5 weeks to go!

I am building up to 14 consecutive days of walking in the Scottish Highlands.  During the build up I have included a few days in the hills such as a day with Fiona on the tough hills to the west of Thirlmere.  It snowed most of the day but only settled on the very top of Ullscarf and nearby higher peaks.

So far this year there have been some enjoyable days winter walking  in the Northern Pennines.  There was a lot of snow lying and at times underfoot conditions were tough as I crossed peat bog or heather moors.  In Wharfedale I saw almost no-one apart from some very cold sheep and a lot of grouse.

A couple of weeks later and I was in nearby Swaledale and Arkengarthdale.  The moors here also hold a lot of grouse. The balance seems wrong with the moor being maintained for the benefit of  a few wealthy shooting clients and not for a more natural mix of wildlife.  The shooting fraternity are not making enough effort to allow the British public to enjoy beautiful moorland.  At times they make it obvious walkers are not welcome.

High above Arkengarthdale there were large patches of snow yet at the Dale floor spring seemed just around the corner.  The above picture is of the Arkengarthdale River which flows into the River Swale. 

I loved walking the Dales but my enjoyment was tempered by the grouse moors where I found a few cruel animal traps and where on one occasion I was shadowed by a gamekeeper which I found unpleasant.  Looking at the internet later I saw that these particular estate owners have a very questionable reputation for wildlife management.

Most of my fitness work is done in London.  Sometimes with Fiona and often on Primrose Hill where the picture below was taken.

 I walk and bike a lot on my own but I also walk a lot with Philippa in the streets around our London home where this winter we have experienced above average snowfall.

Before the Scottish trip I have a day trip planned to the Lake District and after that it is Scotland. Hopefully with spring in full swing.  Bring it on!