Saturday 9th January. 8 miles. Longridge Fell.
My walk started at the top of Longridge today to avoid the village itself. The roads were icy and tricky with a light dusting of overnight snow. Judging by the footprints people already had been out and about in the morning sunshine. The little reservoir was frozen over, the golf course deserted. I caught up with a couple who had just joined the road, and we leapfrogged our ways up the fell chatting at a distance. 
As expected the car park at Cardwell House was busy and lots of people joined us on the rough ground leading to the trig point, 350 m. The view over Chipping Vale to the Bowland Fells was rather hazy and out to Yorkshire was thick mist. It was relaxing to be out on the fell in the sunshine, fresh air and open scenery, we felt it an ideal antidote to our Covid-19 problems. Magic. The couple themselves live lower down on the fell and have similar views from their back garden. We discovered that we had similar interests and acquaintances. I was reminded of an old song from the back of my mind and play it here if they look in.
Moving on I continued along the fell until a new little path that I’ve found into the conifers and eventually onto the south side of the fell. My path took me past a small reservoir, lodge, where last year some of my friends have been open water swimming, not today.
Now back on the road it was a simple stroll to Longridge. A highland cow has been transported here along with the snow.
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I had feedback, see Conrad and Eunice’s comments, on that Peggy Lee version of ‘The Folk Who Live on the Hill’ It was written by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein for the 1937 film High, Wide and Handsome. Since then everyone seems to have recorded it from Nina Simone to Eric Clapton, it has become a jazz classic I’ve looked around for alternative versions with less cream although they all struggle to avoid clotting. I think you will find these interesting and diverse.
First off that brilliant saxophonist Stan Getz gives a mellow performance more representative of the mood on Longridge Fell yesterday.
A bluesy version from Sarah Vaughan
A typical outing from Stephane Grappelli here accompanied by Oscar Peterson.
A touching version from a lady, unknown to me, with a beautiful voice, Maxine Sullivan and a great Dick Hyman electric organ backing which makes it my favourite.
A more modern saxophone low-key take from Joshua Redman.
And finally a more upbeat version by the Guy Lombardo Orchestra with vocals from brother Carmen Lombardo.
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That Peggy Lee song is the slushiest even without the vocal which is then like doubling the jam and clotted cream on a cream tea. She did much better than that. I thought you had identified the highland cow as an erratic. You are certainly clocking up the miles. Well done.
Duly noted. I’ve updated the post with some better versions. The refrain just seemed to fit the relaxing mood generated by perfect weather and chance meetings on top of the fell, especially amidst these troubled times.
I like the blue sky views and the first shot looks beautiful. I can imagine the highland cow being blown in on a snow shower and just landing in the field 🙂 I remember the song from when I was a small child but I’m not keen on Peggy Lee’s version of it.
More on that Highland cow; in the same field is its calf, but I couldn’t get them both in the same shot. Will try again another day.
I’ve updated my post with some alternative versions of that song that you may enjoy.
I like Maxine Sullivan’s version, I’ve never heard of her but she has a lovely voice. My favourite is the Guy Lombardo one though, it had me singing and foxtrotting round the room 🙂 🙂
I could never do the Foxtrot.
Join the club!