Most people’s first thoughts about the Isle of Man will probably relate to motorbike racing, particularly the TT races. Or maybe its the ‘Three legs of Mann’ symbol, or perhaps its position as a tax haven within the British Isles.

Cat Bells, Dale Head, Fleetwith Pike, Pillar, Scafell Pike, Illgill Head, Whit Fell and Black Combe. It’s a distinguished roll call of Lakeland tops. And over a windswept weekend in autumn, I didn’t climb any of them. It wasn’t exactly planned that way.

We had finalised our plans the night before, sat in front of a blazing fireplace. Up early next day, quick cup of tea, then boots on and straight up on to Salisbury Plain, a ten-mile stomp and back home mid-morning for breakfast.