We all met at Glenthorne where we were staying, and after introductions and a delicious dinner - the Death by Chocolate dessert was to die for! - we walked to the pub in Grasmere to round off the evening.

Today's walk took us from Grasmere up past Dove Cottages to Rydal village. We had woken to lovely sunny weather.

Just outside Glenthorne, Biggi spotted some tree creepers. Then along the way to Rydal we passed within a few feet of a heron who was completely unperturbed by our presence.

At Rydal the gorgeous weather and tops were too tempting for Jacqueline, Biggi and Carol, so the group split and these three decided to climb Heron Pike and Great Rigg on their own. They had a fantastic day with wonderful views.

The rest of us, Mary, Molly and Sue continued along the edge of Rydal Water where we encountered our third wildlife wonder.

On the path in front was what we think was a sparrowhawk sitting on top of a crow.

It proceeded to drag the crow - which was injured but still alive - down to the water and sit on its head to drown it!

The whole time we were only a few feet away. It was the most extraordinary sight - and was a very special moment for all of us.

After that excitement, we wandered up Loughrigg Terrace, saw a buzzard, then went past Red Bank and down through the lovely woods to Grasmere in time for tea and cakes at Glenthorne!

After dinner the evening was taken up with a scrabble game in which Sue came up from behind and won.

Another gloriously warm spring day. We drove to Skelwith Bridge and walked from there to Colwith Falls.

Continuing on after a break, we reached Little Langdale and the old hump-back Slaters bridge - which Carol and Molly, deep in conversation, missed completely the first time past and had to be called back!

After lunch in the sunshine, we then headed towards Elterwater.

Mary continued all the way into Elterwater village while the rest of us went up Lingmoor Fell for some wonderful views of the Langdale peaks and Windermere.

After rejoining Mary and wandering back to Skelwith Bridge, we had a stop in the tea shop there - a fitting end to the day. The lemon meringue pie and chocolate hazelnut cake were delicious! After dinner the return scrabble game was played with Sue winning again!

Jacqueline had to leave early but the rest of us went up Far Easdale and back. Again a lovely mild day, though not sunny.