It's a wet world where we are at the moment. So, choosing walks means avoiding tracks that are A. under water, or B. too muddy to be fun.

A circumambulation of Carsington Water, England's ninth largest reservoir, seemed a great option on this Sunday morning after lots of rain.

We parked at the Sheepwash Car Park, and ate our breakfast in the car just as the sun was coming up over the hill opposite. Gourmet stuff: A smoked ham sandwich, a hunk of Mrs Kirkham's mature Lancashire, and a couple of sticks of crunchy celery. You can't beat picnic breakfasts.

Then we set off clockwise round the lake:









Sights on the way:








We had lunch with some rellies at the Tansley Barn Garden Centre. First you have to fight your way out of the all-enveloping Christmas grotto, but once you've done that, you'll find the Gadener’s Retreat Restaurant serves very tasty food (in gargantuan portions). And though I'm not a gardener, I'm always happy to cast my inexpert eye over plant displays and garden knick-knackery.

Very pleasant day out.