In my happy place on a Sunday morning……not Yorkshire but Peak District National Park, this time Cressbrook Dale and Water Cum Jolly Dale on the river Wye. Now that name, Water Cum Jolly Dale, just does it for me because I’m jolly when I’m near water. These dales are two of the prettiest for me and are definitely worth an explore. Sometimes I have to pinch myself at how beautiful it is here and I guess I’m so lucky to be able to get here in less than an hour.
On a weekend I just have to be outside exploring. After a week in the office I start to get really sad if I can’t get outside. There’s no such thing as bad weather for me, just the wrong clothing. I come out here in all weather – to run, to walk or just to sit and read my book or listen to my music.
Albert Einstein said: ‘Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.’
That’s so true. When I get out here next to the water and I can hear the birds and the trees and feel the sun and wind on my face all my problems disappear for a short while. I like to close my eyes too and explore it with my other senses, just listening, smelling flowers, foraging and tasting or touching textures on trees and rocks.
In the 19th century James Croston, 19th century author, wrote the following about the dale and this says it all for me:
‘A calm and beauteous spot
A glorious Vale far down beneath the rocks
Where peace and bliss might, undisturbed repose
And man forget the names of sin and hate’
This Sunday was no different and was made even better by Mike and Karen at Oggies! They have the most adorable little convertible Citroen van which doubles up as a takeaway café and they do what I think is the best bacon and egg brioche roll for miles around.
I’d like to tell you I come just for the nature, but I have been known to drive for 40 minutes just for an Oggies brioche roll because good food and the great outdoors make Sundays perfect for me.
