Having a family means commitments that sometimes means having to make sacrifices. The Xmas holiday delivered some pretty decent weather that in other circumstances would have me out early for a long day in the mountains. TJS would normally join me but TJF is not big on the outdoors and walking. That’s not to say that I haven’t given up trying to encourage her and also to a degree forcing here away from her iPad to see the real world outdoors. I think it’s important that we do things together as a family and that sometimes that involves and fresh air and exercise and giving up a proper walking day. It’s sometimes a tough call but ultimately rewarding to see TJF enjoying the walk (although she denies it at the time!)
What’s needed are lots of easy short walks with expansive views with decent spots to stop and enjoy a picnic lunch even in winter.
In this regard we are blessed with several such walks that I can call on when the need arises for a short day out especially in Winter. The Begwyns, discovered at Xmas last year is one of the best in this regard. A wild, open expanse of heathland capped by a stone wall encircled copse of trees called The Roundabout that provides a perfect lunch spot. It’s also relatively unspoilt and peaceful as no-one has heard of it, tucked away to the north of Hay on Wye.
I’ve done a couple of write ups from my walks up here, so I’ll do my lazy trick of letting the photos do the blogging for me and ask you to search the blog for the other posts if you need more words and some contrasting images.
This was our last walk of 2014 so Happy New Year to one and all 🙂
surfnslide 
Love that enormous bobble on her hat! 😀
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She does focus on looks over practicality somewhat! 🙂
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“Love that enormous bobble on her hat! ” I take it all back, even TJF can’t carry that one off and still look cool. Clearly, I know exactly what you’re talking about here. I think, like me, you’ve made a virtue of a necessity. And as hardships go, this walk doesn’t look too tough to take! I suspect my next opportunity for a proper day on the hill will be when we are in Scotland. I am getting out for an awful lot of local walks however.
Cracking photos btw, is this a candidate for SHWDGV status?
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It is a little frustrating especially as TJS is so keen on big days. I enjoy taking more time over a walk and looking for more unusual photo opportunities. Not sure if it qualifies under SHWDGV rules as it’s not really a hill in the true sense but it is a rather splendid place, especially a picnic in the Roundabout
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No, I agree, it can be frustrating. When I drive B to rugby we go over Hutton Roof and the views of Ingleborough can be stunning. Then there was the glorious day we spent at a tournament in Sedbergh right underneath the Howgills. Got another one of those coming up soon. But – I’m pleased that he wants to play sport – what can you do? Can’t be two places at once (except mentally). There are probably worse problems to face in life!
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Just one of those sacrifices you have to make as a parent but that’s all part of the package. I think its the contrast for me. That TJS shares mine and TBFs passion for the mountains and yet TJF is the complete opposite and shows no real interest although to be fair she does enjoy outdoor adventures like climbing etc so there is stuff we can still enjoy together
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