Keswick on Derwentwater from the top of Latrigg Fell.

Skiddaw looking majestic - which it rarely does, so we took its picture.

We came down onto the Railway footpath. I walk along here almost every day.

Red squirrels are rare in Britain now, but we saw three on our walk today. This one lives in the same wood as we do.

Latrigg Fell

Sunday, 19th December

Today was one of the nicest days, weather-wise, we have had for weeks. It was cold but dry and when the sun came out and shone on the tops of the fells it was absolutely wonderful. We have snow - on the tops only but it has been predicted for Christmas. Latrigg is the fell we can see from our house but Marcus has not climbed it since we have returned.

Whinlatter summit

Whinlatter Fell

Sunday, 12th December

Wainwright describes this fell as: 'a delightfully undulating ridge, a joy to walk upon,' - which it was, once we were on it. Actually it really was a delightful walk, starting from Whinlatter Centre where everyone from everywhere had arrived it seemed, to collect their Xmas trees. We are both still a bit buggered from this virus-thing but once we were up to the ridge, it was truly lovely. We got a bit over-excited when we reached East Top, mistaking it for the summit, until I remembered that the cairn was supposed to be bigger and looking across the fell, saw it hovering in the distance. It didn't take too long to reach however.

Not too clear for good photos.

Bridge in the midle of nowhere

Skiddaw House

Saying goodbye - on the way home

The Road to Skiddaw House

Thursday, 9th December

I have fond memories of Skiddaw House. It lies on a hill in a copse of trees at the back of Skiddaw Fell. It used to be a Youth Hostel and once, when I was walking from one side of the Northern Fells to the other (from Mosedale to Bassenthwaite) many years ago, I met the warden. We used to go and stay, Ricky and I, in return for work. One day I varnished the window-sills inside and on another I went with a friend - Liz - and her two children and we painted the sills on the outside. I have helped Martin put out the washing and have got sozzled with him late at night and all for - the chance to wake up in the morning, look out of the window and see - nothing but fells for miles.

I was too tired to drive today so I got a bus to Bassenthwaite village and walked back home. I thought it would take about four hours: it took six! It was also very cold (freezing actually, the rocks on the path had frost on them). I enjoyed it though. It was great to get out after not being able to for a few days.

Marcus found and downloaded an old Moody Blue album I haven't heard since my teens: Days of Future Passed - anyone out there remeber that? So I played that as I walked - twice!

It has been a day of memories today. I am sad that Skiddaw House is no longer a Youth Hostel because it means that I shall never stay there again - or get drunk with the Warden - wherever he is now.

A day in Edinburgh

Saturday, 27th November

I like Edinburgh: normally I like Edinburgh. But not today. Today it is noisy and crowded. So many people and I am tired. For some reason, since catching this bug in September I have not been able to sleep properly and so am tired most of the time. Wandering around Edinburgh for several hours in the cold, the wet and the crowds was not good. However, I will hasten to add that it is not Edinburgh's fault and that I hope to visit again when I am feeling better. Had lunch with Ricky's girlfriend - this is the first time we have met her - she is nice.
Parts of Edinburgh are very gothic, aren't they? Wandering around the old town I kept wanting to explore the dark, stepped alleyways between the tenaments, and see where they led.