Haircut and Hay Knott

We're back! This time for a bit longer, so time to get a few jobs ticked off. This afternoons first job was a haircut for both of us and as that means a visit to Caldbeck, we thought we may as well stick the dog in the car and head round to Fellside afterwards.

We head towards Dale Beck, trying to decide where we will walk. Roughton Gill has long been a favourite, but we might just do something different today. Maybe a bit of Gill exploration for a change. It seems to becoming a bit of an obsession!

Crossing Ingray Gill, this one is too close to the car to warrant serious attention!

But Hay Gill catches our eye, so we head off upstream

Someones having fun!

This is wonderful. No path, no people. Just us, the dog, a few sheep - and miles and miles of open fells.

What a lovely way to spend a couple of hours. Only about 3.5 miles but a bit of new ground along with some very familiar territory and the weather was absolutely perfect

Lingy Hill(s) and Gills

We're back home for a couple of days. Not much time to spare but our Number One priority is getting some fresh air, a bit of a fell fix and giving Breeze chance to have a good blast and get rid of some energy. We parked up in one of our everyday dog walk spots with nothing in particular in mind.

And we're off........ up the other side of Grainsgill

Although there is a bit of a path up this side, it is really only a sheep track in a lot of places. That's fine by us though. Less chance of bumping into anyone.

The remains of Carrock Mines, seen from above

One Happy Puppy

Quick check to make sure everything is in order in Lingy Hut

Bet you can't do this!

Heading across Drygill Head, that's Carrock Fell ahead, but we are going to cut down off piste again

Cutting down to join Brandy Gill

Looking back as we follow the gill down

The mine workings seen below Coombe. From here is just a short walk to the left back to the car at Grainsgill Bridge

Only a short walk today. About 4.5 miles in all, but it feels so good to be out in the big wide open again.

Wildlife Update

We've got new residents. A pair of Spotted Flycatchers are nesting in the front porch. We put up an open fronted nest box very late in the season as we were aware that swallows had lost a local nest site and thought we would try to provide an alternative (albeit a bit late for them). However, by chance, we seem to have provided the perfect site for these shy little birds.

The eggs have hatched and the adults are now feeding. The best bit is that these are birds who tend to return to nest sites year after year. Now that's something to look forward to!

Gowbarrow The Other Way

Once again, it's a matter of grabbing a quick walk while we are back home for a couple of days. I know it's repetitive, but it's close to home, we can vary the length and the views are stunning. Anyway, we can go the other way today!

Heading up from the Quarry. It's good to be back.

Strange hanging cloud, but it doesn't spoil the view

On top of Airy Crag

His 'n' hers Gowbarrow Summit shots

Breeze is definitely pleased to be home. We are walking towards the shooting lodge. She's probably already been to it three time!

Lunch on the Memorial Seat

I Can See You

Posing

Me and My Dad

Heading to Aira Falls

We did a slightly longer route than last time, about 4.5 miles. It's a perfect mini fell walk when you can't spare the whole day. No doubt we'll be here again a few times in the coming months!

Making Lemonade on Gowbarrow

You may have noticed a bit of a lull in walks lately. Well I'm afraid you're just going to have to get used to it! Sometimes life gives us Roses, sometimes life gives us Lemons.It's fair to say this is a lemon period and most folk reading this know what I am talking about. There is nothing I hate more than seeing folk publicly twining about their aches and pains, or how tough life is. We all have our problems; deal with it and make the most of whatever opportunities you get. When Life gives you Lemons, poor out the Gin.

It's Skelton Show this weekend. As part of the Elite Equestrian Team on the show committee, I have managed to rope in Husband and Simon and Sally to help on the day. So back in Cumbria for a few precious days we are joined by Simon and Sally in time for a well earned, if short walk,before heading to the show field in the afternoon to set up the WHP course.

What a day. Beautiful weather and crystal clear views as we head up Bernard's Crag.

A rare family portrait

Husband seems to be proposing to Breeze (no idea what I'm doing). 

Man talk

Simon and Sally try to summon help before the Giant Dog realises they are behind her 

The view from Green Hill

Happy to be home

Lunch time

Cooling down in Aira Beck on our way back to the car

Just less than 4 miles in perfect conditions with the best company you could wish for. Our walks might be few and far between for a while, but we never forget how lucky we are to have all this on the doorstep.