We had a big family breakfast at the local Wetherspoons pub The Iron Duke. There are 3 kids who were not born 3 years ago when we were here for Jess and Connor’s wedding.

Margot is 1 year old and made the most mess.

We are into another heatwave so walking is only possible first thing in the morning before the heat builds up.
A couple of days later Glenn and Grant had already gone out for their walk by the time I received an email telling me the time when our tyre fitter will be here. I now also had time to go for a walk and decided to climb up to the Wellington Monument.

I started with going up the narrow hedged lanes and then across the M5 motorway.

I took the public footpath through the fields which was a bit challenging in some places.

I eventually got to the top up the very steep hill.

The monument was to commemorate the Duke of Wellington receiving his dukedom as a result of leading the British army to beat Napoleon’s French army at Talavera in Spain.

The views were good – but could be better with less bushes.

I headed down again through the forest -and then the easier way down the lane.

I was relieved to get home to cool down and have breakfast.
Later on sitting outside Anne brought me an indulgent gin and tonic tray.

In the evenings we are enjoying watching Wimbledon + World Cup + Tour de France. It’s hard to keep up!