how are you all keeping? Life is busy here but thankfully there is still time for walking. As we leave 2018 behind I thought I would share a few images from some of my favourite walks last year.
In late January I was finding snowdrops at Calke Abbey in Derbyshire. This first spring flower is so special don't you think.
In February my sister in law and I did a canal and riverside walk to the pretty village of Sutton Bonnington in Leicestershire, where we stopped in a cosy cafe to warm up.
In March the "Beast from the East" arrived and I enjoyed walking with members of the family who normally avoid such activity. Familiar places were made extra special with a dusting of the white stuff.
In April my walking group headed to Belper in Derbyshire. It was the gloomiest of days and all the lovely views were hidden in a mist. We asked the leader to do the walk again next year as it would hopefully reveal all the hidden vistas.
In May I did a solo walk in the Outwoods in Leicestershire. Is there anything more magical than a bluebell wood? This first picture is my desktop background on my computer and it always makes me smile.
In June Mum and I had a two day break in Yorkshire and I did a couple of very special walks. Firstly on the moors above Holmefirth, where I felt all nostalgic for the landscape of my childhood. The big views and bog cotton, the hidden valleys with tinkling streams and curlews.
Then on my birthday we headed into the Dales where I explored Goredale scar and Malham Cove. Such a stunningly beautiful Limestone landscape.
By July we were experiencing the hottest summer since '76 and it was bliss to spend a week lazing on the beach in Dorset. This early morning walk to Old Harry rocks with Eldest was a highlight of our holiday too.
In August myself and a friend lead a Peak District walk for my walking group. We started in Winster, heading for Stanton moor in search of Heather, then encouraged a bit of rock climbing on Robin Hood's Stride :0)
In September I was wandering around the gardens at Calke Abbey with another friend.
In October my walking group were enjoying the rolling Leicestershire hills again.
Then in November the Autumn colours were gorgeous on this group walk...ummm...somewhere. I've gone a bit blank on this one :0)
In the short days of December my group stayed closer to home and wandered by water in Nottingham.
This was the fourth year in a row I have challenged myself to walk 1000 outdoor miles and happily I just made it once again.
In 2019 I will be doing it all again ( I've already started....just 995 miles to go! )
2018 was quite unkind to some members of our family health-wise. It makes me appreciate being able to get outdoors and walk even more. Who knows how long I will be able to enjoy this exercise. As the saying goes ..."hike while you can". I feel very lucky I still can, so I am.
Jacquie x