Near Hade Edge, Holmfirth — Child's Boot, Right

This is one I come back to in my mind occasionally. I don't always do that with shoes — most of them you document and move on — but the Hade Edge boot is one that's stayed with me a bit.

I was out near Hade Edge on a Sunday morning in September. Good walking country — rolling, not too steep, nice views across toward Holmfirth. About a mile and a half from where I'd parked I came across the boot on the verge of a track. Right foot. Red leather — bright red, which you don't often see. Child's, small, size one or two at a guess. Laces done up. In good condition, barely weathered. Had not been there long.

I sat with it for a while. Longer than usual, if I'm being honest. Took my photographs — seven, four came out. Then I just sat nearby for a bit. I'd found a flat stone at the side of the track. I had my flask and my sandwiches. Ham and mustard. The weather were lovely — some cloud, light breeze, still warm for September. You could hear sheep.

I don't draw conclusions about how shoes get where they are. That's not what this is. But I noted it carefully and I've thought about it once or twice since. That's all I'll say about that.