Some days the Peak District is shrouded in low cloud or hill fog and the splendid views are replaced by a damp, dreary clag.
It is harder to be inspired on these dull days, no yonder far horizon of blue hills nor sun dappled heather and bracken. But wait, there is a visual reward to be had if you look more closely.
One such day finds me running on the moorland around Derwent Edge practising some navigation skills. The reduced visibility creates a smaller world and as I run it forces me to focus more on my immediate surroundings. I notice things that on a dry, sunny day I would run past or would simply not be there.
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| spider’s web |
The silvery web of a heathland spider lies low amongst the mosses and close inspection reveals an intricate network of gossamer threads suspending thousands of tiny water droplets.
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| gossamer threads and water droplets |
Amongst the heather, crowberry is adorned with an intertwined jewelled necklace, each precious stone a perfect orb of moisture, so tiny and yet detached from its neighbour, impossibly suspended on such a slender thread.
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| nature’s own necklace |
And for a few fleeting moments the sky brightens, a false promise of sun but enough to illuminate a myriad of dew drops, sparkling pendants on the moor grass.
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| dew drops on moor grass |
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| a myriad of sparkling pendants |
And so a damp Peak District run, from which I return wet legged with sodden feet – but if you look closely, there are bright jewels to be found, even on a dull day.