The Cloud

Last Saturday morning I had an impulse for a bilberry pie. So with boots and rucksack I headed for our nearest moorland 'The Cloud'. For those not familiar this is Congleton's dominant landmark - a 1000 foot hill (in old money!). The climb to the summit is well worth the effort as you can see for miles and on a clear day even the cathedrals of Liverpool are visible if you know where to look. I took this photo a few years ago when I walked on a regular basis with my good friend Ray. His family were most amused as I captioned it 'Gulliver surveys his kingdom'.







I was also reminded of this poem I wrote during a workshop led by John Lindley who was a Cheshire poet laureate a few years ago.

'CLOUD' SENSATIONS

The dark gritstone hill looks kindly down

On my homely country town.

From rocky slopes and summit cairn

It welcomes, never dominates my return.

As I ascend and breathe the resinous pine

The glorious twelfth fires forth, a purple sign

of things to come. I long for bilberry tart

But sprinkled icing warms my wintry heart.

Another association is that part of my Dad's ashes are scattered in this area as it was one of his favourite walks when he holidayed with us in Cheshire.

And yes the bilberry and apple pie was lovely!