My rain dance backfired. The temperature has plummeted, and we wake up to snow this morning. That is not one of my 52 Walks.
My son and partner are coming up to see me and taking me out for lunch. The two dogs enjoy the journey and know my house well. They are more excited about seeing my kittens again than about the treats I offer. The kittens take it in their stride.
Our usual walk with the dogs is in the plantation on the fell. On the way up, as the snow thickens, I begin to have doubts about the wisdom of driving high, but there is no ice on that nasty corner, and we park safely without incident.
What a difference a dusting of snow makes to the landscape. Everything is brought into focus, distances seem to spread, and the surrounding hills look twice their height. We are the only ones out, so we have the privilege of being the first to leave footprints. Well, not exactly, the dogs rush ahead, so we are left following pawprints as we weave through the trees. The air is bitter, but the tree cover eliminates any windchill. 
A good time is had by all, and we retreat to the cosy bar of a local inn. The dogs sprawl out in front of the woodburner, enjoying their doggy sausages.
What a great way to spend a few hours in good company and a brief winter wonderland.
It sounds like an enjoyable outing BC. No snow here as yet, just a bit of frost on the tops of parked cars.
We had an inch or so, enough to enjoy.
The Fells above Chipping were plastered, but I didn’t get a picture.
Do Oscar and Dusty interact with the dogs at all? Usually I seem to remember cats just disappear into some hidey-hole
The cats are fascinated by the dogs and want to play. Photos next time.
It is always nice to see the landscape at different time of the year and with the snow it is even better.
I am in the progress of taking a photograph from the same location up ther each month to get an idea of the changing seasons.
You are probably too far west for much snow.
There are snow on the summits around Ennerdale water.
Lovely.
I like the cosy bar.
The best bit.
Should have photoed the dogs sprawled out. There is something very satisfying about a dog relaxing after a good walk.
A dusting of snow transforms the landscape. I pitched two night ago in the forest on my hike from Glenfinnan to Inverie, and woke to a winter wonderland. The tent was a bit heavier though!
I admire your fortitude walking in Scotland at this time of year.
But the benefits are obvious.
I haven’t managed to slip into any winter wonderlands yet this year. Looks and sounds lovely and you had a cosy drink afterwards. Perfect!
Was lovely on and off the Fell.
Derby Arms, Thornley, recommended, and dog friendly.