But who is this creature with terrible claws

And terrible teeth in his terrible jaws?

He has knobbly knees, and turned-out toes,

And a poisonous wart at the end of his nose.

His eyes are orange, his tongue is black,

He has purple prickles all over his back.

"Oh help! Oh no!

It's a Gruffalo!"

And it was laying in wait on what could have been the trail today, if White Noise hadn’t protected the Hounds by guiding us along a different path.

We should not have been surprised to find that the showers expected after 3pm decided to arrive just after we set off, and continued on and off throughout the r*n. WN and OHT had set a trail based on r*n 712, Highway’s Swan Song, and we once again took advantage of Highway’s hospitality by using his house as the Beer Stop.

The out trail led us up (avoiding the Gruffalo) to the splendid viewpoint of Orrest Head. Four Rambos took the Rambo split, following an expansive loop over rough fells and hay fields before crossing the A591 and eventually joining the Wimp route back into Windermere. Meanwhile the Magnificent Seven Wimps followed their route and we all joined up at the Beer Stop.

Careful instructions were imparted by Off His Trolley as we once more set out on trail. The Rambo party reached the first check, and successfully spotted the true trail. For reasons known only to him, Willy Wonky kicked out the check circle in the false trail direction, which had severe repercussions when the Wimps arrived at that point. Much headless chickening ensued before OHT arrived on the scene and pointed the Wimps along the correct route.

The second Rambo split encompassed the dizzy heights of School Knott, albeit with minimal flour remaining after the heavy showers. After this section the routes combined once more and both groups arrived back at the On Inn not far apart.

Last to arrive back was Dormouse, who had started nearly an hour late but still completed the trail (or so he says).

Down downs to the Hares, Highway (for being away for so long), DM for late cumming, WN again for hiding the Gruffalo, and Willy Wonky for trail sabotage.

"My favourite food!" the Gruffalo said.

"You'll taste good on a slice of bread!"

On! On!