ZAPTABBY’S WALK #01

Higger Tor, Peak District

Date Walked: 15th February 2017
Starting Point: Longshaw Estate
Distance: approx. 4 miles

Introduction

This post will be a series called, 'Art of Listening Has Been Lost'. It is about reflection and detachment from modern life and Zaptabby’s walking experiences in the Peak District, providing routes, information, videos and photos.

In today's sound bites, political correctness, global elites and selfish behaviour, everyone is busy staring into their mobile phones, computers and social media. The art of listening has been lost! Nobody has time or wants time to spiritually reflect. On several levels walking for Zaptabby is very important. It isn't just to take photos of the landscape or for physical well being but also for the mind and soul. Without being too pretentious, if you do decide to walk in the Peak District, I strongly recommend to stop, sit and relax and focus on sounds of the landscape. Expunge the negativity of modern society and mainstream media — be one with nature!

First Walk in the Peak District

Zaptabby has lived in Sheffield most of his life and always wanted to walk in the Peak District instead of just driving through it. There were two instances in Zaptabby’s life that prompted him to start walking in the Peak District. Coinciding with Zaptabby’s dad dying in February 2014 and Zaptabby’s fitness could be better, Zaptabby decided to invest in some walking boots. Zaptabby also bought a Garmin Oregon 700, just to be sure he did not get lost on his first adventure.

Walking Route

Zaptabby decided to plot a route from the Longshaw Estate car park and walk up to Higger Tor. Arriving at the car park in the early hours Zaptabby was happy to see loads of spaces available. Zaptabby got his free National Trust car ticket and started walking across a little bridge on the estate. Although Zaptabby was a little nervous everything was going to plan by following my plotted route from Garmin's clunky Basecamp app.

The route took Zaptabby across B6521 road and through a gate. Zaptabby then proceeded along Longshaw's wood. This quickly led Zaptabby to the main path, heading towards Burbage South Edge. The path is very good and you keep on this all the way up to Upper Burbage. As you walk up this path you can see Higger Tor and Carl Wark on your left and Burbage rocks to your right.

Along this path Zaptabby saw a seat and decided to have a rest and contemplate about various things. Zaptabby started to tune into the sights and sounds of this wonderful landscape. Suddenly Zaptabby remembered a project he did on his art foundation course, many years ago. The project was about drawing objects with each of the senses. The project made the point that artists over rely on one sense, sight. From this Zaptabby really concentrated and focused his attention on the sound of nature. Zaptabby really believed this helped him through arduous times in life and reinvigorating creativity and start a task of recording videos and sound.

Points of Interest

Iron Age hill fort (Carl Wark)
Fiddler's Elbow
Kit-Kak stones

Quote

Zaptabby will leave you with a quote from Ludwig van Beethoven. You can imagine that he would have loved Higger Tor and the surrounding landscape of the river and rocks.