Padley Gorge, Dark Peak, Derbyshire
Thursday, a much brighter day than of those of late. The sun shone but through a hazy sky that dimed the brightness just a tad. First stop was Padley Gorge, a deep wooded gorge strewn with rocks over which water constantly tumbles even in the driest of times. We were keen to see the cascades in full spat after the recent rains, indeed it was full but we had forgotten the high winds of late so rather surprised to find so much wind damage and fallen wood….it is going to need some hard work clearing…
The Gorge nearly always has a shadow moving over it, always damp, the Beech, Oak and rocks all covered with a wide variety of moss and lichen…. all adding a unique character to an old woodland…
Search amongst the rocks and you discover the occasional abandoned Gritstone Millstones. In days gone bye these woods and surrounding area were alive with quarrying and stonemasonry crafts. The Millstones were carved in situ from suitable sized rocks then transported to the nearest bridleway for transport across the UK.
Why are so many found abandoned….. simple an alternative means of manufacture was discovered (by the French) and the trade of Millstone Mason disappeared.
The legacy is a tranquil wood, with cascades and a place for nature to thrive..
16th February
(C) David Oakes 2018
DAVID OAKES - IMAGES. 