Pottering about on a Sunday

It's against the rules to walk on the fells at the weekend (according to Husband), but in a moment of weakness, he agreed that it was too good a day to miss this morning. We hadn't planned it, the forecast had been crap, but we decided to grab some lunch and head off out and see how the mood took us! I had a quick scan of the map before we left home for a bit of inspiration - we wanted somewhere where we were unlikely to meet many people.

It became very clear that we had found what we wanted. A deserted area which probably doesn't get used as a route normally. We are hoping it stays that way - this isn't one we are wanting to share with many folk!

Steep in a few places, wide open in others. The gorse adding to the beauty of the area. 

Old mine workings along the way

This really is a hidden gem

Spot the Spaniel

The view behind as we climb up out of the gill 

This little wren had just flown from a nest

Lots of posing

We stop for an early lunch before we get out onto an area with proper paths (and therefore possibly people!). Husband and Breeze practice for this years Gurning competitions - Husband wins!

That's better

Heading over the fell

Once again we are 'Off Piste' so we have another pause and enjoy the solitude

Then we are off again

Heading down to one of our regular local haunts - Roughton Gill Mines

Then it's the very familiar but equally lovely walk back along Dale Beck

One last pose before we get back to the car.

We had walked about 6.5 miles, seen hardly anyone and it's the weekend. We have also discovered a fabulous little spot to hide in silly season!!

We'd also had a pretty impressive wildlife day. All the usual array of birds at home first thing followed by a Roe doe as we drove through the forest, two Wrens, ravens, grouse, wheatear, meadow pipits, sand martins a dipper, our swallow of the summer and on the way back home a weasel. Things continued in the same vain when we got home - our first house martins returned early evening. Pretty good Sunday then :-)