Before the heat arrives

It looks cool but it was warm and muggy. If we stopped we were mobbed by sandflies, eager to sample our blood.

The tops always involve valleys. The Hawdon has a big pest control programme to trap stoats, rats and mice. There was a little dawn bird song at the hut but sadly not a lot.

It was a short trudge down the valley. River stones are never fun to walk on. We felt pleased with our efforts and blessed to have trodden with relatively few get to see.

Our transport was waiting at the Hawdon Shelter with ginger ale and ginger nuts, which was pretty good too. Then home to deal with gear, grime, a dry garden, and the little striped Pope who has holidayed in style at the 5-star luxury cat accommodation.