Hello and welcome back to my Blog 😊.

Today ‘The Three Amigos’ met up in Upper Hambleton in Rutland. It’s been a few weeks since the three of us managed to get in a walk together, so it was good to find the time today.

The walk was basically a 6-mile circular route around the peninsula along a good, if slightly undulating, track. It was a grey day with absolutely no wind. I had done the walk previously but it was new to Mick and Chris.

We had only been walking a few minutes when we came across a pitiful sight of a sheep, on its side, lying across the path. It was alive, but clearly in trouble. We thought that it looked pregnant. The poor thing needed help so we couldn’t just walk on past. Out came the phones as we tried contact Anglian Water, RSPCA and Police in an effort to get help. None were any good. Another walker approached us and Chris asked whether they were local, and knew the farmer. It turned out that they had a contact number for someone who knew the farmer, so that was good – the farmer was made aware of the situation. Before leaving, Chris rotated the sheep onto its other side and it seemed to perk up. Further along the track we met a van and told the driver about the sheep – they also knew the farmer and said they would take a look at the sheep. So, we felt happy that we had done our best to help.

The event brought to mind stories I had read about Everest expeditions, where climbers had passed other climbers who were clearly in trouble, but did not stop to help. Now, I know that at height summit fever can take over and an ‘every man for himself’ attitude can prevail. But, surely its a basic human instinct to help someone in trouble? It’s a controversial topic with the mountaineering fraternity so I best move on.

The water on the reservoir was perfectly still and with no wind it felt surreal. On the East coast we are used to being battered by winds so this calm weather is quite unusual.

Walking along the views across the reservoir were lovely. I soaked them up. Mick and Chris were putting the world to rights. There were very few people out walking today and the miles slipped by effortlessly.

Walking down to Half moon spinney (where the peninsular ends) we had a pitstop by the water -there were two handy benches available. Across the water we could see Normanton Church (a popular wedding venue). Swans were practicing taking off and landing on the water in front of us. Canadian Geese were gathered in a field close by.

Chris used to go sailing on the waters of Rutland Water so was able to point out things of interest to us.

Leaving the spinney we passed through wooded sections where autumnal leaves were still on the trees.

Between the trees there were odd glimpses across the reservoir.

The path brought us past a nice old building which looked Tudor. Further on there were some very nice modern houses.

A steep hill climb brought us back into Upper Hambleton and to the cars. A good little walk enjoyed by all.

Happy Walking! 😊🚶‍♂️