Leave the shade of this nice rock? You must be barking

Normally in August and September, Rambling Man takes some time off. Time to relax, unwind, and, [checks notes] spend time on beaches and water slides with the children. This year I thought I’d do something different. I thought I’d share some photos that I’ve wanted to use in my Sunday Picture feature for a long time but never seemed to find the right time. Well their time is now…

It’s 2006. There’s some football tournament going on. England are playing Paraguay. The result is that pretty much everywhere away from a TV screen is a deserted. It’s a lovely day. Bit too hot really. But everyone’s indoors glued to the telly. Even the hills of the Peak District are really peaceful. There was barely anyone out, even on Mam Tor. And Mam Tor’s usually busier than your local supermarket.

There are some people out. We’re out for starters. We’re doing the Edale Skyline walk, which follows the hills that circle Edale. And we pass a giant rock where two dogs are escaping the heat by sitting in its shade. And who can blame them?

It would have been nice to have been able to join them. Although if I did, maybe they’d think I was barking.