Sandyhills Beach Walk

Another walk for us, at this picturesque beach in Dumfries & Galloway, Scotland. (Click on any picture to see a larger version).

Our previous walk here (see article below) was to the right, when you get down to the beach. This time we turned left. It is a muddier/silty walk, but still has interesting caves and rock formations to explore.

Lunch afterwards was at the Loch Arthur Cafe in Beeswing. They have an outside seating area overlooking a pond, which is ideal if you have a dog with you. The food is freshly prepared and often includes produce from the farm. I ate the dipping platter (hummus, tomato and tzatziki dips with tortilla chips, salad garnish and vegetable sticks). Rob had the cream cheese tart with mixed salads, and we both had large Americano coffees. Excellent, as always.

Happy 5th Birthday, Brock!

Happy 5th Birthday, Brockie Boy!

Brock has been celebrating his birthday with a walk, new toy, special food and treats, and his usual tickles and attention, of course.

We have had Brock for 2.5 years now (half his life!) and we are so pleased to have him. He came to us from Workington Dog Rescue. He is a Patterdale/Jack Russell cross.

Portinscale and Keswick Trip

Rob, Brock and I had a walk from Portinscale, via Ullock, along Newlands Beck, past the Swinside Inn and Hawse End and back towards Portinscale past Lingholm and Nichol End. The walk is about 4.5 miles long, over fairly flat and even ground. You can find the same walk in the Footprint guide: Walks Around Keswick, Number 13.

Before we set out, we had coffee and a cake at The Chalet Tearoom and Restaurant in Portinscale. We both enjoyed what we had and might go back for a lunch or dinner another time.

[Click on any photo to see a larger version. You can just make out people on the mountain ridge shown in the third photo!]

We drove into Keswick afterwards for lunch at The Lakeland Peddlar, only to find that it had gone (three weeks ago, the waitress told us), and a new restaurant, Maxwells, was in its place. Since they allowed dogs, we decided to give it a go.

I had the mezze platter £8.45 (including, hummus, feta pate, tsatskiki, olives etc with gluten free bread option)

Rob had the Ploughman's £8.50.

As you can see there was plenty to eat. I found the dips and felafels on mine a little bland - more garlic, lemon juice, herbs or spice required, I think, but it was great to be able to have gluten free bread, and the coleslaw and curried potatoes were nice. Rob's Ploughman's came with loads of cheese, salad, onion relish (again a little bland), and balsamic vinegar pickled onions, which were tasty.

Other menu items included soup, sandwiches, tapas and seafood options.

I prefer The Abrahams Tea Room in George Fisher, however, this has the advantage of allowing dogs, which is useful during the warmer weather.

Brock

Here is a recent photo that Rob took of Brock in our garden. What a little angel!

Duchess' Bridge Walk, Langholm

Rob, Brock and I decided to make the best of the sunny weather yesterday, and went for a short walk around Langholm, Scottish Borders. Directions for the walk can be found here. (As always, just click on the photos for a larger version.)

Rob and Brock crossing the Duchess' Bridge over the River Esk.

 

A view downstream from the bridge.

Brock and I say hello to a horse.

Brock enjoying some time off the lead.

The first sign that Spring is on the way: snowdrops emerging.

On the return leg of the journey, you get a view over the pheasant-rearing pens and fields to Mid Hill, beyond.

Langholm is a picturesque small town, with a riverside car park, picnic and play area; a selection of small shops, hotels and a cafe (which serves very good coffee). There is a monthly Producers' Market on the first Saturday of most months, where you can buy locally sourced meat, crafts, pies, cakes, biscuits, preserves etc.

Brock at Samye Ling in The Snow

Rob, Brock and I went to Samye Ling today. The snow was a bit deeper here than at home. Brock enjoyed a romp around in the snow, and ate it like a giant snow cone. We had a walk round the site before enjoying some hot lentil soup and toast, followed by cake and coffee in the cafe. The shop was also open and we bought some soaps and book about Holy Isle, an island near Arran that is being turned into a new Buddist retreat.

Dumfries River Walk and Pictures of Brock

Rob, Brock and I went on a walk next to the River Nith in Dumfries. A similar walk can be found here.

Rob took some photos of the graveyard on this misty day, and of Brock with his rather amazing coat of fur that has appeared since we got him in September. Before that he had seemed to be fairly short haired with bald patches!

Eskdalemuir & Samye Ling

Rob, Brock and I went on one of our regular walks in Eskdalemuir, up to Bessie's Hill Fort and through an area of forestry.

Here's Brock heading up the trail. It was a frosty day: about -3 degrees Celsius.

A view from the highest point of the walk.

 Ice 'rose' in a puddle.

Frosted tree.

Larch cones.

Brock in his winter coat.

The Green Tara Statue at Samye Ling. Set in the centre of the medicinal garden.

The Samye Liberation Gate. The Gate is dedicated to world peace and is decorated with carved mantras and figures that are said to help develop peace of mind in all those who see it or go under it. We had a lovely cup of cappuccino at the Samye Ling cafe and bought some notebooks in the shop. Well worth a visit.

Barnkirk Point Walk

Rob, Brock and I did the walk from Annan to Newbie and Barnkirk Point this morning. It was surprisingly busy with walkers and the odd cyclist and lots of dogs (which pleased Brock immensely!).

View of the railway bridge over the River Annan.

Rob and Brock.

Hawthorn berries.

Hazy view of the Cumbrian coast.

Master Brock.

Criffel seen from the shore section of the walk.

Talkin Tarn

Rob, Brock and I had a walk around Talkin Tarn in Cumbria this morning. It was a bright, sunny day and there were lots of people about, including people rowing on the lake.

Brock enjoyed meeting some other dogs, and watching the ducks and geese.

There was a craft stand in the boathouse, but it had not opened by the time we left. There is also a cafe by the marina area, but the last time we had coffee there, it was dire.

We stopped in Brampton on the way home and had a very nice coffee at the Howard Arms, which came with a homemade shortbread biscuit. Very pleasant!

Henry Walton

 

 

 

 

In loving memory of the perfect companion

Henry "Puppy" Walton 

11 August 1995 - 17 April 2012