On a bus to Windermere to make my way home, driver stops on Kirkstone Pass insisting we all get out to take a photo then gives us a short talk on the area.
Not a sightseeing bus, I think he just wants us all to enjoy the trip. How nice is that?
Only £2 too!
No matter how much kit I have, how many times I check the forecast, and how much route planning I've done, I still feel a little nervous about heading into the mountains alone.
But there is a longing for it and excitement too. I can take my time, use my skills, and trust myself.
Today I am mostly walking through purple heather!
Tearooms at the castle are closed so I've made myself a brew overlooking a lovely village green.
It's worth carrying a gas stove in your rucksack 😂
Sometimes you need to run through the fog to reach your own rainbow 🌈
My first Brocken Spectre on Kinder Scout!
My hand nearly froze off taking this photo but it soon came back to life in my winter mitts.
Take more layers than you think you'll need ❄️
#PeakDistrict
Today is a walk to remember
7 years ago I walked from Edale on to Kinder Scout for the first time.
I didn't know then, that this would become home for me. That I would make friends here. That I would discover my direction in life.
It was a warm sunny day very much like this!
Sunrise from the ridge yesterday morning
A beautiful bank of fog sat on Kinder Scout on one side, this view on the other!
How are you beginning your day? I'm going to have a stretch after a long run yesterday.
#peakdistrict
Our digs last night
So grateful to reach this bothy while the rain poured, we were soaked! The frogs were loving it! 🐸
We spent the night with two lovely German women who also arrived absolutely drenched! Luckily there's loads of space to drip dry.
#Cairngorms
#bothy
The jaw drop moment when you reach the top of the hill to look down to the valley on the other side!
This was on Monday evening this week 😮
#peakdistrict
That sunrise yesterday!
The sun arrived late, popping out from a bank of cloud and casting beautiful shadows.
Shared with a man and his beautiful collie dog sat together on the hill for breakfast.
#peakdistrict
Sun breaking through to light up Edale valley this morning.
Just below Swine's Back is the perfect morning spot when the fog begins to clear.
#PeakDistrict
Chased sunset up Kinder Scout tonight!
Sure suits those peachy colours 🍑
I've decided I'm going to see as many beautiful sunrises and sunsets as possible for the rest of my life! Who's with me?
#PeakDistrict
Morning view yesterday
The night had been beautiful, looking up at the bright stars before I fell asleep. The wind dropped to nothing and thick fog rolled in and out again.
Waking up to mist, sun breaking through it, surrounded by bilberries for breakfast.
#LeaveNoTrace
To witness a sunrise like this makes me feel alive!
I look around in astonishment, eyes wide open and my heart racing!
How can this be real I ask myself?
On I go with renewed energy! 🐎
#peakdistrict
This is what summer is all about!
Snacks by the river, stunning light and shadows, soaking up the warmth of the rocks warmed by the sun!
Last night on Kinder Scout
#PeakDistrict
When I'm about to spend all day in the mountains, I hope for conditions like this.
What a view at the beginning of the day while the mist cleared yesterday morning.
#LakeDistrict
Hope Valley drinking up the morning light, like honey sinking into hot porridge.
Whisps of mist rising from the trees, dancing into the atmosphere.
One of the most beautiful mornings I've experienced here!
#peakdistrict
Sometimes I need a snooze by the river
Yesterday I headed out with the intention of going for a dip, but the air felt cold and I felt tired.
So I gave in, I fell asleep next to the river, held by the earth and soothed by the water.
I woke up feeling better & ate bilberries 😋
Walking through history on Kinder Scout
#peakdistrict
A medieval cross, ancient guideposts, ruins of a house, remnants of a farm, a listed packhorse bridge.
And then weathered gritstone boulders towering above and a river that used to power Edale cotton mill.
The allure of this gate into woodland!
I'm taking part in a therapeutic writing course and yesterday's was Enchantment.
The meditation guided me to this walk in the afternoon - looking closely at tiny fungi, smiling at squirrels scratching about, me - bathing in the peace.