Covid had interrupted our plans to return to Assynt in May, and by September restrictions and reluctance was threatening our 21 year streak of walking together.

It was also Mr Cook’s 50th birthday so the desire to get together led us to a brief camping trip in the New Forest. Arriving at lunchtime on Saturday we pitched tents, or in Dave H’s case a bivvy.

A relatively short stroll followed through the New Forest from the campsite at Tile Barn Outdoor Centre around Dilton Farm. This was a gentle, short but scenic stroll through the forest. On return it was time to get the Cobb lit up with the chicken shawarma and the beers flowing. As darkness fell, we lit the fire pit and enjoyed more beers.