Summer Solstice

Another DIY-avoidance excuse this morning! A pleasant one this time - a surprise visit from Alan, who joined us for coffee.

MrM suggested a Solstice walk up Sinkside Hill from College Valley this afternoon, to make the most of the good weather and the longest day. It's not a high hill, but quite steep, and my legs felt like lead on the way up! But I made it to the top, and it was worth it for the views.

We ate our picnic by the remains of the Iron Age Hill Fort on top of the hill, looking across to the great mass of the Cheviot in the distance. You can see a little of the moss-covered remains to the bottom right of the Blip. Then back to the van for a cup of coffee, as we watched the moon rising.

On the way to and from the hill, we passed the remains of the Hethpool Stone Circles at the head of the College Valley. Not difficult to imagine rituals taking place here to mark the turning of the year...