Trip to Blackshaw Moor, Leek

Blackshaw Moor, Leek, 28th April - 3 May 2014

We arrived on site about 1-30 after a lovely relaxing journey in the spring sunshine. It is a really nice site , well looked after by the wardens who are new this year.It wasn't full but we were told it would be on Friday for the bank holiday , it was lovely to hear the birds and see blue tits and chaffinch which were nesting in the hedge between the pitches. We had tea of chilli con carne brought from home and then we strolled to the 3 horseshoes just down the road for a welcome glass of red and Barrie had a guiness. After that an early night was in order as we had had a long day.
The next day dawned sunny and reached 70 deg. not bad for May 29th. We had a nice walk to the Roaches, saw lots of wild flowers and birds on the way including Robin, Dunnock, Swallow and Wren and we heard a Chiff Chaff. There were butterflies too including the first orange tip of the year.We then stopped at a lovely tea room for refreshments. I am going to attempt Tuna Pasta bake tonight for tea, that should be fun in a small space, wish me luck.
Wed. dawned dull but still warm and after breakfast we set off to do the walk around the Tittisworth resevoir, the sun came out and it turned into a lovely warm day again. We did the long walk over the dam and then to the visitors center. we saw lots of butterflies and birds, Chaffinch, Yellow Hammer, Pe- Wit and thrush, saw a Grebe on the water and an Oyster Catcher.We then walked to the pub in Meerbrook where a cider and a sandwich were very welcome. Barries pedometer said 9 miles it felt more like 100 to me, tea at the 3 horseshoes tonight so no cooking .
We heard rain on the roof overnight which always sounds worse than it is, it was still a warm day but dull and a few showers. we went for a short walk to see the Caravan and Camping site down the road, we wern't impressed the pitches were very small and close together not a patch on ours . The rest of the day turned out better than expected although it was windy. We just love this area it is beautifully spectacular scenery mixed with wonderful wild life and fauna, we even had a visit from a squirrel, I think it smelt our chicken cooking.
Sun again today( Friday ), but still a bit windy, we walked round the resevoir again the short walk this time about 5 miles. It was a lovely walk not as many gradients as the long one although it does'nt go over the dam which is a shame as it was spectacular. We are taking the little tent down tonight ready for an early start in the morning . We have really enjoyed our short break, we love this area, I think Staffordshire, Derbyshire and of course the Yorkshire Dales are our favourite places It is so nice to see hills and dales when you come from a flat part of the country although East Yorkshire has its own beauty and it was lovely to see the vivid yellow of the oil seed rape fields as we got near home. we will be in Derbyshire in two weeks at Castleton, cant wait ,
Love Cilla x