Mossy cleft

Penultimate day of the holiday and D, R and I decided we wanted a proper long walk. R's colleague had recommended Simonside, a hill in the nearby national park, and it was a great recommendation. After a steep climb (on which I saw a cuckoo for the first time ever!) and meeting an incredibly determined tiny dachshund called Derek, we reached the top and had amazing views over the whole surrounding area. 

Our wildlife discoveries were to get better yet, because we also saw three red grouse and an emperor moth!  

After the intense days of cramming information about castles into my head, this walk was just what I needed.