What with one thing and another we haven’t been blogging recently, but we’re now trying to get up to date before this summer’s big van trip. Obviously we haven’t been anywhere exciting so it shouldn’t take too many posts…

In the brief period between lockdowns in the summer of 2020 we managed two short trips away, to Bearsden and Kendal. It turns out we weren’t particularly good at taking comprehensive photos. Here are a few anyway.

Bearsden was somewhat damp. We avoided big hills and instead cycled to Kirkintilloch, charioted around Mugdock country park, and explored the local streets and playgrounds and the coast and hillsides around Helensburgh. Jess also enjoyed helping Grandad in the garden while her parents were having a rest.

Toddling around Geilston Gardens near Helensburgh. We liked it here so much we visited twice

Bush peekaboo

Bridge and stream

Hiding under the huge leaves

The best way to play on a slide

Ardmore peninsula near Helensburgh

Puddles!

We managed to time our Kendal trip with some hot and sunny weather.  We largely stayed out of the Lakes except one great excursion from Ullswater, but found plenty to do and plenty of people to socialise with (outside and from a 2 m distance) locally.

Exciting evening stroll around Natland to meet the friendly animal neighbours

Ephemeral lake

Striding home

“Interesting” walk on Hutton Roof with Ellen, Ian and Emma

Paddlie in Potter Tarn (followed by a swim)

Morecambe Bay at Silverdale – a pleasant but hot cycle from Natland. Jess was unimpressed with the mud!

Aira Force

Someone had fun walking up all the steps

Gowbarrow Fell

Descent and traverse through the heather

Perfect summer day

Surveying the view

Ice cream and cuddles at Low Sizergh Barn