Days 177 – 179, Saturday to Tuesday 22nd September.

Saturday was more a less a write-off as painful discomfort from a possible infection where once root canal surgery was performed, had kept me awake for the entire night. However, I was armed with amoxicillin, paracetamol and aspirin to dull that pain. Sunday, I thought I had “won the battle”; I did feel somewhat light-headed for much of what was a glorious autumn day, with a hint of decent warmth. Having rung one or two people to let them know I was much better, a nocturnal throbbing in my right lower jaw reminded me that I should take further painkillers. To begin with, this had little effect, but I did get to sleep. At long last, on Monday, the amoxicillin began to take real effect, negating the need for other painkillers.

By Tuesday, apart from a momentary throb of toothache, I have enjoyed a return to normality. Lee, from Buxton Festival rang me with an invitation to make the most of what remains of the decent weather. For a second time, I drove over to where he lives in Mottram and he introduced me to the Longdenden Trail, again over a former railway line. This was different to the predominantly former freight, and infrequent passenger lines adapted similarly closer to home. No, this was the route of Britain’s first electrified main line from Manchester to Sheffield. Nature has overwhelmed what was once a robust and prominent infrastructure which one would have thought would still be flourishing today. Seemingly stupid decisions were made nearly forty years ago just as they are today. Passenger services between Manchester and Sheffield had ceased in 1969. I travelled on that final day. Two classes of electric locomotives handled both freight and passenger work, some of the engines bearing names on cast brass plates. One such nameplate resides in my collection, a 21st birthday present from Mum and Dad in 1970. I think we might have covered six miles; not for the first time, I felt a hint of light headedness towards the end of the walk. Food was what I needed, and on returning to the car, we adjourned to where a carvery was up and running. A plate of food did the trick.

I left Lee at his 18th century cottage after having thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon. Again, I had feasted my eyes on jaw-dropping countryside. Lovely as this walk is, like the Monsal Trail, it would be much better as a thriving railway. But both walks do attract many thousands each year who would object to train services being re- introduced along what are exceptionally scenic walking and cycling routes.