A 'short walk'...

Mark promised a 'short family walk' and then lunch on the beach. The short version took us more than 5 hours up and down hills with the beach tantalisingly close yet always just over another hill. It was bitter on the ridges with a strong cold wind and hard frozen banks of snow.

Superfit Mark took the boys and tougher walkers on a longer faster and more uphill version which tested their fitness. They later joined us on the beach for ice cream.

I set off in the car determined to get back before the minibuses so I could dive into the shower before a dozen teenage girls started their prep for the big night out. I beat them by seconds... then began the process of washing poor Millie's hair without getting her chin dressing wet. They all emerged looking beautiful, whilst the boys were satisfied with a quick squirt of Lynx to 'freshen up'.

The meal was lovely in a beautiful old restaurant - but by eleven we were exhausted a ready for bed. Not so much chatter and laughter from the kids tonight as they hit the hay early after their long walks. Last day tomorrow. It's been great fun. I've never made so many bacon butties!