Giant Dark Horsefly

Yep, it was giant and obviously a horsefly so not too difficult to identify. And, if my identification is correct - tabanus sudeticus - this is the largest fly in the UK, possibly in Europe.

Look at those mouthparts! No wonder their bite is so painful! The eyes are cool though.

After I took this photo she flew off and bumped me on the head as she went! I know it's a female because the eyes don't join in the middle and the female is the blood sucker and Jamie has a sore arm 😖