Faith on the move - Chester to Lincoln 2006

Day 7: Buxton to Bakewell

The main question on everyone's mind first thing was what would the weather be like? We had got a little wet the day before and were still drying clothes out.

It's always amazing we get started in the morning, considering the complete chaos usually surrounding us first thing.

Once the chaos was sorted and we were all packed up, the day began with Mass in our hall.

Again, Fathers David and John co-celebrated using the Catholic and Anglican rites.

Although we set out in drizzle, within a few minutes, the rain had stopped completely and the sun was burning through.

Throughout the day, Bridget found animals to make friends with. Her first was a cat.

Once out of Buxton, our route took us through fields surrounded by dry-stone walls.

Soon, we arrived at Christ Church, King Sterndale. where tea awaited.

A retired priest who works in the parish told us a little about the church and led us in prayer and a hymn.

They had been praying for their church to be filled and although this was a one-off, they were thrilled to see us and wanted a photo to mark the occasion.

Although our next stop was less than two miles away, the most challenging part of our day lay in between. Not only is Deep Dale deep, but the descent was steep and slippy.

It was only a short distance across the bottom . . .

. . . before the ascent, which was also steep and slippy, but somehow going up seemed easier than going down.

At St John the Baptist, Chelmorton, there were interesting historical displays. Nick was clearly a child of the twentieth century.

Here is his father, John . . .

These photographers are getting absolutely everywhere. Someone's going to tell them where to go sooner or later (oh no, I'm getting confused - that's what did happen).

It was another three miles to lunch and our route took us through more fields . . .

. . . before descending into Miller's Dale.

At the Angler's Rest, many pilgrims ordered food. Pilgrims always like to help each other and Marta and Ola helped each other to eat pudding.

Claire rested her feet in the sun.

After lunch, there was more rugged scenery . . .

. . . and natural beauty.

We travelled some distance along the line of a disused railway and crossed the viaduct to Monsal Head.

This was another chance to sit in the sun, have a drink, a snack and chat, and enjoy the views.

At our first stop of the afternoon, at Little Longstone Congregational Church, Peter reflected on some of the intense discussion there has been this year about our joint Eucharists. One point he made was that the intensity of the discussion is an indication of how important the Eucharist is to all Christian denominations.

Soon we were on our way again and still with blue skies and sunshine.

Our final stop of the afternoon was a "DIY" stop at Holy Trinity, Ashford-in-the-Water. This beautiful modern window depicts "olive leaves floating in a space of ascending golden light". The day's theme was Making Peace and olive leaves are a symbol of peace.

On our way onto Bakewell, we passed this fine-looking creature. According to the message kindly left by today's route planners, it was a "Staffordshire long-necked sheep". Do we believe them?

Bakewell may be famous for its puddings, but for us the showers at Lady Manners School were far more exciting. After showers, supper (andBakewell Pudding), we had our first sing-song of this pilgrimage before a slightly later lights-out.