High Bradfield to Malin Bridge

Agden Side, originally uploaded by Roger B..

Meteorologically speaking, today was the best day we’ve had for three weeks or more. Liz and I decided to make the most of the good weather by catching an early bus out to High Bradfield.

We walked along the top of the cliffs that overlook Rocher Wood, then followed the lane to Agden Side. As we ate our lunch at the top of the slope, several small flocks of fieldfares and redwings passed overhead. One flock was intercepted by a sparrowhawk which, despite a high speed chase, failed to make a kill.

After lunch, we dropped down to Low Bradfield via the track that runs around Agden Reservoir. We then took the popular path along the north bank of Damflask, which was extremely busy. It looked as though lots of people had made New Year's Resolutions about getting more exercise!

Leaving the crowds behind, we headed down Stacey Lane into the Loxley Valley. The first daffodil buds were just starting to open on the bank next to the lane - they seem to get earlier every year.

Unusually, the triangular dam at Loxley Fisheries was deserted. As we walked along the bank, we disturbed a kingfisher from its perch above the goit. Further down the valley, Old Wheel Dam held an assortment of waterfowl, including two female goldeneyes.

Female Goldeneye, originally uploaded by Roger B..

The light was fading as we wearily trudged up the hill from Malin Bridge on our way home to Walkley. Just as we reached the top of Rivelin Bank, a skein of about 200 geese flew over. Judging by their calls, I think they were pink-footed geese. They were heading north-west - next stop Martin Mere perhaps?

A fitting end to a great winter walk!

Comments

[Pete]

I'm jealous you spotted a kingfisher on "my" patch! Good to know they're there, and it's very lucky indeed to find the fisheries deserted.

I saw (presumably) the same two goldeneye on New Year's Day - a good find on that lake.

[Roger B.]

Sorry to make you even more jealous Pete, but it's the second time this winter that we've seen a kingfisher at Loxley Fisheries.

[Pete]

Seems to be the place to be for them - they're great creatures of habit so I'll have to stake the area out more, it's the challenge of finding a time with the fewest fishermen (should have spent more time there on NYD, there wasn't a single soul around!).

[Son of Groucho]

Nice to hear you took advantage of the good weather. Can't wait for Spring!