We squeezed in a last adventure to see some glorious views, spend time in nature, soaking up birdsong and spring sunshine, and it was heavenly.

But it also bodily broke me….

It wasn’t something we hadn’t done before, well maybe a bit more, but not by much. The biggest difference was the 1.5cm insoles I wore. The left foot one had to come out pretty quick I didn’t last an hour. The foot just isn’t used to the hardness of it. But the other felt natural there so I left it.

It could have been my mistake leaving it in for too long. But my back, and both hips were in so much pain, I wanted to cry. I was limping, and waddling even though I had a stick.

Ended our trip with driving around, as these legs were not capable of anything more. It has taken 6+ days to try and ease the pains out, thankfully the hips eased faster than the back, that just seems relentless.

Well as this post goes up live, I should be in hospital about to have surgery on the left hand. Let’s hope the back eases off a bit while I recover from the thumb surgery.

We’ve had a spat of events and appointments, so not been able to really set up a walk or adventure. However my friend had found a Fox Skull, and plotted it on her walk and give us instructions.

We set off with a view it would be a nice new walk with a bit of fun of a treasure hunt.

It started all grey and gloomy but blue skies and sunshine came through, it felt like a real Spring day, with snowdrops and heather blooming. A gorgeous stroll watching water birds, and narrow boats, we even ate sandwiches by the Riverside.

Throwley Old Hall is Staffordshire’s only surviving example of a large medieval manor house yet is little known by all but those living in this picturesque corner of the Manifold Valley. In fact I only just came across it days before we planned this visit!! Not sure how it’s never come on our radar.

Throwley was first recorded as a residence in 1203, when Oliver de Meverell settled here. It was probably a dwelling for years prior to that – As the Manifold Valley was an area rich in archaeological relics from Thor’s Cave and the Burial Grounds of Casterne, whilst in the area around the Hall there are traces of a deserted medieval village.

The Meverells, an ancient Derbyshire family, remained owners of the estate for many years. Thomas de Meverell married Agnes in the 2nd year of the reign of Edward I (1278). She was an heir of Goebert de Gayton.

In 1344, the 17th year of Edward III, deeds given at Tideswell name Thomas de Meverell ‘Lord of Throwley’.

All that’s left to see is the East Wing, but it’s so grand, you can see where chimneys and fireplaces were, turrets too. The thickness of the walls is amazing to see.

It’s a shame it’s all just a ruin now, but the walk to it is enjoyable enough, and the views it has are stunning. You can even rent a holiday cottage just behind this old hall, and enjoy those views for yourself for longer.

We end the day walking through Soles Hollow, having seen less people than at Three Shires Head. Winter Walking or Days out is perfect when you want to be alone, and at peace with the countryside.

Even the trees are watching you, it’s a creepy woodland hollow. Feels dark, damp and muffled in sound in here. Wonder if the fae will get us?

No snowdrops or crocuses to spot, but we did see new Ferns blanket the woodland floor, so signs that spring is coming is around us.

A small break in the weather meant we could go out to get some fresh air, as the following week is full of hospital appointments.

We are off to Three Shires Head is where the counties of Derbyshire, Cheshire and Staffordshire meet at a waterfall and collection of pools on the River Dane. It’s a stunning spot and one of our first Ever Peak District wild swimming locations.
The walk ascends gradually at the beginning and is also rocky in places, so ensure you’re wearing good hiking boots. It’s also handy packing a towel (or even swimmers) if you’re planning on having a dip.

It’s a little grey and damp but we didn’t let it get us down. At times it felt like we were in the low hanging clouds, with drizzly mists swirling around us. Muddy boots at the ready, don’t think we will dip in the waterfall today sadly!!

The sounds of the river is the music of the day, such a comforting sound. The walk is practically just us all day, which is strange as this walk is popular. The weather must of put a few people off. So that’s our gain.

The perfect spot for our dinner, cheese and onion sandwiches and a much needed flask of coffee to warm up. Sadly not a day for drone flying as we had planned.

We head off back to the car, with faces cold from rain and wind, rosy cheeks and numb hands. But every minute was loved.

It was a lovely walk, and very different to the warmer days when it’s packed and it has lots of swimmers in the waterfalls, I don’t think I’ve seen it so empty before. We didn’t do the quarry half as my hip isn’t up to that much. I’m trying to control the swelling and pain better.

The weeks are going by in such a blur, if I’m honest. Usually we do 1 activity such as a Walk and then it takes 3 or 4 days to recover from it. So while the walk is amazing both physically and mentally, it is taking a long time to settle the pain and swelling down. This week we thought we could do a more gentle approach to walking, in an attempt to reduce recovery time.

Gotta just try and trust the process, and keep going. 30 days of yoga with Adriene the Center programme is going immensely well, and we are keeping up no problems. In that sense I’m feeling stronger, and more flexible. Find the programme Here

Thanks to Yoga though I’ve finally managed a side plank (took 15yrs to get here!) But that’s progress I never imagined I would get. It’s not necessarily pretty and comfortable, but I did it!!

Doing this is still difficult with 1 Leg constantly bent, this is entirely due to the Leg Length Discrepancy/ Pelvic Obliquity. Wonder what the Leg Deformity Surgeon will say on the 10th February? For now we keep going and doing hip hikes to try and correct it.

Least the walk was more even under foot so the main knee pain was better this time. However the lower back pain is horrendous, and as they request I’m not wearing insoles. ( Is this right or wrong? As each specialist has conflicting advice and opinions ) when the hips and back start getting tired, I lumber back into a definite Trendelenburg gait, as I go up and down from the height difference.

Before Hip Replacements I would actively avoid snow, slush, wet leaves and ice. And while I’m still nervous, I’m getting more adventurous. Lathkill Dale was our choice and that morning it had decided to snow, so it’s a snowy walk today.

We were treated to foxes playing in the snow, a robin that followed us looking for sandwich crumbles, darting wrens and dippers, and even some squirrels fighting turf wars. But not only all that, we had epic views, as well as roaring waterfalls.

I did hurt my hip, knee and lower back from the uneven ground, I didn’t wear insoles and while I used a walking pole it doesn’t stop the Trendelenburg gait coming back, the knee is when I step upwards, so probably the Pes Anserine bursitis, so some rest needed and maybe some targeted exercises to stop it coming back.

I need to have a few rest days as I feel so sore, but my mind is already thinking of the next walk and location to do. It does wonders for mental health.