Such a Perfect Day… or is it?

Today was glorious. It was my ideal weather for running – beautifully sunny but not hot. It was just the right temperature and there was no need for my usual buff and gloves.

The only problem with this was that it meant there were a LOT of other dogs around and Ruby managed to snap a whippet on the nose before I had chance to drag her out of the way. Poor thing yelped really loud and I found myself, yet again, having to apologise to the owners for Ruby’s behaviour.

Whilst on the subject of all these dogs that were out and about today, what I’d like to know is how these dogs get their exercise on rainy days? I barely see any walkers out with their dogs in bad weather but there are so many in good weather. No wonder there are so many fat dogs around. That’s definitely not the case with my Ruby who really enjoyed running along in the sun today.

We ran from home along to top barn and from there went down Sheephouse Lane and turned off right through the kissing gate, through the field, down the steps and along Dean Brook. We carried on up the private road which then takes you out into a field at the top. This is the reverse of the route Pauline took me on yesterday from Lead Mines Clough. I wanted to try it out whilst it was still fresh so that I would remember it for future. It’s quite difficult doing the reverse of a route though, as it looks totally different going the other way. This wasn’t helped by the fact that it was all farm fields with no discernible path so you didn’t know whereabouts on the other side of the field the stile would be to get you out of it. We made our way through fine though, however I had to pick Ruby up and carry her over three stiles as there was no dog access, which resulted in me getting covered in mud.

We came out onto the road by Lead Mines Clough and then ran along for a bit before continuing along the other side of Yarrow Reservoir back into Rivington. From here we skirted Rivington Reservoir towards Liverpool Castle and then back home via the road at the side of Rivington and Blackrod School.

It was such a beautiful day I couldn't help but stop and take the odd picture. Sorry for not taking my athleticism seriously!

View of Winter Hill across Yarrow Reservoir.

Total distance – 7 miles

Weeks total distance - 37.2 miles