Christmas in Bearsden, including a train trip into Glasgow, walking up Conic Hill on a glorious day, and a visit to the Riverside (Transport) museum on a day when it didn’t stop raining.

A weekend (back in November) where we stayed with friends, did a buggy run, had a very snowy walk, were given an amazing hospitality experience in Ambleside and eventually escaped the snow 20 hours later than expected.

We got stuck in traffic near Ambleside and managed the abandon car in Ambleside itself, then were given tea and bubbles by uni students, then plentiful food, blankets and more tea at the parish centre.

We slept in the church, with the luxury of heated floors, kneelers, duvets and a single sleeping bag and camp bed.

Thee next morning, breakfast and pastries were provided, before we heard the road was passable and we made our slow exit from the Lakes.

Well, as good as. Last few days in Brittany back on the coast near Plouescat.

We moved inland to Gouarec for the second leg of our Brittany trip. Situated on a canal, river and intersection of several cycling routes, it was ideal for self-powered exploration.

Starting, naturally, in Devon, followed by a overnight ferry to Roscoff and a few days pootling around the north coast beaches.

A week in the sunshine

Our first attempt at skiing with kids, five years after we last went. Apparently our gear is just about holding up, we remember how to ski and we still really like it…

We went to Belle Plagne in the Vanoise on the train, and took grandparents to help (a highly recommended strategy). Despite the less than ideal weather it was a successful trip all round. Now we just need a holiday to recover – and work out when/how we can go again!