These Boots Were Made For Walking: Hallam Moors and Redmires

Continuing my exploration of the moorland to the west of Sheffield I eventually managed to get to see two of the places I really wanted to look at, the Head Stone and Oaking Clough reservoir. To get to the gate that gives access to the short ascent to the moorland I followed the path through Fox Hagg from Redmires Road, past the car park and picnic area at Rivelin reservoir then up the wide path between the resevoir and Wyming Brook.

A narrow path leads off the main track and after a short climb through the trees leads to a kissing gate then up to the rock formation that marks the start of a plateau strewn with grit stone rocks. The views from up here on a clear day are pretty stunning and you can spend quite a while taking it all in. I also spotted a good location for a bit of wild camping but that's for another time.

Easily accessible via a short detour from the path is the large block of grit stone known as the Head Stone. This outstanding feature of the moor rises from a sea of boulders and is so named due to the facial features that can be seen from the right angle.

From the Head Stone I retraced my steps back to the main path then headed up the moor, through a gap in the wall to a bridge crossing a man made conduit. At this point I took a turn to the right, over a stile to follow the conduit to Oaking Clough Reservoir with its derelict water works cabin. It's a detour of about a mile but well worth it and a great place to stop for a break.

Retracing my steps once again I made my way back to the bridge and over to Redmires past Hill 60, the training ground of the Sheffield Pals. The Sheffield Pals Battalion was made up of 100% volunteers from Sheffield and were one of the first battalions "over the top" at the Battle of the Somme. 

A very easy, if a little muddy, stroll around the three Redmires Resevoirs brought me to Soughley Lane. From there I followed the Redmires conduit, dropping off the gritted path to walk through the woods, emerging at the playing fields behind the Sportsman pub and a short walk to the bus terminus.

Therapy? with support from The Membranes @ The Plug

Last week Therapy? made a welcome return to Sheffield, playing The Plug with support from influential punk band The Membranes.

Although I'd seen front man John Robb with Goldblade before this is the first time I've seen the charismatic bass player / lead singer with the re-formed Membranes. Although a fairly short set they did a great job of engaging the audience and warming up want had been a pretty chilly room. Very much liking what I heard I made a mental note to check out their back catalogue as well as the new album 'Dark Matter / Dark Energy'.

This tour sees Therapy? playing their third major album 'Infernal Love' in it's entirety. Originally released almost 21 years ago, Infernal Love took a disturbing look at religion, sex and death. This along with Andy Cairns struggling with his own inner demons at the time makes for an album that goes to some very dark places.

After a quick break Therapy? returned to the stage to play a few tracks from the latest album 'Disquiet' before launching into a bunch of long standing Therapy? classics from Nurse, Troublegum and their early E.P.'s, time for yours truly to go get sweaty in the mosh pit.

As always a fantastic, intense performance. I've been following these guys for over twenty years and they never fail to deliver.

Optical Delusions #2

I fell in love with the Peak District around the same time I first started riding motorbikes. I learned how to handle a bike on the twisty single tracks and came to value the importance of a good set of brakes when surprised by the odd cow / sheep / tractor around the bends. I never get tired of camping, walking and riding out here all year round.

It's no surprise that when I got into photography that the Peaks became a natural choice for capturing some great landscape images. These are some of my favourites from last year.

One of the best views in the Peaks. Monsale Dale and Headstone viaduct.

The River Wye at Bakewell 

Getting a little off the beaten track in Derwent Valley.

Derwent Valley again on a Winters morning.

Freebies: Folk America - Altco Recordings Compilation #1

I seem to hear the term Americana used with increasing frequency these days. Although it has been around for many years there is certainly a growing interest in this genre here in the UK.

Alto Recordings, started in 2013 by Stevie Tombstone, has become home to some excellent artists, encompassing various forms of American roots music including Country, Blues and Folk.

This ten track sampler is a great introduction to Altco and provides a taste of what you will find here. You need to register to get the free download but it's well worth the small effort.

Download here