Monday 25 August 2014

Climbing High

We made it then. Dodging the showers and donning the old waterproofs, the birthday boy achieved his wish and "climbed up a really big hill". Ten minutes out of town the gritstone edge that marks the beginnings of the Peak District, rears darkly, and a little forebodingly, skywards from the mossy fields.

From The Roaches, on a clear day, you can see right across the Cheshire Plain and catch the twinkle of the sea at Liverpool, miles and miles away from landlocked Staffordshire. In another direction the curious hill of The Wrekin marks a path to the Black Mountains beyond but in looking a different way, the heather clad Morridge (the moor ridge) fills your view to the horizon.
Our busy boy was in his element, leading the way up the epic crags, gasping with amazement at just how far he could see, peering into the peaty depths of the ridge top pool and wondering if the legendary mermaid might appear to lure him and his brother into the gloom. (Luckily she was otherwise engaged today so we ate our picnic in a sheltered spot and took in the view.

Mum and dad joined us for what turned out to be one of the best family outings ever. Not a cent spent, aside from birthday ice creams from the doting grandparents, and plenty of time to watch, chat, wonder and exclaim at this beautiful place we've known all our lives and still find awe-inspiring.
I don't think we will ever forget this special, simple birthday. Being eight was the "best birthday ever" apparently. Brilliant. xx

26 comments:

Anonymous said...

Well done birthday boy! Such beautiful photographs. You were very lucky with the weather!

Farrah Lily said...

These photos are just stunning! I love the patchwork shades of green in the fields and hills below. It is so lovely to see a child enjoy themselves so much, outdoors, and for free! :)

Miss Holly said...

Absolutely wonderful !!!!!! That is by far the most beautiful landscape on earth!!! The one and only...so far time I saw it I felt at home..I knew that this is where I am from...
That must be some wonderful lad you have!! Lucky you!!!

Hazel said...

My husband has very happy memories of walking and climbing in the Roaches as a teenager.

You were lucky with the weather- we were on Kinver Edge on Saturday near Kidderminster) and we couldn't see anything northwards because of the enormous rain clouds!

Glad you all had such a lovely day.

Alison said...

What a wonderful birthday. Lovely photo of the birthday boy, arms outstretched!

Lisa said...

A good time was had by all!
Happy Birthday wishes to your son.
Lisa x

LandGirl1980 said...

This has made my heart sing. Such a wonderful way to spend a birthday!

SandyshoesCornwall said...

Happy sooper dooper birthday! I agree, eight is a fab age to be full of adventure :-)

itsjustperi said...

It looks awesome and sounds perfect .

Louise said...

I grew up on the Roaches and spent half my childhood up there and I'm still in awe of what a beautiful place it is, and the views. What a place to grow up, and what a great choice for an 8th birthday walk. Glad he had a good day :)

Curlew Country said...

Hi Louise, it's an amazing place, so lucky to live here aren't we. Where did you grow up if I can ask? Hen Cloud next I think :) x

Curlew Country said...

Oh bless you! Thanks, it was ace x

Curlew Country said...

Thanks Antonia, he's definitely loving it so far! X

Curlew Country said...

Thanks Lisa, a special day x

Curlew Country said...

Lucky shot Alison! He doesn't stay still for very long. Thank you x

Curlew Country said...

Oh it's lovely around Kincer, must do a walk soon. Yes we really were lucky. It bucketed down as we got out of the car but then cleared up until we get home. It's tipped down on all of his birthdays bar one so we felt very lucky this year! X

Curlew Country said...

Oh what a kind comment, thank you. We do love the outdoorsy life and its good to keep the electronic stuff in balance I think. Luckily they both enjoy it when we're out, Arch (8) is definitely a natural adventurer. Thank you for your lovely words and glad you enjoyed the photos. X

Mary Nolan said...

awww....so beautiful and so blessed to live in such a gorgeous place all around.

Frances said...

Brilliant indeed! Your birthday boy made a fabulous wish, and yes, you and the rest of your family made that wish come true. And created memories he will be telling to his own children...a few years from now.

Thank you for letting the rest of us see this magnificent land and to join in the celebration.

Happy Belated Birthday, wise young man. xo

driftwood said...

looks like a magical birthday xxx

Gillian Roe said...

What a magical way to spend a birthday, up high away from it all. The scenery is very dramatic. I can see why it's a special place for you. x

Anonymous said...

Thanks Steph for such lovely photographs! Your blog and your family are so sweet:)

Unknown said...

We climbed up there when we had a wonderful week in that area during the Olympics two years ago - loved it! So like the mill stone grit landscape of the Ilkley area I grew up in - the Staffordshire Moorlands are a much overlooked lovely area that people know little about and that adds to its charm

Helloitsgemma said...

Oh I love the roaches, did done of my first climbing there. Is magical.

Anonymous said...

Wonderful! Such an amazing part of the country, beautifully captured. Glad you all had such a lovely day.

Erica said...

Beautiful pictures, I especially loved the first one; I have two boys and it really resonated with me; a boy and his life adventures ahead of him. I also could picture Legolas scouting from one of those rocky outcrops! Thank you for sharing, Erica