale was experiencing nightfall. It turned into a very mystical looking place in the evenings and since England is so far north, it stays light here in the summer until very late. The last light in the sky can still be seen at 11:00 p.m. and dawn comes
Public Footpath Bridge
A convenient bridge for passing over the chilly water! at a mere 3:30 a.m. I was lucky enough to be there during a full moon, so it was never completely dark at night.
The natural beauty and magical quality of Edale surpassed all of my expectations and I will not soon forget my trip to this stunning and fascinating region.
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peggy b
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What a way to see England. Keep the pictures coming