whilst we were in scotland we went on a walk organised by the national trust to see some seals

we asked whether it was suitable for kids and they said "yes, it's meant for kids"

so we thought they'd be no problems for our walk-loving youngsters

but the walk itself took us over an exposed hill in the pouring rain

and there wasn't even a path so we had to stomp through heather

which of course was very hole-y and a bit of a death trap

but onwards we trod

and it was jolly good.

we definately wouldn't have gone on it if we realised how tricky/wet/hard work it was going to be.  but we really enjoyed it so we were glad we didn't know in advance !

and the views when we got to the other side were stunning (it even stopped raining for a moment or two)

we did see a seal when we got there

liverwort (not worms)

these are carnivorous plants.  quite rare i think

it was very wet

here's our intrepid guide showing us some mushrooms

here are signs of a pine marten



so, i think i'd advise it.  but not for those with youngish kids.

after 20 years or so, we've now cancelled our national trust membership.  we'll have to see if NZ offers us something similar.