Pop go the weasels

Day 17: bright and sunny for the most part. The journey from Deepcar to Holmfirth took us through varied landscapes: farmland, woods, moor, around reservoirs and through residential areas. With Ray’s company, the 17.5 miles went quickly and seemed easier than yesterday’s which was a mile shorter. Perhaps we are at last toughening up.

Holmfirth is an attractive spot, with hills close about the centre. I can see why they set “Last of the Summer Wine” here, so that’s our Track of the Day. Sadly the blackberry crumble that I remember from our Pennine Way visit is no longer on the menu - had to make do with fresh ones by the wayside.

But the highlight of the day was our morning rest on a bench by the Langsett reservoir. Within a minute of sitting down we saw goldcrests, a treecreeper, a nuthatch and many tits (great, coal, blue, long-tailed). And a firecrest, although we’re not absolutely sure which bird was which in the profusion of life in the tree. But best of all were two young weasels that chased each other and played on the path right in front of us - a magnificent sight and a joyful addition to our wildlife tally. No picture of them - they move like quicksilver - but here is a picture of three rather slower-moving creatures on arrival in Holmfirth.