It was a bitterly cold day but with 'potential' as we set out this year from Arnside Prom to tackle yet more new paths around the Arnside and Silverdale area.  Ron and Ann had devised a route which left Arnside itself by an unusual route - mainly to avoid the flood waters which were still set to catch out the ill prepared!

Wandering through the woods above Yealand later in the morning we came across an interesting group of Butterfly Conservationists who were clearing some scrub land so that the rejuvenated land would appeal to some rare limestone liking butterflies (I forget the name of the thing but never mind).  Anyway, they had lit a nice fire so we gathered round and that was nearly the end of the walk for some of us - but we dragged ourselves on knowing Ron and Ann had planned a stop at Leighton Moss for us.

We climbed up the Fairy Steps and some of us were a little anxious because it was a tight squeeze and that's before the Christmas Pudding and other delights ahead of us later in the month.

The Royal Crest was flying above Leighton Moss so we got all excited as we thought the Queen was going to pop out with royal picnic hamper for us - but alas it just meant she was in the area for the Blackpool Royal Variety Performance the following evening! 

Thanks to Ron and Ann for another great walk, and thanks to all who braved the walk for another great turnout!  Happy Christmas to you all.