Upper Burbage, Higger tor and Hathersage moor.

7/01/2018.

This is a walk we return to again and again, I suppose when I think about it our favourite...Whenever we can't decide where to go, we always choose Higger tor. Tends to get a bit crowded though due to its proximity to Sheffield, but the views and marvellous countryside more than compensate. A beautiful cold crisp morning as we pulled into the car park at Upper Burbage bridge. These are the best days of all. Gloves and hats on we set off towards Higger tor. Luckily the muddy track was frozen solid making life far easier, theres nowt worse than slipping and sliding along a muddy path. There were some great intricate ice patterns in the frozen puddles....Quite an artist that Jack frost.

Gloves came off to take a few photographs [ which I soon regretted as it was so flippin cold ]. Never mind the short climb up to Higger tor will soon warm us up. Standing at around the 1400ft mark we stood to take in the wide ranging views down to the Hope valley. Nearby in the Upper Burbage valley stands the little rocky top of Carl wark, the site of an old hill fort and well worth a visit. Not for us today though as we headed off in the direction of Over Owler tor.

We arrived at Over Owler a wonderful rocky little hill, a popular spot for all the family. It is usually a busy place being a short walk up from the Surprise view car park. There are some great gritstone rocky features to take photographs off. Heres one I took looking back towards Higger Tor with Stanage edge of the left.

We bobbed along feeling great...there is a lot to be said for taking a walk..Walking is a mans best medicine, when the countryside is this lovely all else is forgotten..leaving Over owler we passed Mother cap, a huge Gritstone rock that can be seen for miles around. I remember a few years ago watching an Asian chap up there with his prayer mat. Praying in the direction of Mecca. No one up there today, certainly not me as I have been stuck up there before, looking like a proper Charlie.

From here its down to Burbage brook, Alf had his customary dip. He never feels the cold, I have known him to break through the ice to have a swim.

Heading back now along the track below Burbage rocks, love the views along here towards Carl wark and Higger tor. Mid day now but the path was still very icy, I lost count of the number of times I saw people slip almost arse over tit. Including myself.

So that's another walk finished, a lovely little half day march. I'm feeling good about this years walking.