A reason to get the boots on. My sunrise at Haytor.
November 2026
Reflections
🥾 One Step at a Time
One step at a time. Quote attributed to Unknown; image credit as shown: @thatgirlshort.
This picture sums up something I love about hiking: there is so much to enjoy along the way.
It’s easy to become focused on reaching the next tor, finishing the miles or getting to the summit. But a woodland path, sunlight through the trees or a quiet moment beside a stream can be just as memorable.
The words in this picture are a gentle reminder to take life one step at a time, too. Some days the going feels easy; others take a little more effort. There’s value in finding your own pace, taking a breather and noticing what’s around you.
That’s a thought I want to carry into my next walk: leave time to pause, look around and enjoy being there.
After our Lake District break, I’m enjoying looking back through the photographs and remembering the scenery, steep climbs and quieter moments along the way.
My next planned hike is on 16 November, heading from Harford towards the Stalldown Barrow stone row. There’s something special about exploring Dartmoor’s ancient sites and open landscapes.
I’ll be sharing daily updates here between walks, with plans, memories and a little of what goes into each adventure.
🏡 Homeward Bound – The End of Our Lake District Adventure
The famous tractor hanging from the ceiling inside The Farmer’s Dog.
After a fantastic few days exploring the Lake District, it was finally time to head home.
We departed Haven Lakeland at 8.30am, beginning our journey south with one final stop planned — The Farmer’s Dog, Jeremy Clarkson’s much-talked-about pub.
What an experience that turned out to be!
The place was absolutely buzzing with visitors. The car park was enormous, the pub was packed, and there seemed to be people everywhere. Despite the crowds, I managed to capture a photograph of the famous tractor hanging from the ceiling.
We then made our way to the nearby Grand Tour marquee, which offered an impressive selection of food, drinks and other goodies, including produce from the farm and local suppliers.
There was certainly plenty to tempt us, and before we knew it, we had spent a small fortune!
Although it was an impressive and rather unusual place to visit, I have to admit that I probably wouldn't make a return trip. Nevertheless, it was certainly an experience and an interesting way to round off our holiday.
At 2.45pm, we finally resumed our journey home, arriving back at 6.30pm.
🏔️ Reflecting on a Fantastic Few Days
Looking back, our Lake District adventure has been thoroughly enjoyable.
For early November, the weather was surprisingly kind to us, allowing us to appreciate the magnificent scenery, dramatic mountain passes and beautiful lakes that make this part of the country so special.
Without question, my hike up Helvellyn was the highlight of the holiday. Reaching one of England's most famous mountains and experiencing those breathtaking views is something I will remember for a long time.
We also enjoyed some wonderful drives, memorable stops and the opportunity to revisit places that hold special memories from previous hiking adventures.
The long journey to and from the Lakes was probably the least enjoyable part, but the experiences made those miles worthwhile.
Five wonderful days, some unforgettable scenery and another memorable mountain adventure to add to the collection.
It's always a little disappointing when a holiday comes to an end, but it's also lovely to be back home.
🥾 Until the next adventure — the hiking boots won't be resting for long!
The Grand Tour marquee — another stop during our visit.Arriving at The Farmer’s Dog on our journey home.The stone-built entrance to The Farmer’s Dog.The pub sign framed by autumn colours.Looking across the car park towards the pub.
Our Final Day in the Lake District – Kirkstone Pass and Ullswater
We left Haven Lakeland at 8.45am for our final day exploring the Lake District. Our route took us over the spectacular Kirkstone Pass, where the winding road and sweeping mountain scenery made a wonderful start to the morning.
From the pass, we continued towards Ullswater. Seeing the lake again brought back fond memories of my 26-mile Macmillan charity hike around Ullswater in July 2019 — a demanding but rewarding day that remains a special part of my hiking story.
At 10.30am, we stopped for coffee at Aira Force National Trust. Having visited the waterfall before, I decided to skip the walk this time and enjoy a relaxed break. After around 20 minutes, we continued alongside Ullswater for another couple of miles, taking in the autumn colours and views across the water before turning around.
We then headed to Barrow-in-Furness for lunch at The Owl and the Pussycat. It was a pleasant way to round off a simple, enjoyable day, and we arrived back at our holiday park at 3pm.
After yesterday’s Helvellyn hike, today offered a gentler chance to enjoy the Lakes and reflect on a memorable holiday. Tomorrow we head home to Plymouth, with a planned visit to Jeremy Clarkson’s Farmer’s Dog pub along the way — one more stop to look forward to before home!
Kirkstone Pass — dramatic valley and winding road.Ullswater — autumn trees framing the lake and surrounding fells.Ullswater — peaceful lakeside view beneath cloudy skies.
Today we left Lakeland for a full day of exploring, beginning with Hardknott Pass and its Roman fort.
On the way, we stopped for a cuppa at the Woolpack pub and café—not to be confused with the Woolpack in Emmerdale!
Hardknott Pass was quite an experience. Its steep gradients, narrow road and tight hairpin bends demanded great care, but the dramatic scenery made it a memorable drive. The Roman fort was impressive too. Its remaining stone walls give a fascinating sense of the fort that once stood here.
Our next stop was Bowness-on-Windermere, where we enjoyed an excellent lunch at Quayside Bowness. The food was amazing, and we spent around 90 minutes in the town before setting off for Blackpool.
After a drive of approximately 60 miles, we arrived to see the famous Blackpool Illuminations. The lights came on at 5.10pm, and we spent a thoroughly enjoyable 20 minutes driving along the promenade, taking in the colourful displays.
Then it was time to return to Lakeland, arriving back at 6.20pm after a wonderful, varied day out.
The wallet is a little lighter, but it was well worth it!
Tomorrow: Helvellyn! 🥾⛰️
Autumn riverside scenery on our Lake District driveA cuppa at the Woolpack’s Hardknott Bar & CaféThe stone plaque at Hardknott Roman FortExploring the remains of Hardknott Roman FortRoman fort walls beneath the surrounding fellsThe information board for the commanding officer’s houseThe narrow road winding through Hardknott PassSunset over the sea at BlackpoolBlackpool Illuminations along the promenadeBlackpool Tower and the colourful illuminations
A useful thought for todayAllow plenty of time for mountain roads. Hardknott Pass has very steep gradients, narrow sections and tight hairpin bends that require great care.
Have you explored Hardknott Pass or visited Blackpool Illuminations?
Boots packed, latte essential — and we’ve arrived in the Lakes! 🥾☕
Getting ready for the Lake District means packing my hiking gear, a large flask and a selfie stick for those memorable photographs.
The one thing I wouldn’t leave behind is my mobile phone. My coffee cup is coming too—there’s always time for a latte!
There’s a 356-mile drive ahead, but one moment I always look forward to is seeing THE LAKES on a motorway sign. That happy feeling makes the holiday feel real—the hills, the views and the adventures are getting closer!
Journey update: we left home at 5.05am and arrived at Gloucester Services northbound at 7.45am for a welcome break. It’s expensive, but the food is good quality — a brilliant place to stop on our way to the Lake District.
The Facebook video linked below isn’t my clip, but it gives you a great look at the services and shows why we were so impressed. All credit belongs to the original creator.
We stopped a couple more times briefly on the way to the Lakes, then took a quick drive through Grange-over-Sands before heading to Haven Lakeland, arriving at 12.45pm. Time to settle in and enjoy our Lake District break!
A useful thought for todayBefore setting off, charge your phone and power bank, and download any maps you’ll need.
Have you stopped at Gloucester Services on your travels?
Welcome to my daily hiking diary. I want this to be a place for something useful throughout the year, whether I’m out on the moor, planning a coastal walk or fitting the next adventure around work.
Expect future hike dates, things I’ve learnt on the trail, favourite places and practical notes about the kit I carry. Longer walks will still have their own full reports; this is the space for the smaller notes in between.
A useful thought for todayBefore your next walk, put your headtorch and spare power bank together and check their charge. Both are on my kit list — keeping them ready is one less job on the morning.
