River Dove, Dove Dale, Derbyshire
Yesterday gave us a glowing start. A visit to the upper reaches of one of Derbyshire famous rivers ‘The Dove’ was planned to see how it had faired after all the heavy rains and floods of recent weeks….and the answer was well. The waters of the Dove had receded and once again running crystal clear, an attribute for which it is famed and of course loved by Fly Fishermen.
The Dove is feed by numerous springs of water that has been filtered down to the surrounding Limestone. The purity of these springs has allowed small wild Watercress beds to develop along some parts of the bank…
Wild Watercress, River Dove
But that early morning sunshine was soon hidden behind a fine layer of cloud that was to remain for most of the day. That and the high Limestone cliffs through which the Dove has forged its way gave Dove Dale a rather drab but still dramatic and mysterious feel. Nor where you ever far from the bubbling singing of the fast flowing waters…..
The high Tors such as Pickering Tor catching what little glow of sunshine there was whilst standing guard over the Dale….
Pickering Tor, opposite Ilam Rocks, River Dove, Dove Dale
As they day progressed a weak sun once again graced us with its warmth and welcome benefit for the sheep, climbing into the ley of the wind to enjoy a little warmth before sundown….a night, in the open, on the edge of the moor is not my idea of comfort. For these Ewes in Lamb there is no other option………
The Slopes of Baley Hill, Dove Dale, Derbyshire
27th February
© David Oakes 2014
DAVID OAKES - IMAGES. 