A fine day

We decided to get out early today as things are getting busy on the hills here, since BJ told people they can drive where they like and be out as much as they like. It’s no wonder, those poor people who have been confined to the city must be desperate to get a bit of freedom. (Of course BJ is working on a one size fits all scenario, and Gateshead, South Tyneside and Sunderland had the highest numbers yesterday, which is not good news. #3 daughter’s GP friend says she is having to advise patients with suspected COVID that they can get a test - nearest is in Bishop Auckland. How does that work for people with no car?)

So by 9 am we were already at Spylaw, round the back of Simonside, where the birds were in full volume in the woodland around the old disused house. We were on St Oswald’s Way which we followed as far as Harwood Forest. From there we headed back across the bog to Simonside. The evidence of the fires in March was stark. We went by Selbys Cove which we’d not done for many years as the track is usually unpleasantly boggy. Due to the months of lack of rain it was a good time to do this walk. The track disappeared near Simonside so there was a bit of ‘heather louping’ till we go5 to the next path.

It was a glorious day for a walk of over 20000 steps and 15 km.

Ella’s rugby tour sweatshirt arrived bu5 sadly she won’t be touring or playing rugby.