A happy New Year to all, and in the hope of a peaceful 2026.
The New Year’s Day walk is a long tradition. I like to step out and greet the new year, and see if I approve of it. I might wake some years with a sweep across the hills and woods, heading for a late lunch at an isolated country pub with a fire in the grate, or a sandwich wrapped in paper eaten beneath a frost-encrusted oak. Some years a gentle, local stroll is required. Either way, the year is greeted. I think I approve of this one.
I can look out at things to do over the year, and places I would like to explore. I will be back in Edendale in the spring, and will explore more of the walks I have noted there, and as it is off-season, and Scafell is not far from there, I may have more rugged walks to achieve. I have never climbed the county tops of Cumberland, Lancashire or Westmorland, yet.
Keeping the eyes open, there are wonders to be found. Perhaps the best thing is not having any plans, and going where chance and spontaneity lead.