stepping into a postcard, Coniston

well today was a gloriously sunny day, although we had the Gore Tex packed and ready to go. i went on the old rule which seems to apply when we walk in Scotland - forget the waterproofs; rain guaranteed. and so we had baking sunshine all day and the waterproofs just had a lovely outing in the rucksack.

a wonderful 5/6 hour walk from Coniston, up the Old Man, and along the ridge past Swirl How. Megs the dog probably had the most wonderful day of all - chasing sheep (...responsibly); swimming in the tarn and reservoir, and generally just running free.

i had one of those sugar low moments, to discover that M had packed the most delicious tablet and my queasiness was instantly cured. thoughtful as ever.

all in all, a fantastic day in the Coniston Fells, completed with a pint of Bluebird at the end of the walk. Donald Campbell CBE was the holder of world land and water speed records and died in Coniston lake on January 4 1967 while trying to break his own record. His craft was the 'Bluebird'.

this shot was actually taken at the start of the walk as we made our way into the valley to begin the ascent. it's incredibly beautiful. that white cottage is actually a youth hostel - it must be an amazing place to camp out. unfortunately the shots i took up in the hills just don't do the scenery justice. it was a fine day.

dinner out and now we're all sleepy, sun kissed and ready for another adventure tomorrow after a good snooze.