Birch, Bracken, Cat Stone, DECEMBER, Derbyshire, Derwent Valley, Heather burning, Historical, Late summer, Mist's, Nine Ladies Stone Circle, WINTER, Winter Solstice

One Year On – Stanton Moor

What a difference from one year to the next.  The image below was taken this time last year.  Mist, frost and some snow on the Birch trees overlooking the Derwent Valley from Stanton Moor……

ToMist-and-Frost 1yearTo-day there was a cutting wind but the sun shone, the bracken glowed and dawn broke with a welcome glow over the valley still rich green below,

Not quite the same tripod location but not far off…..…..

DERBYSHIRE

I always enjoy a walk on Stanton Moor, it isn’t a long arduous trek but a nice amble yet you get the feeling of being on top of the Peak and yes you do catch what ever  weather that there is around.

It is also worth exploring the various ‘stones’ that  were distributed across the moor after the ice age.  To-day we sought out ‘Cat Stone’ one of the easiest to find. The name has no feline connection but it is the term Cat from the old word Cath (or Battle).  There is a date carved onto the stone 1831 with the initials E.I.N. and unlike the other stones, Cat Stone leaves me puzzled as to who or what it is dedicated to. Still an interesting spot and a great view point.

DERBYSHIRE

Cat Stone

The Moor was very quiet this morning with very few walkers, unusually so for such a bright day.  However it is now less than 19 days to the Winter Solstice and then I suspect that the Nine Ladies Stone Circle will again play host to groups of Druids and others celebrating mid-winter equinox. I just hope they manage to get a good sunset and sunrise to make their travels here worth while…..not sure they will get much solitude in which to contemplate, but good luck.

DERBYSHIRE

Nine Ladies Stone Circle

I am also pleased to see that the moor is still being cared for.  Parts of the moor have now had the heather burnt back to stimulate new growth which in years to come will once again help the moors breeding birds….even so whilst the burn scars are still fresh and the stones exposed and raw it does look in parts bleaker than usual but at least this windswept Pine adds a welcome splash of colour.

DERBYSHIRE

3rd December    Link to an earlier post on Stanton Moor  https://davidoakesimages.wordpress.com/2011/10/29/on-the-moor/