With limited mobility, and still waiting for a regular dog walker for Susie the Shih Tzu, Mr J is relying on volunteers to exercise this little ball of energy.

Having met Susie before, I was fully aware that she would be up for a challenge.

We set off, heading uphill, towards what is left of a Norman Castle, set above the town. Susie was keen to climb the steps, and I was hard pressed to keep up with her. (Char will be pleased to note that the terrain was varied, with plenty of steps).

As we reached the top, we paused to take in the views over the town, and across the River Mersey. We circled the castle three or four times, before heading back via a different route. On the way down, I noticed that the castle could do with a little GoodGym TLC...as ivy covered what was left of the walls, and weeds grew from every crevice...although, on reflection, maybe this would be too much of a challenge, even for us 🤔😁

We soon found ourselves following a Susie sized sandstone track, which led us into a beautiful village green. We spent a little time exploring the wildflower garden, a bug house and some wall art, made with recycled plastic lids.

On the home stretch, we were suddenly in the midst of a heavy downpour, and poor Susie looked like a drowned rat...but she didn't seem to mind.

One soggy dog, one happy owner, and one GoodGymer exercised for another day.