Hello and welcome back to my Blog 😊.

It’s that time of year where I thought I might reflect on my 2024 walking year, the walks that I have enjoyed and share some photos.

The cold winter months can be a nice time to walk with solid, if slippery, ground underfoot. Bright sunshine is an added bonus.

I remember watching this swan struggling to stay upright on the ice even with its webbed feet. Winter mornings are often good for spectacular sunrises.

In March myself and Angela were in the Yorkshire Wolds to walk a couple of legs of the Yorkshire Wolds way (only one leg left to complete the walk) and enjoy the solitude in the Wolds of Thixendale and Fridaythorpe.

A pivotal moment in Spring is to see the arrival of the new lambs. Such a joy to watch the little lambs springing about 😊.

What can be nicer, after a long walk, than a refreshing pint and wholesome food in a welcoming pub.

Due to its closeness to home the Peak District is a favourite spot to walk. Its best to start early to avoid the crowds. Walking along the Mam Tor ridgeline is always impressive with glorious views. In April we walked from Edale to Lords Seat and then on to the Mam Tor ridge.

On another April day we took a walk taking in Alport Castles which was a new walk for us. We loved the views.

In May we did some ‘edgy’ Peak District walks – Froggatt Edge, Curbar Edge etc.

In June I joined in a 27.5-mile sponsored walk, along the Grantham Canal, raising funds for The Grantham Canal Society. I thoroughly enjoyed it, despite the afternoon heat and being bitten by horseflies!

July saw myself and Angela taking a holiday in Glencoe. We have been many times before and its a favourite spot.

We did a cracking walk to the hidden valley in Glencoe. This was allegedly where cattle rustlers would hide stolen cattle.

We visited the Glencoe ski centre and took a cable car to the top to enjoy views of Rannoch Moor with Ben Nevis visible (unusually) in the distance. Rannoch Moor was Angela’s favourite section of the West Highland Way which we walked in 2019.

We returned from Scotland to find that I had caught Covid. I wasn’t surprised, I had evaded it till then, so it was only a matter of time until it got me. Luckily, it was not too bad -just lack of energy and loss of taste /smell which thankfully returned.

We were now into harvest time.

We visited Marsden in West Yorkshire on a very windy day, I recall being glad to get off the summit of Pule hill and out of the wind.

Towards the end of August myself and Angela took a walk around Langsett reservoir. We had passed it many times whilst driving so it was good to visit. We enjoyed a nice walk there.

On a Sunday morning in September I took a walk around the Hambleton Peninsular at Rutland Water and enjoyed a coffee at this bench whilst watching the birds.

On another Sunday morning I did a walk taking in Foxton Locks in Leicestershire – I had been wanting to see these locks for a while now so it was good to do it.

Walking with the Three Amigos we started to walk the Leicestershire Round and we are now nearly half way through. We have walked through many nice villages and learnt about the 10th Battalion of the Parachute regiment and Arnhem.

Burrough Hill was a high point but the views were restricted by the mist. September followed other months during the year of having higher than average rainfall. This is quite depressing for a walker.

In the Nottingham village of Rolleston myself and Angela were surprised to meet piglet, Pooh bear and Christopher-Robin playing pooh sticks.

One of my most frequent and enjoyable walking routes is along the Grantham canal.

In October myself and Mick walked in Sherwood Forest – the autumnal leaves were falling.

In October myself and Angela walked along the quiet Lincolnshire beach near Chapel St Leonards. Not a soul about 😊.

In November the temperatures dropped and we had some early snow.

In November myself and Angela visited Grange-over- sands in Cumbria and enjoyed a nice walk on Hampsfell with views across Morecambe bay.

As we head towards the end of the year nice sunrises are back 😊.

Unfortunately the rain is still persisting making choosing walks quite difficult. The weather bounces, on a daily basis, from very mild and wet to very cold. Looking at weather forecasts is not an accurate means of predicting weather as often these change overnight. Do you sense my frustration?

I collected my medal for walking 1,500 miles during 2024 – in fact I walked over 1,700 miles.

Wishing you all a happy and healthy 2025!

Happy Walking!😊🚶‍♂️