A day in one of our favourite spots

Way back in our pre-Forrest, pre-pregnancy days, we used to take off occasionally to the Peak District. We'd get up super early, load the dogs into the camper (ah the camper ... those were the days. Before we had to sell everything to raise money for house-building projects ...) and head for the open road with the radio blaring and the windows open to let in a breeze

We'd forgo sweets on the way in order to enjoy a full English at a little cafe in Hope which is dog and muddy boot friendly, before walking to Castleton for a drink at the pub and a wander round the shops. The walk is along public footpaths alongside a deep stream, so the dogs would pop in and out and splash us every time they ran past, making us laugh with their stile-jumping antics

Sometimes we even camped in Hope, sometimes we took friends. My sister and her fiance came with us when she was six months pregnant and I remember insisting that we shouldn't walk too far because it wasn't good for a lady in her condition but really I was thinking more of my own blistered feet! 

Last week Matt had a much needed day off so we packed up the truck and off we went, to show Forrest one of our family traditions. Of course I forgot my camera (I know - and I call myself a blogger) AND my phone so I had to use Matt's iPhone for the following snaps

We started off at the Woodbine Cafe as usual - it is under new ownership but was no less welcoming, there was even a roaring fire. And a chalkboard menu which included a PINT OF TEA. We felt right at home!

When we'd finished our breakfast I gave Forrest a bottle while Matt ploughed his way through a huge slice of carrot cake and ice cream. At 10.30 in the morning. I didn't know whether to be impressed or disgusted. We popped Forrest in the baby carrier and off we went

It was a really dark, dreary sort of day and was threatening rain but that didn't bother the dogs - they were thrilled to be back in the Peaks. And so were we, we got caught in a bit of rain but hey, we had umbrellas!

Remember I mentioned the dogs' stile-jumping antics? This is what I meant ...

There are loads of stiles on this walk so we get to see this a lot! I also like the dry stone walls in this area, they're like huge jigsaws. Wouldn't this make a fab screensaver?

Muddy boots - proof of a good walk. I *may* have got stuck in the mud. And Matt *may* have had a near miss in a slippery patch!

We dried off the dogs and popped them back in the truck so we could head home. think they'd have liked to stay a little longer

We stopped in Hathersage to refuel at a pub with fantastic views. Matt made a friend ...

... and immediately regretted it when he saw the menu

Forrest had his usual - a nice warm bottle of milk, followed by lots of cuddles. And a little flirt with the bar staff. He seemed to enjoy it!

It ended up being a bit of a food marathon. Not only did we have a cooked breakfast (and pudding for one) but we had a cooked meal at the pub on the way home. And pudding (for two) So much for losing my baby weight!

We drove home tired and happy. It was great to spend some quality time together, to give our neglected dogs a happy day and introduce Forrest to one of our little traditions

I'm already looking forward to our next visit!