A misty walk on Winter Hill

I've lost count of how many times we've walked up to the trig point on Winter Hill. Despite the array of radio masts, the access road and even occasional evidence of a discarded McDonalds meal wrapper it still has an attraction, which is probably based on its visibility from almost every corner of Lancashire.

With bright sunshine forecast yesterday it seemed like a good time to revisit, and walk from Belmont up past the reservoir before taking the steep but direct route to the summit.

Unfortunately, although Preston was bathed in sunshine, Winter Hill remained shrouded in thick cloud. Undeterred we headed on upwards, enjoying a play with a ball en-route, before reaching the trig point. I failed to spot that the trig had been recently whitewashed so spent a few minutes washing my jacket in the adjacent puddle. Typically, the cloud lifted about 15 minutes after we had descended.

Still, it was enjoyable as always, and, quoting from the Doves, "I'll see you back on Winter Hill'.

A day out on the Llyn Peninsula

Day two of our weekend near Pistyll started early. Perhaps the dog could smell the sea, only a stones throw away from our cottage, or maybe he was just hungry. Either way, we were off down to the rocky beach just after dawn where we once again struggled over the large stones before pausing for a game of fetch by a stream that had ended its short but lively cascade down the hillside.

After a breakfast of bacon and halloumi we decided to take a drive round the Peninsula, stopping first at Abersoch. We were pleasantly surprised to see a fair number of shops which remained open out of season, and wandered down to the beach where the dog enjoyed another good run. The mountains of Snowdonia provided an impressive backdrop.

Next stop was the small village of Aberdaron, the final resting place for pilgrims journeying to Bardsea Island in days gone by. Out of season Aberdaron had a rather somber feel to it. The few small gift shops and cafes were shut, although the terrace of the hotel overlooking the beach seemed to be doing brisk trade, and dogs were welcome. Once again, the dog enjoyed a run on the beach before we made our way back to Pistyll.

After a short rest we headed round the footpaths circling Moel Ty-Gwyn, a small but nicely shaped hill that rises up from the sea. As with yesterday's short walk, the views were great. The dog was unimpressed though, making it clear he much preferred playing with his ball on the beaches and nearby open fields.

Happily for the dog, we ended the afternoon on the fields around Gwylfa, returning to the sheep free enclosure for a game of fetch.

I suspect there won't be too many fireworks around here. If there are, I think the dog will be too tired to care!

A short walk from Pistyll on the Llyn Peninsula

I don't visit North Wales very much. I don't know why, as it's an easy trip from Preston and I love the ruggedness of the landscape. In my student days I spent many weekends camping at Capel Curig, walking in Snowdonia. I've never visited the Llyn Peninsula or much of the Welsh coastline, so today's short walk from Pistyll was a first.

We began near the small church, which was a real delight. Whilst the dog waited patiently outside the open door I took a few minutes to enjoy the peace and quiet, being careful not to disturb the straw that covers the stone floor.

We then headed across the field adjacent to the church and down the path to the beach. It was near to high tide when we visited, with no sand exposed. Walking on the large pebbles proved difficult so after half an hour or so we retraced our steps up towards the church.

The National Trust land around Gwylfa looked stunning in the afternoon sun so we wandered through sheep filled fields and flowering gorse bushes towards the headland and old quarry workings.

The views back towards Pistyll and Nefyn were great, and we spent a while just watching the world go by before retracing our steps.

Happily, the field by the church was sheep free so the afternoon was rounded off with a game of fetch.

I can see this won't be our last trip to the Llyn!