Tigtoes carried a short stout stick over one shoulder, to which was tied a waterproof spotted handkerchief, inside which he was protecting his latest ornithological book, entitled, “A Feline’s Guide To The Birds Of Mountains And Moorlands”.

The late spring sunshine was delightful to start with, and the cats had fun chasing each other through the bracken as they began their ascent. The little mountain rose steeply from the stream at its base. The cats soon became aware that there was no level ground, just strenuous ascents with occasional gentler patches.

 

It was soon time to stop for a breather and the first round of snacks. Tigtoes took the opportunity to check the local bird life and spotted a rather rare Ring Ouzel. He hoped that no Golden Eagles would be seen!

Looking down over the lower slopes, the cats noticed a number of Belted Galloway moo-cows. Luckily Tigtoes had brought along his colourful broad belt which he liked to wear in their honour, and encouraged his brother to wear his too.

 

The party persevered up the steeper and steeper slopes and exhausted, reached the top. They collapsed in heaps, using each other as warm cushions, and dozed in feline rejuvenation.

Even on a small mountain, such as Cat Bields, the weather can change rather unexpectedly, and the late spring sunshine faded as clouds gathered and a drizzly mist descended upon the mountain top.

The cats awakened to damp and chilly fur. Tabitha was most upset and cuddled up to Squimps under his waterproof jacket.

The cloud cover changed the whole aspect of the top and the cats, unfortunately, started to descend by a different and little used path. The found that great care was needed where parts of the path needed repair, and helped each other to clamber down the difficult parts.

As they reached lower contour lines, they found that the cloying mist gradually thinned, as sparse rays of welcome sunlight broke through.

Shortly they were astonished to stumble upon a small encampment, where a shelter of branches, bracken and heather revealed a wildlife bar and cafe, from which a couple of startled rabbits disappeared into undergrowth.

The felines were astounded to find that their old pal Wild Bill Hicat was in charge, together with the Border Retrievers. After hugs and paw shakes, Wild Bill explained that he was doing his best to keep old traditions going by running a microbrewery offering heather ale, cowslip wine, dandelion and burdock etc.