Great British Escapades: December 2013

So after an exciting first six months, what of the second half of the year? Was it any less eventful than the first? Not at all...

July

After some Leighton Moss and Lakeland loveliness we headed north of the border for an unforgettable long weekend at Culzean Castle. Took 3 days to figure out how to pronounce it.

Reeds at Leighton Moss

North Lakes wildlife...

Skiddaw & Ullock Pike

Wray Castle

Pave Ark & Stickle Tarn on an incredibly hot day.

Sunset from Culzean Castle

Footpaths lined with beautiful flowers.

August

Aborted walks, high adventure and a 10th wedding anniversary spent in jail...

Sunny walk from Dunsop Bridge

An aborted Lune Valley walk the day after flooding.

The sound of summer.

In Jedburgh prison on our 10th wedding anniversary.

A wonderful day of adventure with Calvert Trust at
Kielder

High excitement when we spot a badger in the garden.

September

Sail - and an annoying date stamp.

Invite from the Ramblers & my first visit to the Peak District

Morecambe Prom

The Lune Aqueduct. Just wonderful.

Blackpool Prom.

Lancaster Canal near Crooklands.

Halls Fell ridge Blencathra. Stunning route.

October

Work, walks and Autumnwatch.

Favourite find of the year, Burns Beck Moss

First visit to the biggest folly in Britain. I love the
pointlessness of follies.

Working in London.

Stunning autumn colours in Kendal

High excitement as Autumnwatch comes from Leighton Moss and Steve
captures this Marsh Harrier looking for lunch.

November

A few gorgeous walks and the home improvements begin!

View from Great Gable

Reeds at Leighton Moss

More Leighton Moss - it's my local escape & always helps me unwind.

Home improvements!

Bird ringing demonstration at Martin Mere

Crunchy autumn walk near Preston

December

A very quiet month walk wise as our time was taken up sorting out the house.

Very high tide at Grange as the big storm passed through.

Trying to escape it all at Smardale Gill

Even the cat is fed up with the dust and the noise and the painting and the...

Improvements done, no room for a proper tree but
our improvised fake tree does just fine!

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to everyone - and watch out on the fells in January because we'll be back & making up for lost time!

I was going to call this "Another year in the Lake District" but some of the photos are from other lovely places so here goes, it's been a busy year! Honestly, who needs to travel the world when all of this is right on the doorstep?

January

Snowy hikes and a stunning inversion from Red Screes.