With lockdown being eased for the first time since September last year, we find ourselves suddenly in a very, very good mood. I have been absolutely guilty about taking the little things for granted – like sitting on a picnic blanket in the sun or even eating a meal that isn’t in my living room. What a thrill.

This weekend, we accidentally discovered a lake a few miles from where we lived. In the before times, we would’ve 100% chosen a big name park in favour of this. But discovering these hidden gems is truly a lockdown revelation I wouldn’t trade for the world.

Here are some photos of a sunny (GASP!) Leeds at Skelton Lake that is just off the Trans-Pennine walking trail.

My favourite picnic spot was right near the lake where there was a cold breeze and enough sunlight to keep us warm. And the best part about the spot was that there was not one, not two, not three, not four, not five, not six but SEVEN black Labrador puppies swimming in it! There was a moment of panic where they ran up to us to investigate completely wet, but it turned out we needn’t have panicked.

What do you look for in a perfect picnic spot?