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I think you've got it Ginge.

I did check the spelling of SPHINX on my Chambers phone app and it only gives "sphinx". As Chambers is widely regarded in crosswordland as the "last word", I stopped there. However, if I had taken a few seconds to look at The Free Dictionary, I would have seen:-

3. pl. sphinxes also sphinx Variant of sphynx.

What can I say - mea culpa!

@ Ratty and Mum

Ratty, please, you have absolutely nothing to apologize for.

I'm thrilled you and your Mum are enjoying the wonderful world of cryptic crosswords. As you'll no doubt have surmised from the number of responses your post has already elicited, you are not alone! and there will always be plenty of people only too willing to lend assistance, if and when needed.

In the meantime, enjoy the rest of your hike and we look forward to hearing again from you and your mum :-)