Lands End to John O'Groats 2007

Blog for John O Groats to Lands End - 2008

2008-06-07T12:15:00.000-07:00

If any "Ramblers" out there want to read this years Blog it's:

www.carolwalkingbackwards.blogspot.com

It's slightly out of date, as I've now just reached Barnard Castle. I'll endeavour to catch up with it a.s.a.p!

Fundraising efforts and walk collage

2008-02-04T00:39:00.000-08:00

A Sell-Out Show for Sophie!!!

2007-12-05T15:04:00.000-08:00

The final major fundraiser was held at the Adrian Mann Theatre on Sunday 2nd December. Commencing with a powerpoint presentation of all the fundraising events that have been happening throughout the year, the audience enjoyed a variety show of music, dance and comedy sketches, performed by the Banstead 5 churches youth group, "Six of the Best" Dance Troupe, Rosebery School's Big Band & the Sixth Form Singers, The "Fusion Players" amateur dramatic society, along with some of Sophie's friends reading her poems, and a wonderful rendition of "Music of the Night" by Joe Claus.

We were delighted to present a cheque for £40,000 to Darren Hargraves, the Oncology Consultant who is researching into paediatric brain stem tumours at the Royal Marsden. He said every penny will go into this vital research and it WILL make a difference...

That has made it all worth while.

Thank-you to everyone who has helped in their own way to reach this amazing total.

Update on Fundraising

2007-08-06T03:35:00.000-07:00

Elliott has completed his parachute jump (brave man!) and hopefully we will be getting some photos soon...

Another fund raising event is being planned for December 2nd. "A Concert for Sophie" at the Adrian Mann Theatre involving many of Sophie's friends from school & the local community.
More details later...

As well as money donated "On Line" many other donations have been sent direct to the Royal Marsden.
Rosebery School raised £1,416.68 from the charity fortnight. A fantastic amount of money! Banstead District Scout Council donated £1,133.50. Together, with many other donators, including family, friends, national banks & companies, & local groups & societies the total amount raised so far "Off Line" is an incredible £6869.68! So, Thank you to all of you for your continuing support & generosity.

I'm still walking, trying to keep up my fitness level, although I'm only averageing around 5 miles now in circular routes around Banstead. Trouble is, I keep getting lost! I'm just going to have to get an OS map of the area I've lived in for the past 12 years!

Mission Accomplished!

2007-07-31T01:13:00.000-07:00

So, now it's all over. It has been an amazing adventure, not quite "the lark" it was depicted to be. This was a blog , after all, not a personal diary. There were some high points, of course, but some very low ones as well. However,I have fulfilled my promise to Sophie, and I know, through many things that happened along the way, that she was walking beside me, every step of the way. Together, and with the overwhelming support and generosity of so many people, we have achieved what we set out to do. "To try and help other children not to have to go through what she did" (her wishes)

To more than double the original target is a major achievement,(with still more fundraising events to ahead!) So, it's to all of you who have made his happen in so many different ways, I say a HUGE thankyou.

Many people have helped and supported me on this journey. To be able to start on April 8th (Sophie's 15th Birthday) meant there was little time to prepare ahead. So I would like to thank...

My three sisters , not only during the walk, but since April last year they have given Me, Keith & the girls imeasurable support.

Jill, for providing me with a bolt hole & preparing me mentally & physically for the challenge ahead
Hilary, for playing the role she's always played in my life, looking after me.

Lynne, for being my best friend, always there for me when I've needed her. During this walk, on the end of a phone (thank goodness for mobiles!)

Stephen, for setting up this blog in the first place (even though it's been a pain) for being my PA and Press Officer, and just saying "I'll deal with it" when I got in a panic

Bernadette, for producing the T Shirt design, and getting them printed A.S.A.P.!!

Liz, for doing a stirling job as "OS Map co-ordinator" back at base camp.

The Scout Association, whose kind and generous members, helped with transportation, many times at the last minute, and sometimes for many miles! As I write, "The World Jamboree" is in full swing, I'm so glad the sun is shining on you all.

The Hosts, who provided me with a bed, food , transportation and most importantly-a base.

Gary & Yvonne in Ottery St Mary, Devon

Jane & John in Whiteparish, Wiltshire

Andy & Jo in Nottingham

Jane & Neil in Sheffield

Rachel & Andy in York

Chris & John in the Yorkshire Dales

Ruth & Roy in Peebles

Angela & Peter in Stanhope, County Durham

Mari-Anne in Edinburgh

Margaret in Glasgow

Chip on the "Great Glen Way"

Hilary in Dornoch

The Walkers- (and three dogs) for sharing this journey with me. It has been, for me, more about people than places.

Jill & Kenny in Cornwall

Yvonne, Gary, Nathalie, Stephanie, Danielle, Charlotte, Matt & Barney in Devon & Somerset Jane in Somerset & Avon and The West Highland Way

Linda (Thelma) from Wookey Hole to Street
"Meg" on the Monarch Way
Lauren & Caitlin in Somerset & on the Pennine Way, in the Dales/County Durham
Hilary & Maurice in the Cotswolds. Hilary on The Pennine Way, Northumberland & the Highlands, Scotland
Keith in Worcestershire, The Yorkhire Dales, The West Highland Way & The last day
Clare & Bryony in Staffordshire
Liz & Cathy in Staffordshire

Caroline & Gemma in Staffordshire

Emma in Derbyshire

Jane, Beverley & Glenda on the "dreaded" Pennine Way, Derbyshire

Sally on the Pennine Way in the Dales (with a digression!)

Andy & Claire back on the Pennine Way in the Dales

John on the Pennine Way in the Dales/County Durham

"Little" Hilary & Jenny in Northumberland

Ruth, Seonaid, Emma, "Angus & Katie" in The Borders

Margaret & Gavin on the Edinburgh to Glasgow Canal

Stephen on The West Highland Way

Chip, Ann & Linda on The Great Glen Way

Emily in the Highlands

Lynne & Dave in the Highlands

and last, but by no means, least...Orange hat, rucksack & stick. Unfortunately we parted company with "stick", and no, I didn't lose it, it broke! - consigned to the refuse bins at the Glasgow flat.

What I would have liked to have done John O Groats is turn around & walk all the way back to Cornwall, but I had to go home & be a wife and mother. So my final, and greatest thanks must go to Lauren & Caitlin for letting "Mutti" go on this mad venture, and to Keith, who knew he couldn't stop me. However, to go with his blessing (and the credit card) made all the difference.

So, that's all folks, apart from a photo display (hopefully-if I can manage to do it) Thankyou for reading my blog. There will be updates on the fundraising of course and I hope we can REALLY make a difference...K.B.O.

Keiss to John O'Groats - The final destination!

2007-07-29T04:30:00.000-07:00

The first thing I must do when I get home is look for that 'Final Destination' DVD and return it back to the library...

The day dawned grey and drizzly which matched my mood. Now ,the last day was here , I didn't want it to end. It was only a short walk of 8 or 9 miles, according to opinion, and it seemed like a dull end to what had been a really purposeful journey. Anyway, to keep our spirits up we played a few alphabet games e.g. Think of a band name beginning with A etc...

Every so often the mist cleared and we spotted sights of JOG and beyond to the Orkney Islands. Then they'd disappear. The approach seemed a long one and I was surprised there were so many B and B's and houses, generally, as I had been lead to believe there was nothing there. On arrival there were three gift shops an information and tourist centre a cafe and sadly the closed down hotel looking very desolate on the cliff. Of course there was the sign where we needed to take the obligatory photos. At £9.50 per photo,we were wise to this rip-off (flash back to Land's End) and took it out of sight of the official photographer. Entering the cafe and the shop to buy postcards we wondered where Alan was. He suddenly popped up outside the shop and we went back to take MORE photos of the two of us at the sign. Taking him to see Dave, who was in the car nursing his feet, Alan asked Lynne "Did you sleep in the van as well?" I think he was confused about Lynne and Daves relationship and so it seemed was The Station Hotel in Thurso. More of that later.

We drove back to Keiss to pick up the van and then drove on to Thurso, stopping at Dunnet Head to look at the views. This was Daves surfing ground but even if there had been a good swell his poor feet would never have got him onto the board. I tried to admire the scenery along the way but I was just so tired. I suppose all the adrenalin had left me and I slept my way to Thurso.

On arrival we were given our 'rooms'. Firstly, some confusion, Lynne and Dave were in a "Twin room" but apparently that wasn't a problem as they had an apartment, two bedrooms, a lounge, kitchen and bathroom. We could have all stayed there! Keith & I were taken to the 'Crossroads Motel' style room on the other side of the car park.

Keith had brought congratulatory cards and presents from friends at home which cheered me up and ,after an aperitif in the apartment lounge and a look at Dave's corker of a blister, we had a lovely meal at the hotel followed by a walk along the front in a beautiful sunset. Even though Dave still walked like he had spent three days on a horse he managed to hobble, around fortified by alcohol, to regale a few stories of his wild escapades with his surfing pals in Thurso.

Somewhere on the A99 to Keiss - Slick Dick and the Tripwire

2007-07-29T04:03:00.000-07:00

At breakfast we met another 'Jogle' family of four. Father and daughter were cycling down to Lands End in twelve days to raise money for her 'World Challenge' trip to Borneo and Mother and younger daughter were the back up team. Now I know all about World Challenge trips and gave them a few fundraising ideas. They were a really nice family, we swapped email addresses so I can see how their getting on. 'Slick' strolled in attired in his full lycra regalia, proudly announcing to all , the weather conditions at 'JOG'.

We drove the van to yesterday's finishing point and started walking back towards Keiss, plotting and planning how to knock him off his bike. Tripwire across the road? No, we didn't have any. All dancing across the middle of the road as we saw him approaching, thereby making him swerve and fall off ? To late, he was approaching at great speed "Oh, that's what I like to see! Keep up the good work!" He obviously had no intentions of pausing for a chat. Afterwards we thought of the best idea. We should have said we wanted to take his photograph as we were so impressed with his prowess. Then he would have stopped!

Walking on towards Wick, Dave was beginning to suffer a few foot problems, so the first port of call was the sockshop, where the delightfully young and good-looking Hamish sorted him out with some thick socks AND recommended an alternative route along the beach to Keiss. The only problem was the Wester river that ran down from the loch onto the beach and crossing it was dependant upon the tide. Lynne chose to stay on the road but Dave and I were up for the challenge!

It made a real change to be walking on the sand; it was exhilirating! Then we approached the river...it was wide, it could be deep. This was turning into a spiffing "Famous Five" adventure...

TWO GO MAD ON THE BEACH

"I say Dave, old bean, be a good sport, do the manly thing and cross the river first!"

"Of course, I'm a chap, I might even find that hidden treasure we've been looking for"

As I watched him sink deeper and deeper up to his thighs I thought "crikey" and rolled my shorts up as far as they would go!

"Come on old girl you can do it! It's not that frightfully difficult!"

"Can you see anything glittering between those pebbles and stones" ?

"Can't really say. It's jolly difficult keeping one's balance without looking for treasure as well!"

I slowly and carefully made my way across to the other side.

"Well done!" Said Dave slapping me heartily on the back, "Not bad for a girl, what say I treat you to some homemade fruit cake and lashings and lashings of ginger beer. I think I spotted a jolly apple cheeked farmers wife over there" I beamed with pride...

That story was true apart from the last part; there was no farmers wife and seemingly no way off this beach other than scrambling over the rocks which we did. We found the footpath but it lead back to the A99. That's not what we were looking for. The village was only a quarter of a mile ahead of us across the field, we could even see the hotel. So we ploughed through the nettles thinking "this can't be right, surely the locals would have made a path to the beach?" And of course they had. We finally stumbled across it and met Lynne (and Keith who had arrived and picked her up on route) back at the hotel.

Dunbeath to somewhere on the A99 - Dave's master plan, it's just around the bend

2007-07-28T15:01:00.000-07:00

At the Kareoke night in Scarborough, Dave outlined his plan. He would drive Lynne up to Scotland in his camper van. Surfboard on the top (just in case) & motor bike on the back. Drive the van to each day's destination point & then bike back to meet us, walk, and then drive back to pick up bike!

With difficulty, I tore myself away from the bungalow and Dornoch, promising I would be back. Next time, in better weather to appreciate the lovely garden!

Dave can and will talk to anybody & everybody & by the time we caught up with him parking his bike, he introduced us to Carolyn. She was very enthusiastic about our cause & offered us toilet & water facilities before we left. She also told us about Alan. Now, at this point I have to digress...

I hadn't met any LEJOGers along the way, and then, on the Great Glen Way I met two couples JOGLEing. The first, a young couple from Southampton were camping all the way. We swapped stories & E mail addresses. The second couple must have been mad, they were camping it with a horse and a whippet. Knowing where I'd been & where they were going...it was mind boggling.
Back to Alan. Finally I met someone going "My Way". He was rather taken aback when I said "You must be Alan" We all walked together for a while until we stopped for lunch and he walked on. A few miles further along the road we came to the birth place of Neil M Gunn (who?) Author & Poet, and what a history! The Gunns are big cheese around here. At the Gunn Museum, we caught up with him again, or rather, his abandoned rucksack. Tempted to have a joke & throw it over the hedge, we thought better of it & found him washing his socks in the P.C's. I take my orange hat off to him, I most definitely couldn't have done it this way. A recently retired clergyman, he'd already walked a few hills & dales. This was the big one he'd been waiting to accomplish. On a budget of 48p a day, (not including beer money) he was wild camping it all the way.

We walked on, the four of us, to the next town, where we celebrated getting off the A9, albiet, briefly, with a pint (or two) at the "Bay View Hotel" were they having a laugh? what bay, what view? according to the old drunk we passed on the way out it was "The Two Titties" the hills he wildly pointed to in the distance, which did, on closer inspection look like...well I'll say no more!
Alan had a plan to get off the A road, as he was camping, he could make those decisions. We weren't. (and the disused railway line was not such a good idea in the cold light of day) Arranging to meet up on Sunday at J.O.G. we carried on and on. Dave had driven the van precisely 14.5 miles from where we started. Lynne & I whinged & moaned," We must surely be there by now?" "Just around this next bend" five minutes later, "Oh, must be the next bend" was the same reply for the next 5 miles.

Finally, we picked up the van & the bike & made our way to Keiss. In the middle of a refurbishment the hotel wasn't that great, but fortunately the food was. Just as well, there was nowhere else to eat here. A pretty dismal looking place. Oh how I was missing Dornoch. Dismal it may be, but it was right on route for "Lejogers" or "Joglers" and that's how we met "Slick Dick" & his long suffering girlfriend.

At the next table, writing notes on a pad with one eye on us, quite clearly desperate to strike up a conversation. Aha, I thought, Just like we were in the Turks Head in Penzance, excitedly writing about "The first day" He's doing the same! We can swap stories. But no, all "Slick" was interested in was himself and he was there to tell us all. A super cyclist, he was planning to arrive at Land's End in 12 days time. His girlfriend was there as back-up team, with the car & supplies. Up at the crack tomorrow, he was cycling from the top. "Better turn in for an early night, see you all at breakfast" he cheerily called. "Smug b.....d" we thought, and finished off the half bottle of wine he'd left on the table.

Helmsdale to Dunbeath (nearly)

2007-07-28T14:46:00.000-07:00

With no alternative now but to wait for the 12.45 bus from Dornoch, I spent the morning walking back, forth, & back again from the bungalow. If I was into cheating, which I'm not, I could have claimed I'd done 4.5 miles on top of today's trek!
I was determined to make it to Dunbeath before Dave & Lynne picked me up, but the bus was late leaving town & they'd made good time from Scarborough. At least I'd tackled the hair-pin steep decline/incline that was Berriedale before they picked me up.
Back in Dornoch, before making a decision on the property purchase, I needed to check out the deciding factor...the local. Tonight was "Bingo Night" not very exciting, & neither was the "Dornoch Inn" It was to late to try the posh pubs, we had to plan tomorrow's route. Desperate to get off the A9, I was peering over the "disused railway line as a possibility.

Brora to Helmsdale- Big Bears & Barbara Cartland

2007-07-28T14:06:00.000-07:00

Hughie dropped me off in the centre of Brora & I slogged my way to Helmsdale. I was determined to catch the 14.50 City Link bus, otherwise I'd have to wait in Helmsdale until 6pm. The highlight of the "slog" along the A9 was stopping in a lay-by where I met an American family, Mum, Dad, & two sons. Helmsdale, however, was another story. Welcome to "Weirdsville" In my quest to make the bus on time I arrived an hour early into what was a "ghost town" You know the film, John Wayne swaggers in through the heat & dust, the saloon doors swing in the gentle breeze... but, this was Scotland, where was everyone? At home, it was Wednesday, half day closing. This was a blast to the past. What was I going to do for an hour? Spend it in the "Mirage Restaurant" the only place open, other than the shop, which enticed customers in with promises of "lot's more inside..." I didn't make it there as the "Mirage" had me transfixed for an hour. At first, I wasn't aware of my surroundings, then I noticed to the right a stuffed bear, holding a fish. To the left Marilyn Munroe's legs supporting a tacky bright pink lampshade, and the walls adorned with photographs of Barbara Cartland. I pinched myself, twice, and made my way to the bus stop.

The Dornoch side of Golspie to Brora- A half day

2007-07-28T13:34:00.000-07:00

Well, the whole of the uk has experienced freak weather conditions, so we shouldn't expect -anything. Yesterday, sunny, today, cold, wet & windy. We didn't go to the beach or the playground but mooched around Dornoch until it was time to say goodbye.
One good thing we did today was spot a notice in the "Spar" A dial-a-ride bus service could, and as I found out, would, pick me up & take me to Golspie.
That's how I met Hughie. Instead of having to wait for the City Link bus heading northwards from Dornoch at 12.45, he could pick me up right outside the bungalow at 9.30.
Dropping me off at the spot where Hilary & I had compromised on I walked on into Brora happy in the knowledge that Hughie would pick me up tomorrow, same time, different place, & take me there, outside of his usual catchment area, and wanting to make a donation!
What can I say about today's walk? After a brief spell on Golspie's seafront it was a slog on the A9. I could have followed the beach further passed "Dunrobin Castle" created by the Earldom of Sutherland in 1235. but...I am a female walker on my own & when looking ahead you see two young men (without dogs) apparently chasing each other, you make the decision to stick to the road.

Walking into Brora, I came across the "Biblical Garden" It was almost like being back at the "Reflections" garden, but created in a different way. I followed the path all the way around, and stopped at the sign "To the Rainbow" Sophie would have loved it!
I managed to catch the lunchtime City Link bus back to Dornoch, where I spent the afternoon sunbathing on the beach. What a difference a day makes!

A Birthday Treat- walking to Golspie

2007-07-28T10:10:00.000-07:00

What better way to spend one's Birthday than a walk with Carol?
Leaving Emily, Ruby & Charlie at the bungalow making a cake (don't tell Nana) we walked as quickly as our little legs would take us to Dornoch. We'd already earmarked the bench in the square where we were going to have our lunch. The sun was shining, by the time we'd passed the golf course & the beach, Hilary was "sold" we were seriously considering going halves on a holiday cottage. It could only get better. The scenic route" along Loch Fleet was idyllic. Hilary waxed lyrically, unfortunately I knew at the end of this it was the A9/A99 all the way to J.O.G. But, she was keen, blimey!, had she forgotten the heat, hills & hangover of the Pennine Way? I was all for calling it a day at the "Mound" but no, it was only another 3-4 miles to Golspie. Ok-true but it was uphill all the way. We compromised.
Back at the bungalow we celebrated Hilary's Birthday with a "surprise" birthday cake. and looked forward to a rest day, on the beach?

Yellow road to Ardjachie-Four cakes and a Wedding

2007-07-26T15:29:00.000-07:00

First priority - the 'Spar'. Two baskets turned into one trolley load so we started out late. Emily was relieved it was only going to be a 7 miler which could have only been 5.5 if the Scotsburn road hadn't been closed (So that's why we couldn't find it last night!). If the workmen hadn't been there we might have attempted to master the challenge of getting over the burn but they closed the gate on us and pointed towards the sign we'd failed to notice saying "closed to pedestrians". They at least showed us the way through the woods and all was well until Tain where we had to stop for tea & sympathy. Emily was starting to feel the pain. Nobody seemed interested in serving us with either. Everyone was out on the street, including the shopkeepers. What was going on? -A Wedding. (clearly a big event in Tain)

First stop, the chemist, for blister plasters. With one eye on the church door the assistant vaguely waved us in the bandage direction & not really paying attention to our enquiry about the Info. Centre, the reply was "Nah, closed on Saturday's" (On investigation, it was open)

Next stop, the cafe, to apply blister plaster to Emily's heel & fortify ourselves for the second half. Bearing in mind it was only 2pm the choice was limited. We had some difficult decisions to make. Which cake to select from a choice of four? By the time we'd paid & to Emily's relief, sat down, "my cake" had been sold!

Uninspired by the raffle prizes on offer at the supermarket ( 1st prize-A weekend break for two in Tain, 2nd prize-2 bottles of whisky, 3rd prize-one bottle) we got out of town and on & off the A9 as quickly as possible.

Taking the first available A road, which according to the map would take us eventually to Ardjachie to rejoin the A9, we somehow ended up in the middle of Tarlogie wood on a path which eventually deteriorated into nothing but long grass going nowhere. Attempting to reach the A9 which we could clearly hear but not see, we ploughed through the undergrowth, backtracking to the farm where we'd gone wrong. Well, I didn't want to make it too much of an easy ride for her, wet feet & trousers is par for the course!

Saturday evening, in Dornoch, meant a parade of the Pipeband. Down in the square at 8pm with the rest of the crowds Charlie was getting impatient. "When are the pipecleaners coming mummy?".We tried not to laugh. Then there they were and what a splendid sight. Up and down they marched, played & twirled around the square. I don't think I've ever been this close to a bagpipe player before, it looked like jolly hard work to me. All that huff & puff, keeping in step & in time as well as keeping kilts pressed & shoes shiny!

All roads lead to Scotsburn-or do they?

2007-07-26T14:21:00.000-07:00

Me- "Why does this all sound so familiar, and why have I decided on a whim to walk with Carol again?
Emily- "Why after 21 years of holiday nightmares with Mum have I agreed to travel with her again?
Charlie-"Why do you keep turning the car round Nana?"
Ruby- "Whaaa...I'm tired & hungry"

Emily & I should know by now not to organize a trip together, especially when a plane is involved. "Operation Leeds to Dornoch" e.g. how to get me, Emily & two small children to the Highlands of Scotland had been planned to the finest detail. All went well at first. Emily arrived in Leeds, car seats were transferred, we set off for East Midlands Airport with plenty of time to spare. So far so good...Then the rain came down, visibility was appalling, accidents & road works along route meant...we were now running very late. In a panic I dropped Emily & kids at "Departures" & zoomed off towards the "Long Stay Car Park" only to realise that it was way, way, to far from the Airport. Check-in was about to close, the only option was to put the car in the "Short Stay Car Park" at £100 for 3 days this "cheap flight" was getting very expensive!
On arrival at Inverness we wasted more time trying to fit the child seats into the hire car. As instructions were in a foreign language, we were told - follow diagrams.
Carol, instead of waiting in Alness had decided to walk on into the middle of nowhere. So we left the security of the A9 & got lost in a maze of single track roads, all of which lead to Scotsburn. (hang-on, deja vu, "All roads lead to Cam, don't they?)
So, here we all were, the four of us, trying to find Carol somewhere on a yellow road near Scotsburn.
We finally found her checking her map with the some people at a farm & even they weren't sure where it was. By the time we'd reached the bungalow, tired & hungry, it was gone 8pm. I discovered, on investigation, that the "Spa" in Dornoch was closed. We had no food or drink! Not to be defeated I made sure we were all fed & watered by placing an order at the Chinese take-away & diving into the Eagle Hotel for a couple of bottles of wine. (should be enough) This was turning out to be an expensive "whim" I thought as we finally settled into bed about midnight.

Conon Bridge to ...somewhere on a yellow road near Scotsburn?

2007-07-24T16:22:00.000-07:00

The plan was to arrive in Alness about 5pm, hang around for a while, and be picked up around 6pm. However ,I'd got off to such a cracking good start this morning, it looked like I'd be there by lunchtime. Before I'd even decided if it was right or left outside the hotel, I bumped into "David" He was on his way to Dingwall (2 miles in the right direction). A plumber by trade, but also a very keen walker & climber.

Leading guided hikes around the mountains is what he does in his spare time; and when not in his van, he walks everywhere.....' Dingwall' looked quite a nice spot, I couldn't really say, as we route marched down the High Street. David certainly was "a local" to the area. He knew everyone that passed us by. (If Elaine Truman ever reads this, I have to say, you have been surpassed) He was such a nice genuine bloke, it was a pleasure to meet him.

Walking into Evanton,I'd remembered Mark Moxon saying it was the pleasant village he'd celebrated his 1000 mile landmark in. Now I couldn't do that, as I hadn't reached mine, but, I had time on my hands. What I could do with, I mused to myself, was something like the St Breward's Post Office cum Internet Cafe to while away a few hours... and Lo & behold, there ahead of me was the sweetest little cafe, (complete with check tablecloths) cum gift/charity shop, with two brand spanking new computers!

After an hour or so I reluctantly relinquished my PC to the very polite & patient teenagers waiting in the wings. They were all so nice here, run by the local church community it felt like being in the "Open Door" back home.

Alness was good. It paved my way in with beautiful gardens & a delightful church. As I paused to admire it, with perfect timing, Radio 2 announced through my earphones that they were about to play 7.5 minutes of pure bliss. Well, I might have looked a complete twit mouthing along to "Stairway to Heaven" down the High Street, but I didn't care. What was it Dad used to say on family holidays when Mum reprimanded him with a stern look, and a "George, really!" He'd always reply "It doesn't matter, we'll never see them again" and then wink & smile at me & my sisters.

So, I should have stayed there, but I didn't. No, I had the bright idea of carrying on...and on...thinking they'll easily find me on this yellow road off the a9...or would they?

Over to Hilary & Emily...

Inverness to Conon Bridge- Fond farewells

2007-07-24T15:56:00.000-07:00

It was hard to wave goodbye to Chip, Ann & Linda at the bus station. To say I'd had a "good week" would be an understatement. It had been the tonic I needed to keep me going. It was also hard to leave Inverness,with a rest day ahead, something I could put off until tomorrow...tonight I had to B&B hop (vacancy problems). Next door but one wasn't an option as the proprietor couldn't find his guest book and while I waited for him to find it, I glanced into the dining room. To be confronted with a life size model of Elvis Presley, resplendant in silver glittery jacket, was enough to put anyone off their breakfast. This guy was a serious fan, Elvis memorabilia adorned every space in the room, so it was with some relief that I booked into next door but two.

In the morning I made my way to the Cathedral to light another candle before heading out over Kessock Bridge onto the Black Isle. (not black, or an Isle) making the most of the quiet country road alongside the Beauly Firth, knowing that before to long, all that was ahead of me was the A9...

The Great Glen Way

2007-07-23T09:22:00.000-07:00

On the 4th July, three women from Pennsylvania joined Carol in Fort William to embark on the Great Glen Way. Of the three only Chip had known Carol in advance, neither Linda or Ann had ever met her. However, as the walk went on, and on, and on, we all got to know each other well. We not only did the whole thing, the estimates on the length of it vary a good bit, but it's about 75 miles, and we did it all on foot. We had no blisters at all and actually walked up the stairs of the last B & B in Inverness, some we were told, have crawled. Most importantly, we still liked and respected each other. Good going!
Some highlights...
Constantly either adding or removing clothing as the weather and the pace changed.
Nicely kept and landscaped locks along the Caledonian Canal, with a couple of very chatty and informative Lock Keepers.
The dramatic And impressive Commando Memorial very close to our first B & B at Gairlochy.
Unpronouncable names of towns, mountains and forts all along the river.
Few, but significant, unmarked sections. Not one of us was in the mood for detours. No suggestion boxes were there for our suggestions. Just as well probably!
Mossy and magical glens, sites of Harry Potter film locations, with odd remnants of obvious human efforts to signify magic.
Interminable forests of non-native species with, inspite of Linda's vigilance, NO Woodpeckers.
Foxgloves everywhere, and many other wild flowers, including two orchids, most of which were unfamiliat to us.
No monsters in Loch Ness.
A castle to visit? How far is it ? We don't need to go there!
Drumnadrochit was probably our favourite village along the way.
Food? Great breakfasts in the B & B's, odd lunches along the way and usually pub dinners. Far and away the oddest setting for lunch was in a field next to an alleged B & B. There were some sheet metal sheds, an ostensibly abandoned caravan, a home made ladies toilet...a bucket on a homemade platform, a delapidated trestle table with some folding chairs, a rooster and two hens. Our host and hostess were both extremely cooperative, and nice, but obviously way, way out of the mainstream.
None of us lost weight except maybe Carol who could least afford it.
At the B & B in Inverness, our second 20 miler, our hostess supplied two footbaths which we were too stupid to use correctly, and, more importantly, a ceremonial tray with four glasses of scotch! We were there.

Kinlochleven to Fort William- Independence Day

2007-07-06T07:56:00.000-07:00

Devouring my cereal, with the aim of getting out of the communal dining hall as quickly as possible, I was accosted by a young man trying to offer me Iron Bru & chocolate bars. I declined, I think he was trying to lighten his load & I, stupidly, had already added to mine by buying enough fruit & cereal bars for four, in Fort William yesterday. Today on the 4th July I was meeting up with Chip, Ann & Linda, flying in from the U.S. to join me for the Great Glen Way. Back in March, when I was in America planning this trip, Chip said she'd like to come to Scotland, walk, and look up her ancestors. We'd hoped I'd keep to schedule, but just in case I didn't she was bringing two friends with her.

Feeling pleased with myself that I'd made it this far I plugged in the radio & set off with the aim of getting to the B & B in good time as I had no idea what time they'd be there.

It was a pretty boring walk, only enlivened by meeting up with Steve, the Oncologist, again. We swapped stories about our experiences since Tyndrum, when we'd last met. I'd picked the hostel for economy, he'd picked his accommodation last night for it's stunning views & spectacular location. Unfortunately the interior & the proprietors weren't either of those adjectives. He said the place didn't look like it had been decorated for years, probably because they were drinking away any profits. By 6pm they were already hitting the bottle & by 8pm she could barely stand up behind the bar. He sensibly chose to decline the cooked breakfast this morning!

Now I know a should have been admiring the views of Ben & Glen Nevis, but I'd seen enough mountains & this walk was getting tedious. I didn't even bother to walk to the finish point. It was a choice between "Footpath to Town Centre" or "To the main road, Nevis Bridge & the end of the West Highland Way" I chose the footpath.

After a late arrival, being stuck on the bus behind an accident, Chip, Ann & Linda were worn out & jet lagged. So after a quick meal in the Grog & Gruel they went for an early night. I stayed on as Allen, (one of the Kinghouse drinking party) had also made it to Fort William & joined us for a drink. It turned out he'd been at the Blackwater Hostel last night as well, but camping.

Kinghouse Hotel to Kinlochleven-with a lighter purse

2007-07-05T02:36:00.000-07:00

I Nearly fainted when I was given the bill. 50% of which was spent in the bar the night before last. Oh well,upwards & onwards to the cheap & cheerful hostel now. A gloomy start to the day,raining continuously up the "Devil's Staircase" so not in very good spirits, I couldn't even get a signal to tune into radio 4. I plodded on head down,watching my footing, I couldn't have looked at the views anyway, barely being able to see 20 feet in front of me.
As it brightened up I could see tempting views of Kinlochleven nestling in the corner of Loch Leven. It looked tantalisingly close, but then disappeared amid the trees as made my way down. The Blackwater Hostel was ideally located on the "Way" just before the village. The view from it, over the aluminium works, was not so attractive. Still, my "En Suite" room had no windows anyway. Now, bearing in mind I was paying for the top AND bottom bunk, I still got the Byrness hostel treatment "Are you the lady who wants the room ALL to herself?" Quite clearly, this was not the norm and one look in the huge school dinner hall style dining area made my mind up, I was dining out in anominity. I needed to check out what else Kinlochleven had to offer. "The Ice Bar" was a funky, happening place. In a huge converted warehouse was a cafe, a bar bistro, pool tables, a shop and two climbing walls, one was iced. Loud thumping, pumping music played through the speakers, clearly, I was too old for this and chose the pub.
Looking round the village I also discovered it had three churches,a bus that could take me to Fort William, and "The Aluminium Story" In the information centre, which also had a little library,was the story of Kinlochleven's history. The potential energy source from the Blackwater Reservoir was used to supply power to the aluminium smelter via huge pipelines. "Navvies" worked hard, in grim conditions, building these. They played hard as well,the little free time they had was spent in the bar of The Kingshouse Hotel, I'd just walked from, and some, apparently, never made it back over the top.

Rowardennan to Kingshouse Hotel

2007-07-05T02:15:00.000-07:00

Day One - Rowardennan to Inverarnan

Well, after a very early (5.30am) start in Tadworth me and my dad were very soon meeting Carol and Jane at Glasgow airport. A nice man from Wickes had offered to collect us all from the airport and deposit us at Rowardennan the start of our days walking. The weather was good for walking - no rain and not too hot - so off we set on our 12 mile walk (Carol said this was a short day...?!) to Inverarnan.

The walking today was quite flat and uneventful - "I can handle this for three days easily!!" I thought - giving us all plenty of time to take in the lovely surrounds of Loch Lomond: I loved the beautiful little waterfalls that ran through the forest alongside the path, spotting birds of prey, checking out the bothies (wandering if I could ever persuade Jelena to stay in one!!), and greatly enjoying being out of London for a few days. The trail had a few ups and downs, a bit of scrambling through the trees, but mostly involved following a nice path alongside the loch.

Jane and Carol had made us all lovely packed lunches (the sausage sarnies were absolutely scrumptious!) so we stopped at a hotel and ate our sandwiches looking back over Loch Lomond. And then we headed on past Rob Roy's house - which was no more than a shelter under some large rocks - towards the end of Loch Lomond by Ardlui.

Now we had a choice - we were planning on catching the 5.40 bus back to Glasgow so we could either catch the ferry across to Ardlui and wait, or try and complete the final two miles to Inverarnan in just over an hour. Undaunted by the large hill on the map we opted to complete the final two miles. Carol got into her stride and was off! I just about managed to keep up, with Jane and dad bringing up the rear, and we reached Inverarnan in what we thought was good time. We came out into a farm and Carol decided to buy some ice creams for the walk down to the bus stop. All very well we thought until we saw the bus go hurtling past as we walked over the bridge to the road!! Oh well, now we'd have to stop for a pint in The Drover pub!

And I should mention at this point that before we'd set off from London dad had told me to make sure I only packed a small bag because I'd have to carry it on the first day. Well, I turned up to the house in Tadworth and found out dad had packed a huge bag!! The first thing I thought was, "I bet I end up carrying that!"...I did.

Day Two - Inverarnan to Tyndrum

This was the last day that we were staying in Glasgow so before we'd even set off I did 2 miles with the hoover around the flat, helping to tidy up!! There's certainly more to this walking mallarky that you think!!

After saying goodbye to Jane in Glasgow we got on the bus and headed out to Inverarnan, our starting point for the day. Before this day was through I was going to get a very nasty introduction to the more savage side of walking in Scotland - the midges!

Yesterday was supposed to be the hardest of the three days we had walking with Carol so we were looking forward to having a nice chat while sauntering along and clocking up the miles. And this we did covering everything from vegetable deliveries to politics! A few of the hills were bigger than yesterday and the weather had taken a slight turn for the worse but we were getting further and further into the beautiful Scottish countryside (I actually think it looks better with big moody clouds around!) and everone was in good spirits. So much so that we even managed to persuade Carol to stay in a Scottish Wigwam!

Don't for a minute think that it's anywhere near as exciting and romantic as this picture might suggest. The fresh air had definitely got to us! To add to the situation, at 5am Carol decided to open the window because she was too hot - cue midge hell!! I counted over 50 bites up and down my arms and legs when I got home and I still look like I've got measles now! I also managed to attract the attentions of a tick which I'm sure was from the bl**dy wigwams!!

Day Three - Tyndrum to Kingshouse Hotel

After a hearty breakfast in the motorway service station that calls itself Tyndrum we set off on our biggest walk - 22 miles. From the map, we worked out that it should be a flat 10 mile walk to Bridge of Orchy, 2 miles over a small hill to Inverornan and then another flat 10 mile walk over the wilderness of Rannoch Moor. The first part of the walk to Bridge of Orchy was simple enough, apart from the weather. And then we got to the hills. First up and over a 500ft hill (with stunning views) and then on to Rannoch Moor and the steady climb up and up for about 8miles!! Rannoch Moor is absolutely beautiful and desolate - exactly what you imagine Scotland to be. But the legs were starting to get weary now and we were all pleased when we got to the brow of the hill and saw the Kingshouse Hotel (still some way) in the distance. Rannoch Moor is famous for the battles that have taken place there but I wouldn't fancy trudging off to fight in a wet kilt!

That night we stayed at the Kingshouse Hotel and drank into the night with a lovely group of people we met in the bar. It was the perfect end to three great days!

KBO Carol!!

Drymen to Rowardennan-"Chronic Hill" & the 5 minute ferry

2007-07-03T08:19:00.000-07:00

We just had to visit the Drymen library. It really was a super place, dragging ourselves away from it & Drymen we needed to get walking. Jane pointed out the B & B we could have stayed at (if I hadn't the "bright, cost effective, idea" of commuting from Glasgow)
The challenge of Conic Hill was ahead, but first, a diversion through Garadhban Forest. Being diverted, so soon, was disconcerting for us and the three italian girls following us.It was down to me & the compass. "This way" I cried, trying to sound confident.
Conic, or "Chronic" Hill as we renamed it, was a tough climb. Jane said she'd rather be back, getting lost, on the "Monarch Way" We turned down the guide's suggestion of "Scrambling the last few feet to enjoy the magnificent views" and going down was even harder on the rough stones.
We finally made it to Balmaha National Park Centre with no broken ankles. A really great place with comfy chairs to sit on, supping coffee from the vending machine ,while watching the information video on a big screen.. Couldn't resist buying a few, lightweight, souvenirs from the shop.We were tempted to buy the midge proof head nets, just for a laugh, and wear them to meet Keith & Stephen at the airport. We certainly didn't need them really. What was all this dire warning about midges anyway? We hadn't seen any.
A fantastic walk following alongside Loch Lomond, weaving in and out of the woodland onto pebbly beaches, was only marred by the litter strewn everywhere. How can people be so ignorant as to spoil such a beautiful landscape
We met quite a few fellow W.H.Wayers. Passing a group of three young men, with the most enormous packs we'd ever seen, we stopped to help one of them,he'd got stuck in a narrow opening. We were so glad we were catching the ferry back to the bus stop & not camping...but where was it?
Standing on the jetty with another couple we waited, and waited. 5.30 came & went. The midges, however, came and the little b....ers didn't go away. So we should have bought the head gear after all! Still no sign of the boat though. In desperation, Jane phoned the ferry number. "Wave the card & he'll come & get you" she was told. What card? Then,from the side of the hotel, yards down the road,a little tug boat, manned by a very good looking young boatman (he shouldn't have been hiding himself away in this remote place)came chugging along to collect us. At £5 per person for a 5 minute ride this was a lucrative business.
On the long bus ride back to Glasgow Jane fell asleep. Alarmingly, as I glanced in his rear view mirror, the driver looked like he was nodding off as well. Luckily we made it back, & settling ourselves in front of the TV to watch Wimbledon I got a text message from Margaret, "New tenants moving into the flat on Sunday 1st July"
Oh dear, change of plans required.

Milngavie to Drymen- At speed

2007-07-03T07:59:00.000-07:00

12 miles in 3.5 hours! It said in the guide that this first day was the easy southern section. A flat level route through Mugdock Country Park, picking up the disused Glasgow to Aberfoyle railway line made for a pleasant day with perfect weather. On the way, met an Oncologist from Bristol. We chatted for a while & stopped for a coffee at Dumgoyne. Unlike me,he was organized having arranged all his accommodation, complete with bag carrying service. The last stretch along the road to Drymen was tedious & uneventful. Drymen, however, was a delight. Cafe's, gift shops, three pubs and even a cute little library. (Unfortunately closed) Gavin would have loved it!
Back in Glasgow by early afternoon I went shopping for food for the flat while waiting for Jane to arrive at Central Station

Glasgow to Tadworth via Scarborough

2007-07-03T07:14:00.000-07:00

Where's the logic in this? Single fare from Glasgow to York. (3 hours 20 mins) £11.00.(a bargain) Single fare from York to Scarborough. (45 mins) £10.90.(not)
After congregating at Lynne's house for a buffet supper, we all went off later to the Kareoke. A great time was had by all. It was thrilling to see the local Scarborough star "Eddy EverYoung" making a surprise guest appearance,although I didn't realise he had a younger brother, who stunned us all with his rendition of "Born to be wild" Raffle prizes were auctioned & even "Eddy's" wig was sold for £20. As "The olds" retired to bed about 1pm, the younger cousins went clubbing. From Gavin (32) down to Caitlin (18) & their friends (plus wig) they descended on Scarborough.
A long tiring journey home to Tadworth,those not driving slept all the way.
I'd come home to see a preview of Caitlin's Art & Photography exhibition. Not only did we see the artwork, the caretaker proudly showed us his waxed leg he'd had done for "Sophie's Fund" during the schools charity fortnight. As we drove back down White Horse Drive for the last time, I realised this was the end of the school era, three years too soon.
Getting back to Glasgow much quicker by plane, I was soon back in the flat preparing for the next stage "The West Highland Way"

Kirkintilloch to Milngavie (Muhl-guy)

2007-06-25T06:48:00.000-07:00

Back on the bus this morning to Kirkintilloch. Stopped at the library at Bishopsbriggs to catch up on blogging as this was a short day. (Future walkers take note: must have photo ID or piece of mail which states your address to use the computers.)

20 minutes into the walk we stumbled onto the typical canal-side pub that Gavin had looked for all 18 miles yesterday... obviously this was too early in the day to stop though! Alas, the fourth successive day of canal walking did not prove much more interesting than the second or the third. We were looking forward to the mid-way point, when we were forced to use our heads and leave the canal and hitch up with the 'Kelvin walkway'. We assumed a river (the most straight-forward route) would have a walking path along side it which would run straight into to the Kelvin w. It didn't. 20 yards along the river it cut 90 degrees for another town that lay to the north. Fifteen minutes off the canal and we were already in trouble...!

"Where that wee path gone?"

We tried to follow what looked like a large path (on the map) that ran right through the golf course. But the path wasn't there, and moreover it ran directly through a lake. We figured out how we could swing by the clubhouse (no time for tea though) and then cut round to the edge of the course (dodging tee shots along the way) and then follow the edge of the course till it came close to a road. We heard the cars, cut through some heavy thickets, and found our road. (By now it was again quite hot and sunny).

We thought this would be okay, since it was a yellow road, not the busy red kind. Another wrong deduction. This road must have been the narrowest road in Scotland. There was barely enough room for two lanes of traffic; certainly not enough for two lanes of traffic and one lane of slightly lost hikers (even slim ones).

We finally made it to the next route change, a red road. True it was a bit busier than the narrow yellow one, but at least it had a pedestrian walk. We finally reached the Kelvin walkway, much lower down, and a few hours later, than we intended. Kelvin wasn't so much a walkway, as it was a narrow path running through nettles. It meandered along a small river all the way into Milngavie, where the 'walkway' finally emerged. We reached Milngavie by early evening, hastened along in the last mile by very large clashes of thunder and lightning. After three sunshine-filled days in a row, the rain was finally here.

Falkirk to Kirkintilloch: It woudnae work oan MA bike!!!

2007-06-22T04:05:00.000-07:00

Early in the morning Carl got the power card, and after several minutes of panic wondering if we had the right sort of card, we had light! And hot water! We set off via train back to Falkirk. Dissapointingly, Keith was not home. Just as well, because we had along day ahead of us... no time to hang about discussing Sponge Bob and William Wallace!

Left: Firth and Clyde Canal Right: Keith's not home!

18 miles along the canal was perhaps a bit too much... the sun was out nearly all day (two sunny days in a row.. a Scottish record?) The highlight of the day was around mile 2 - the Falkirk wheel, where the Union canal meets the Firth and Clyde Canal. The canals are about 50 meters apart in terms of height above sea level - so a giant ferris-wheel like contraption has been built to join the two, lifting boats out of the water and moving them from one canal to the other and back again.... The engineering marvel of the British Ilses spawned a inormation center, a gift shop, 3 cafes and children's play center. Not bad for a loch! Enthusiasts and Junior Wheelies should check out: http://www.thefalkirkwheel.co.uk/index.asp

As far as canals in Scotland go, Firth and Clyde wasn't too bad... it was wider, seemingly older, and a bit more developed in terms of wildlife than the Union. Unfortunatley, it was also straighter, creating a very boring walk staring directly into the sun. 18 miles and a bus ride later we were back in Glasgow. (With power).

Edinburgh to Linlithgow- Catching up

2007-06-22T03:30:00.000-07:00

Waving goodbye to Seonaid, Emma, Ruth & the dogs on the outskirts of Edinburgh It was a pleasant stroll through the woods alongside of the river for about 2 miles until reaching Slateford & the beginning of the Canal (My starting point for the next walk) So from here I hopped on a bus into the city (only £1!) & met Mari-Anne at the Haymarket Station. As she escorted me back to her flat we chatted about old times & how I was looking forward to seeing Margaret (her mum) the next day. Luckily for me one of her flat mates had just moved out so I had a huge double bedroom all to myself.
I was up & out on the streets of Edinburgh at 8.30 am. It was exciting to be in a city again after all this time & I love this place. I strolled around in the sunshine but also spent far too much time in the library, as usual.
Margaret & I had so much to catch up on I don't remember a lot about the walk. We talked non stop all the way. Just as well it was along the canal & didn't involve map reading. We did make a detour on the road towards the end to cut out some mileage. Not a great idea as it was a very busy and very hilly road.
The train back to Edinburgh was all of 10 minutes! I like this fast, efficient & cheap transport network. Getting to & fro between here & Glasgow was going to be easy.
That evening we met up with Gavin (Nephew) who'd come from the Ukraine, via Surrey, up to Edinburgh to join me on the next leg. Choosing to go to a restaurant in Rose Street with Margaret & Mari-Anne looking smart I thought I'd better make an effort. It felt strange wearing a skirt (Mari-Anne's) for the first time in months.

Linlithgow to Falkirk - Decisions (In)Decisions!

2007-06-22T03:29:00.000-07:00

Today's itinerary consisted of a train to Linlithgow and then walk with full-packs on to Falkirk. We (Carol and Gavin) met at the Edinburgh Waverley Station at 1030am - as we needed to book accommodation in Falkirk. The line at the tourist info was so long we decided to just head off homeless and sort it out when we got there. As our train to Linlithgow happened to be also calling at Falkirk, we were suddenly inspired to take this train all the way to Falkirk, sort out digs, drop bags, get the train back to Linlithgow, and have a nice stroll back to Falkirk, bagless.

All smooth to Falkirk, but when we arrived we soon discovered that seemingly every B&B in the area was booked. We finally found one, but unfortunately, it was half-way back to Linlithgow (in Polman). So now, added to days itinerary was a train back to Polman, find our B&B, drop bags, train (further) back to Linlithgow, walk to Falkirk, then train back again to Polman, sleep, then take morning train forward to Falkirk to start the next day's walk.

If all this sounds complicated that's because it was. The point was to walk south to north, not take trains all day east-west and back to east and so on. We dithered on the platform, then on the train, but decided at the last minute (last seconds really) to not alight at Polman but rather continue back to Linlithgow and start our walk, with packs, from there. If this seems a lot like our original plan, its because it was, exactly, our original plan (only two hours later). We would then take the train onward from Falkirk to Glasgow, where could stay at Margaret's vacant flat.

We set out at 1:15pm, a new record for latest starting time! Even with packs we made record time - 9 miles in little over 3 hours. The journey was as follows: go along the canal until it reaches Falkirk. The only points of interest along the way was the Young Offenders institution and the 620 meter tunnel in darkness.

Upon reaching Falkirk we were greeted by Keith, the railway ticket collector, in his small, tardis-like home. Keith turned out to be the Falkirk resident expert on everything from Scotrail, to William Wallace to Sponge Bob Square Pants. He told us when we might catch Sponge Bob on TV that very evening if the flat in Glasgow had cable or satellite.

Whether or not we had satellite or cable turned out to be fairly irrelevant, as there would be no Sponge Bob simply because the flat didn't seem to have any electricity. It turns out we needed a new payment card for power (inserted directly into the meter). Everyone we asked (including ScottishPower) replied with the popular default answer: just use the emergency power button, as you get £14 emergency power. The same advice must have been given the previous guests, as the emergency funds were also used-up. So we had £16.40 debt to ScottishPower to pay off before we could begin to think about hot water and light. (The shower was also electric run, so I couldn't even have a cold shower).

Things were again not so simple...to get the power card, we needed a 19-digit account number, which didn't know and were unable to locate in the flat. The staff at a local Londis corner shop were quite helpful, but in the end, we left Londis not with the required power card, but a flashlight and a number to ring the next morning. Thank goodness our three nights at the flat coincided with the longest 3 days of the year...

(Posted by: Gavin Weise) (nephew)

Walkerburn to Edinburgh, 4 bobble hats,3 bottles, 2 local residents and 1 little white bull

2007-06-22T02:55:00.000-07:00

After an hours walk from Walkerburn to Innerleithen by the riverside, we stopped off for a"quick" cup of tea in the local cafe. An hour later, and we were a cashmere jumper, a father's day present, a £ 7.00 donation from the local charity shop, three bottles of water and four bobble hats that Granny thought might come in useful, heavier.

3 Bottles

We left Innerleithen with just over 7 miles to go to Peebles, where we were stopping off for lunch. After puzzling over the map for a while, we decided the easiest route was to follow the dismantled railway. The weather was good, and most of the time, too warm for coats. I was just glad it wasn't raining, although the ground was wet underfoot. As we walked through the Golf Course, we decided to play a game. "Songs that include the weather which start with every letter of the alphabet" I think we did quite well, four walkers starting from AAAA to two at WW. We all struggled with a few, including F & X, so if anyone can think of any such songs, please let us know, because I don't think Mum's contribution of "Oh what a fantastic morning" counted.

2 Local residents who quite clearly hated walkers

Ah yes, this could also be titled as "People who like to put up signs just to taunt those who are walking along busy roads" So, here we are, walking along a main road, the A something or other, hating the sound of traffic whizzing past, when we reach a sign that claims there is a footpath running paralell to the road. We clamber down some steps and reach the footpath. There is no sound of cars here, so we are quite happy with our discovery...until we reach a gate. "No Entry". It would appear that someone lives at a house, and the footpath goes through their garden, so they have blocked the way and not created a diversion. We either had to go back on ourselves or struggle up the slope. Struggle up the slope it was. Not the easiest of jobs, as we had two small dogs with us but it was. We only had to road walk for another half a mile until we reached the bridge and another footpath that took us to Peebles. I asked several times how far away we were, I believe we were 6 and a half miles away for about 3 miles.

The next local resident that hated walkers came after lunch. According to our map, there should have been an entrance between two houses, but all we could spot was a driveway. A farmer with a tractor and two sheepdogs pulled up and pointed us in the right direction. He also pointed out how the residents shouldn't have been allowed to block the entrance.

The abandoned railway was the quickest route to Eddlestone but it certainly wasn't the easiest. With long grass coming up to my knees (and Mum's thighs) it wasn't long before our trousers were soaked. It wasn't raining, thank God, but it was wet. We decided to stop at Eddlestone as Carol was able to wring her socks and get enough water out for a cup of tea. Also, from Eddlestone to Leadburn was all road walking, not the most attractive route.

1 Little white Bull

Simply because there is no song with the lyrics 'Fat, old white bull that couldn't care less that we were traipsing through his field' As we'd decided to follow the abandoned railway.,and it was a simple matter of of reaching a yellow road, or something. I wasn't really listening, just following. Simple? There was a small burn in the way, so we hopped over a fence/gate thing into a field of cows. It was only when we got half way across that we realised one of the cows was in fact a rather large bull. And Mum was wearing a hot pink coat you could probably see in the dark. Scared glances were shared between the three of us so we ducked under another fence, into the next fence, in great LEJOG tradition, as Carol had told us that Emma Cottrell tried a similar tactic to try and avoid being attacked by a bull.

The next morning Carol woke up at 6 for a 7am start. I however, woke up at 9 for what we thought would be an 11.30ish start, as we were meeting Carol at Penecuik. In fact, we had under estimated Carol's speed and at 10, she had rung Granny to tell her she was only a mile away from the meeting place. As the pub didn't open until 11.30, we decided to the opposite way from the outskirts of Edinburgh to the pub, so we could rest and have lunch there. It was only 3.5 miles compared to the 14 miles we did yesterday, as Carol had managed to do at least 7 miles between Eddlestone and Penecuik. The weather was fantastic and we were all just in out t-shirts. The route we took was a tourist one, so unlike yesterday, we were not the only walkers. We walked up some huge hill with lovely views of Edinburgh and managed to spot the Zoo and the Castle. As my Grandad reminded Carol of her own Dad, we talked about that for most of the way. She told us about his childhood, and I reminisced about when Sophie and 'Stuffnee' and I taught him Badminton one summer. It was an easy enough walk, apart from when Angus's natural dog instincts kicked in and he chased some sheep. He spent the rest of the walk in disgrace.

We reached the pub about 2ish, I think, and ordered food. We didn't really want to leave, because when we did it would mean living Carol too, once we had given her a lift back to the place we started, on the outskirts of Edinburgh, so she could continue up the canal into the city.

It had to come sooner or later though, so a few hours later, after the last chip had been eaten, we all squeezed into the car, drove back to where the other car was parked and hugged Carol goodbye and wished her good luck for the next leg of her journey.

Posted by Emma - Sophie's friend

Melrose to Walkerburn - At speed!

2007-06-22T02:53:00.000-07:00

On the bus at 9.30am back to St. Boswell, armed with a new OS map, purchased from the bookshop. I wasn't taking any risks today! It was a shame to have to wizz in & out of Melrose so quickly, it looked like a really nice town to explore...but feeling much fitter & fresher after a good night's sleep I needed to be off.
I decided to set myself a target of getting back into Melrose by 11.30, stop for a coffee, and continue on. I made it by 11.00! Galashields by 1pm. I was on a roll, making up for yesterday, I stopped to buy a sandwich, & picked up the "Southern Upland Way" out of town-in the wrong direction! Fortunately it didn't take me long to realise my mistake & I was back on track, over the hill onto the long minor road into Walkerburn.
It was windy, wet & cold on this last stretch & when Ruth passed me by (on her way to Melrose to pick up my rucksack) it was tempting to get into the car, but no, I was going to get to my planned destination today. Walkerburn sounded like an attractive place. It wasn't. As I waited for Ruth to pick me up I read the information board outside The Memorial Hall, a once attractive building, now very run down. Historically, it's the same old story. Industry (in this case Tweed Mills) creates the need for houses, schools, shops, pubs, community centres & a railway. Now, 100 years later, with the mills closed, it's a gloomy place with no life left in it.
Back in Peebles Ruth cooked a lovely meal & with Roy, we discussed routes for tomorrow while we waited for Seonaid & Emma to arrive

Jedburgh to Melrose - Via St Boswells & St Boswells

2007-06-18T07:45:00.000-07:00

When I started this walk I didn't want to stop. I had a time schedule & I wanted to stick to it. The only thing that could alter that was injury or illness. Today it was the latter.
I had a dreadful night with an upset stomach, skipped breakfast for a lie in to catch up on sleep thinking "How am I going to get to Melrose in this state?" Feeling very sorry for myself, I remembered the pain & sickness Sophie had gone through so bravely, so I got myself out of bed, pulled up my bootstraps & set off. She K.B.O'd & so must I.
Walking without an OS map was not sensible but I'd been to the T.I.C. & thanks to Joyce, who bent over backwards to help me I was armed with all I needed for "The St. Cuthberts Way" and all would have been fine if I'd stuck to it. But no, I thought I'd be clever & shave off that wiggly bit of the "Tweed" & go to St Boswell. After marching down the busy A road for two miles, going down a B road for another mile I picked up the S.C.W. but not St Boswell. Four miles later I came out of the wood into...St Boswell! I could have wept. It was 7pm, the landlady was waiting for me to arrive as she wanted to watch the "Pipers" & I was still five miles away. Cold, tired & hungry I waited for a bus to Melrose eating the most disgusting pizza I'd ever eaten. It tasted of kebab, unsurprisingly, as it came from the take-away kebab & pizza shop - the only place open in what was another dismal town. I'd tried to like Jedburgh, but I couldn't. Maybe it was the weather, but it seemed so desolate.
Even in my sorry state Melrose looked more interesting, but for tonight I needed a bath & bed.

Byrness to Jedburgh - Into Scotland & I didn't know it!

2007-06-18T06:24:00.000-07:00

Leaving the hostel at 8.30 am from the "Bedrooms" front door, feeling like one of the Beatles in "Help" ,I made what turned about to be a good decision to stick to the A road. Although it looked like it was going to be another hot day I didn't want to take another footpath risk.. As I walked passed the Catcleugh Reservoir I could see the mist rising, followed by hazy sunshine. I climbed up & up & the road was fairly quiet, traffic wise, for an A road. At 10.00 am (about 5 miles along) a cyclist passed me by, recognised me from the hostel & stopped for a chat. "What time did you leave" she asked "Oh, 8.30 "I said, nonchalantly, thinking she'd be impressed. "how about you?" "It's taken me 10 minutes to get here" she replied, clearly not happy with her own progress. She'd cycled up from Cambridge & had to be in Edinburgh by the next day. She zoomed off up & away into the mist & was gone. I trudged on passing by a sign which said "Scottish Borders View Point, 1 mile ahead" Wow, you must be able to see for miles on a clear day to see the Borders, I thought. I carried on, unable to see more than 10 metres ahead. The mist was rolling into the...sounds of bagpipes playing"The Mull of Kintyre" I shook my head in debelief. Stopped & listened again, sure enough, I could hear bagpipes! Hurrying on I came to the next sign, "Welcome To Scotland" I spun round & looked behind "Welcome to Northumberland" I was in Scotland and I didn't know it! At "Carters Bar"entering a layby there was a tray of CD's for sale, a hat with loose change, and information boards about "The lovely views" (Not today) but where was the wee Scotsman? Over the road at the mobile teabar, as I discovered when I went to get a warm drink. I got chatting to him & the tea lady when suddenly he said "Och Aye, there's another one" & with that, he picked up his pipes, & sped across the road to entertain another coach load of Japanese tourists.
I watched him for a while, waved & set off again. He gave me a nod, a wink & played on. Well! here I was, across the border. I hadn't realised Jedburgh was in Scotland. Geography was never my strongpoint & quite clearly wasn't improving either.
As I made my way down into town the view of the Abbey was striking against the dark skies and when reaching the bridge, just in case, despite all the signs in all languages, you didn't realise you were in Scotland here was "The first cafe in Scotland" blue & white flags waving in the window.
My first port of call was the Tourist Information Centre as I'd recklessly done something I've never done before, i.e. booked a place to stay. It was quite exciting to be so cavalier, but of course they found me somewhere straight away & in the town centre.
I gratefully dropped my heavy pack & went to see what Jedburgh had to offer. Not a lot on a cold grey evening but I found a nice cafe/bistro bar to have an early evening meal. I was worn out, not used to carrying the pack again.
Tonight was a breakthrough, in that I watched T.V. without getting angry at the triviality of "Trinny & Suzanna" I had to switch Simon Cowell over though, that was too much, & watched an interesting history programme about "The Thatcher Years"
Looking forward to a rest day. I planned to do the "Town Trail" .I'd missed Bewdley's & wasn't going to miss another. However, the next morning it was freezing, windy,wet,cold & grey. The only place to go was ...the library.

Bellingham to Byrness. 1 Hiker, 2 dogwalkers & a toad

2007-06-18T02:51:00.000-07:00

Why oh why do we never learn? Heat, hills & a hangover are not a good combination on a long day's walk. We'd had to say farewell to Angela, Peter & Jenny & now regretted staying up too late talking & drinking until the small hours.
So, here we were, back in Bellingham, not ready & prepared for a gruelly stretch on the Pennine Way to Byrness. It had taken us until nearly lunchtime to start walking because of the complicated car arrangements & as we waved to Angela & Jenny from the bridge the sun was up high & hot. They were going for a look around Bellingham & we (Hilary and I ) were heading for the river...and ended up back in the village at the Co-Op. This was the point we COULD have started from. Not wanting to bump into A & J again after saying our goodbyes we went up & out as quickly as our fragile heads would let us. The first few miles were really hard. With no breeze & open moorland Hilary wasn't the only one who didn't think she could make it. Finally reaching what we thought was "Whitley Pike" we cheered up & took a photo. Only 1.5 miles to the forest & shade. Only we couldn't see any forest ahead & that's because we hadn't reached the pike. 2 miles later we did, took another photo & made our way down. Looking skywards we said "Give us a break Soph." and at that moment the sun went behind a cloud & a slight breeze picked up. Just as well as there was no shade in the forest. On the wide & long track through Keilder Forest & the Northumberland National park we counted the horizontal tracks that criss crossed the paths to relieve the boredom of this boring walk. We'd only met one hiker, two dog walkers and a petrified toad.
A group of "council" type houses wasn't what I expected a Youth Hostel to look like . We knocked on the door of the house that said "Reception". "Are you the lady who wants a single room?" the owner said, looking me up & down, and I was led to the next front door marked "Bedrooms" Finding the room had three beds I expressed my surprise. "Well, you wouldn't have got this in the summer you know" she said tartly. Feeling I ought to bow down & be eternally grateful, I couldn't, as my knees wouldn't let me.
Hilary left, she had a long drive home & I made myself "at home" making good use of the three beds for map spreading. I took a shower, carefully following the instructions. I did as I was told, "The red light will come on in approx. 30 seconds" 10 minutes later I finally got hot water.
I went to the third front door "Kitchen & Lounge" to await my next instructions. I had to choose a frozen meal, put it in the oven & come back in 40 mins. In the fridge would be a salad & a chocolate pudding, with my name on it, was on the counter top all for only £5! I quite like this youth hostelling, all the notices telling you what to do, cuboards labelled, so you know where everything is. It appeals to my sense of order. "Everything in it's place & a place for everything" as my Mum used to say. The only thing I don't like is sharing rooms & conversing with fellow hostellers. Unfortunately, at breakfast, this was unavoidable. Sitting at my table (It had my name & breakfast on it) the guy at the next table entered into conversation. We chatted knowingly about the pros & cons of "The Pennine Way" Was this me talking? Am I turning into a nerdy trekker? I needed to get out of there & back into civilisation. Byrness was a strange & desolate place, but I did find out why. The owner told me it the houses had been built to house woodcutters & their families. There was a school, a shop, a post office, a pub & a village hall. All now gone apart from the hall, a sad looking wooden hut. The YHA were running a hostel in two of the houses & that was being rundown, due for closure. She and her husband took it over, renovated & expanded & were now running a very successful, efficient business.

Hexham to Bellingham-"Another one bites the dust"

2007-06-14T03:11:00.000-07:00

Yesterday had been one of those perfect days for walking. A mixture of good weather, woods, rivers, and mainly quiet roads.

Today, was not. We finally found the cycle track that led us out of Hexham alongside the river. That was the easy stretch. As we struck out across the fields things, (trees) got confusing. Luckily Hilary & I had Jenny (Angela's daughter) with us. Due to start a P.H.D. in "Palaeobiomechanics, using a computer model called finite element to simulate stress in pig's skulls, then compare it to real data. If they match it validates the model, which can then be applied to extinct mammals, to predict how they moved" Blimey! That sounds impressive, but more importantly to me it meant she knew how to use a compass. All those field trips meant she could work out exactly which "field" we were in. Now, I can use a compass. I can work out which direction I'm going. After all I'm heading North, but when she tried to explain the compass on the map business & lining up points, I was lost. I'm sure Kenny tied to teach me the same thing back in Cornwall but It's all too mathamatical for me.

My contribution of the day was to guide us through a short cut footpath. Shaving about 1 mile off our mileage it took us about 2 hours to hack through the undergrowth, wade through waist high wheat fields to end up trying to climb over a barbed wire fence to avoid a field full of frisky bullocks. Like avid fans at a pop concert they stampeded towards the fence, clambering over each other to get to the front of the "stage" They obviously were not impressed by our Band, as we neared, they raced back to the top end of the field. They repeated this over & over until we reached the bottom. A pointless waste of energy for them, but it kept us amused until we had to make a run for the bridge in "their field.
We went on the road from there, through the lovely village of Simonsburn to the less lovely village of Wark.

On the way we stopped for lunch on Hadrians Wall (well, a small part of it) & were joined by three girls, not dressed for walking. They'd just come to take a photo & were very impressed with what we were doing.

There wasn't much to say about Wark. It was pretty dismal & this was where Hilary had to bow out. Her blisters wouldn't take her any further. I felt guilty for leaving her in this grim place while she waited for her lift. Iv'e noticed as we've gone further north it get's rougher & tougher where "men are men & women do as their told"

Jenny & I trudged the last 5.5 miles into Bellingham. We passed the sign for "The Pennine Way" by the bridge, it was like greeting an old friend. "See you tomorrow" I thought. We could have waited to be picked up there but I needed a "Cornetto". Queueing up in the Co-Op I was getting impatient with the man in front. Finally he lunged forward, dropped his money on the counter & said simply "I'm drunk" The young sales assistant was obviously used to this, as she nodded, & patiently packed his bag for him before he swayed out of the shop.

Blanchland To Hexham, not on the "Glorious Twelfth"

2007-06-14T02:36:00.000-07:00

Despite going to bed at midnight we left Blanchland at 9.15 am under overcast skies. Walking across the moor was well signposted, we just followed the white posts. This was the difference between Durham & Northumberland County Councils. We saw a cute brace of baby grouse, glad that they were unaware of "The glorious twelfth.

Through Slaley Forest, we stopped for lunch at "Devils Water" A chance to dip our feet as by now it was getting hot. In the heat, walking on a road, hair pin bends & boy racers were not a good combination. We were relieved to get back in the shade after Linnets Bridge (a very old & charming bridge-with my "dream" home perched right next to it. I'll have to dream on, as I'd never afford it!

The last stretch into Hexham was a delightful walk through "Half Mile Woods" Courtesy of the "Woodland Trust" Rhodedendrons bordered the well laid path.

We were dying for a cup of tea so fell upon the first "Caff" we came to. Not the most attractive "Greasy Spoon" over looking a car park. We were joined on the bench by some hefty bikers. They were uncomfortably close so quickly draining our cups we looked at what else Hexham had to offer. Round the corner was a pretty square, bistro's & cafe's were opposite the "Old Town Gaol" Still, we only paid 65p. at the "Naff Caff"

Hilary (Sister) and Peter (Angela's partner) picked us up. Back in Stanhope we sat in the garden in the evening sun. "The Boddington Babes" were re-united (me, Hilary, little Hilary & Angela) & we reminisced about our teenage escapades until the sun went down.

A rest day at "The hairdressers" in Stanhope

2007-06-13T08:15:00.000-07:00

Keith had to drive back to Surrey today but before he left we went into Hexham, the town where he grew up. It's a market town, pleasant to walk around in the sunshine but as per usual we ended up in the library. A pretty impressive one as well. We sorted out our plans for "The West Highland Way" & had lunch.

He dropped me back in Stanhope where I'd planned to use "The Library", again! (couldn't get on to the "blog" in Hexham) According to the OS map there was one in Stanhope, We stopped to ask the lollipop lady but she didn't know about it. Her friend said "were you wanting to get your hair done?" strange comment I thought, until she added, "only, what used to be the library is now the hairdressers"

Taking Angela's advice we went to "The Durham Dales Centre" where she thought they might have one. They did, just the one, but it was free, moneywise as well! So I spent my afternoon on it.

I was cooking dinner tonight. A novel experience for me after all this time so I picked up my ingredients from the Co-Op & made my way back to the house. Hilary, my old school friend, was arriving tonight & I was looking forward to seeing her again.

The Girls join in!

2007-06-08T08:50:00.000-07:00

Chris was up bright and early again making hearty packed lunches for us all. Mum was keen to drive "her car" again, a novel experience after all this walking, and we sang along to Dire Straits on the way. We dropped the car off at Middleton in Teesdale and drove back to Bowes. As we were getting further and further north we didn't start walking until 11 o'clock. After the sun came out it was a good walk across Cotherstone Moor. We found a nice spot for lunch by Blackton Bridge. Caitlin was map controlling again but with the new Pennine Way signposts it wasn't hard to spot where we were going and how many miles we had left either. It was a beautiful walk down into Middleton, across bright green spongy fields, a change from the bogs we couldn't help but avoid early on. Caitlin was wearing Mum's new shoes and didn't take long in getting them dirty, but justified it by saying they looked better with a 'worn-in' look. Middleton was a pretty little place to stop for an Ice Cream, Beer or cup of tea...but it was a LONG drive back.

To give Chris a break from cooking, she is a retired catering manager after all, we went to the Pub up the road for dinner. Huge portions for hearty appetites!

The next day (another rest day!) as I'm trying not to move too quickly out of here! We went into Leyburn again, Library & Lunch & then regretfully had to wave the girls goodbye.

Another lovely evening eating 7 chatting outside the Caravan, only marred by the site owner choosing to lawnmower round us while we were eating!

The next day, more "Goodbyes" as Keith & I were heading onwards & northwards. It's always a sad moment moving on to the next stage, having got used to a "base" with such hospitality...It's also quite stressful for me in that I can't leave anything behind. It shouldn't be that difficult, rucksack, hat & stick, but I start to worry, "Have I got all the maps I need?, phone charger?, compass?,money etc..etc..or, horror of horrors, have I left the heated rollers switched on?" No, that was way back in 1980, so don't fret about me far away in N.Z. Richard, no more "flights of fantasy" to catch! Travelling with me can be an "adventure", not everything is straightforward, as my friends & relations will testify!

Before we left, we put the Sheep's Skull back under the caravan where Sophie found it 6 years ago. It had been on her bookcase ever since & now there will always be a part of her in "the Dales" a place she loved.

We set off on the long drive back to Middleton, this time stopping for a coffee in the village before we got walking. This was a short hop across the moor, with rabbits & grouse to accompany us along the way. They were our only companions on what turned out to be a "long hop" for all of us. The first, and last, footpath sign we saw was at the beginning of the walk and we were never quite sure if we were where we should be. With a lot of compass reading, & possibly luck, we descended of the moor down to exactly the spot we were aiming for. We knew, because an information board told us "You are here" and we were! (at great Eggles Hope) We manouvered our way round to the road to Stanhope. At the top, we saw the village, except according to the map, it wasn't in the right location. Turned out to be Frosterley, so we manouvered westwards to the "right" place. In perfect timing, Angela was there to meet & greet us as we slipped off the "Weardale Way" onto the main road.

It was good to see her after such a long time, and better still she had a "Fab" home & a bath!

Stanhope to Blanchland, in the fog!

Started out at a cracking pace in cracking good time as well. Metres from Angela's front door was the start of today's walk. At 9.00 am we were striding along "Stanhope Burn" & then it got a bit tricky, walking precariously near the edge of a steep hill was not easy. Just as well it was dry. As we walked up through "Sheep Steward Meadow" the mist came down, and down until we could barely see 2 feet in front of us. Trying to find the cycle track, our only landmarks were the "Grouse Butts" and there were so many of them! By compass & ears we made our way to the top. Spotting a grey "van" shape moving along the road we decided to stick to it. It was a long trudge down to Blanchland. The only other folk on this lonely road were a party of student Ornithologists from Newcastle University out on a field trip with their binoculars & notebooks. Good luck to them, I'd be amazed if they spotted anything through the fog.

As we went down & down, the sun came up. An hour after shivering in our raincoats & wishing we had gloves, we were sitting by the river in the sunshine.

Hawes to Keld - Or was it Thwaite?

2007-06-08T07:29:00.000-07:00

After driving from York we set off from Hawes refreshed with coffee and tea cakes. The weather was warm and dry so no excuses to linger. We easily found the Pennine Way and made the long, slow climb to Great Shunner Fell. It was difficult to judge when we had reached the top as we kept seeing trig points along the way. Another dip and another climb and finally we reached the top, joining the party. It seemed like everybody was up there that day to eat their lunch and admire the views! We squeezed ourselves onto the only available bench. After lunch it was downhill all the way. We passed a few walkers on their way up and thought we could catch up with one serious hiker going down. He was laiden down with a huge pack and we finally caught up with him in Keld. We started chatting as we were all taking a break on the bench at the bus stop. He was doing the Pennine Way but was taking his time looking at churches along the route, having left Edale two weeks ago. I don't suppose he will catch up with me now! We'd stopped for a break for Keith to ring our "lift" back to the car. For the last week I'd rung home every night, same questions, same answers. E.g. "Have you organised that lift for us from Keld?" (Me) "No problem, guy from work, lives nearby." (Keith) The "guaranteed" lift turned out to live miles away and was on a course in Pudsey anyway. Making enquiries at the cafe it seemed there was only one taxi firm in the Dales. A party of eleven cyclists were booking the mini bus to take them to Reeth and I thought "Great, room for two more!" However, Reeth was in the opposite direction and he was going to charge us twenty pounds to travel 6 miles! There was only one answer...walking. We set off up the steep, zig-zag hill towards Hawes. Reaching the beauty spot of the 'Buttertubs' I was hoping to find a car there and sure enough there was a small car pointing in the direction of Hawes with three people admiring the view. "Mmmm, definately room for two more in this one, just need to steer the conversation round appropriately," I thought. "Hello" (Me) "Enjoying your walk?" (Them) "Well, not exactly" etc etc... (Me) and the next thing we knew we were in the back of the car on our way to Hawes.

Arriving at the Caravan we found Chris sitting in the evening sunshine. It was good to be here again although touched with poignant memories of happy family holidays. We soon settled down with a bottle of wine and I got my photos out. The view from the caravan window was as lovely as ever and I just wished the girls could have been there too.

The next day we decided to take a rest day as A) John hadn't arrived with the second car we would be needing for transport and B) I realised I would be out of the Dales by Sunday if I missed out the dog leg (Dufton to Alston) on the Pennine Way. An opportunity to take a rest day in Leyburn was a good idea as they had a library. A bit pricey though, £2.50 an hour on the computer! After a shared lunch at the "Bolton Arms"(huge portions) we went to the "Walking Shop" where I got some new boots! Comfortable as my old boots had become, after 550 miles there was very little tread left in them. In the late afternoon sunshine we walked, and I bounced (in my new boots) from the caravan, across the fields to the pub in West Burton. A nice evening stroll of 3 miles to walk them in.

The next day, after a long scenic drive to Bowes we dropped one car off and made our way back to Thwaite. John thought it would be cheating to start from Keld when we hadn't actually made it there even though i tried to argue the point that we had already hiked the 2 miles up the steep hill towards Hawes. We compromised on a short cut to Keld across the fields, picking up the Pennine Way from there. As we climbed up behind Keld and looked back on the view behind us we could see ahead a more rugged landscape as we were now leaving the Dales and heading into
County Durham. It was a long slog up to Tan Hill the highest Inn in England. When we got there it was humming right on the A road; it was a busy spot. Even the sheep didn't want to miss out, joining in the crowds round the picnic tables outside. We decided not to linger after John realised the sign said "Bowes 8 miles" not 3 as he had originally read from a distance. The last part of the walk was becoming tedious and definately more boggy. We didn't need to look at the map, it told us we were in the bog! Trying to keep my new shoes clean was impossible. The only enlivenment was meeting the 'Jogle man' he'd walked from John O'Groats to Lands End three years ago, completing it in 80 days with only 3 rest days and was now doing a shorter walk of only 800 miles and camping all the way! We swapped stories and sponsored each other for our respective charities. The only interesting thing about Bowes was the Roman Fort and it was along drive back to the caravan. Fortunately we just missed the rain and it poured!

In the car going back I tried to ring the girls but couldn't get any reply. Caitlin had phoned Keith earlier in the day...something to do with the oven, and didn't want to talk to me! Have I been away for so long I don't need to be consulted on domestic matters? Back at the caravan Keith took a call from her and I knew something was up. Suddenly they both burst through the caravan door! I was so happy and excited to see them! Poor Chris had only just been informed, while I was in the shower, and she had to quickly rustle up some extra food for the unexpected guests . She produced a lovely spread and we had a great evening chatting and catching up with news'
.

These boots weren't made for walking!

2007-06-07T11:02:00.000-07:00

Horton in Ribblesdale to Hawes (14 miles). We left York on a bright morning on May 31st intending to reach the start of the walk at Horton by 9am. We actually started walking at 9.15 am and, after a few minutes of trying to persuade Carol to turn left out of the car park rather than right, we were on our way. The sun shone down on the 3 of us (Andy, Carol and Claire) which is a rare occasion in the Yorkshire Dales.

We started with a long, but not too tiring, ascent up onto Cam Fell. En route we stopped, still in the sunshine, at Ling Gill Bridge which was a picturesque spot. On Cam Fell we had spectacular views of the Yorkshire 3 Peaks - Pen-y-Gent, Whernside and Ingleborough, as well as the Ribblehead Viaduct. We now had a long walk along the tops before a long slow descent into Hawes. At this stage, just past the half-way mark 2 things happened. Firstly it started to rain, and secondly the sole started to come adrift form one of my (Andy) boots!

We trudged through the rain and cold for a couple of hours, trying to eat our sandwiches, before the sun came back out as we got nearer to Hawes. With 2 miles to go the sole of my right boot was being held on by bandages and a hair bobble (always knew they were useful for something!) and the left boot was falling apart as well! We reached Hawes at about 3pm where my trusty walking boots found their final resting place in a litter bin!

We met Rachel and Helen (back up team!) and had a well deserved cup of tea and a scone in Hawes before making our way back to York.

Sponsorship Update

2007-06-05T14:42:00.000-07:00

On top of the money donated through the website we have also received over £3000 of donations directly to the Marsden. A huge thank you to everyone who has helped us to raise this much money so far. And, of course, a huge thank you to everyone who has helped out along the way.

There are lots more events taking place and hopefully we'll have some pics.

On to the second half of the journey!

Sally gets to Settle

2007-06-01T13:50:00.000-07:00

We made a decision not to climb "Pen-y- Gent" It looked much simpler to walk across the dale to Settle. There was a clear footpath, or so we thought. I should have known better by now. Running true to form, the footpath disappeared leaving us floundering around for hours, scrambling over walls, only to find ourselves about two miles out of the road from Malham. Maybe £26 wasn't to much for a taxi after all! We stuck to the road & trudged into Settle where Sally made the second, & more sensible, decision of the day to take a train back to York. Her knees were swollen & she couldn't go on. I felt quite guilty waving her off, I somehow felt responsible for her injuries. Still, I couldn't linger. I had to get to Horton-in-Ribblesdale to catch a train myself later that day.

The walk along the "Ribble Valley Way" was straightforward, and flat. Instead of getting the train my sister, Hilary, offered to pick me up. I'd decided to have a rest day in Scarborough. Unfortunately our wires didn't cross (no phone signal) so after calling from the Post Office landline I waited in the pub to be collected. Warming my sore knees by the fire.

It's all about locks

2007-06-01T13:46:00.000-07:00

Carol & Keys turn out to be a bad combination.Over the course of three days she rescued a woman from the loo at the Youth hostel,locked us out of the room at the first B&B and broke the lock in the second. Guess who was key monitor after that? On the theme of locks we abandoned the Pennine Way, the weather, and lack of enthusiasm on my part for hills, diverted us to Howarth and the Bronte Parsonage.

In order to cover the same mileage we went on the Worth Valley steam railway. As I ran down the platform at Oakwood shouting " Daddy, Daddy my Daddy!" the bemused guard asked " 'ave ya lost someone?" failing to recognise my acting prowess as Roberta in the "Railway children" (it was the location for the film).

Back to the locks. This is the point where we picked up the Leeds to Liverpool canal ( very Flat). After a few miles, I managed to lead Carol astray at the first pub we came across. This was on the pretext that the B&B were not answering and as we were only 2 miles from the destination we needed to wait in convivial srroundings. When we finally arrived we had missed last orders for meals at the local, but the land lady offered to drive us to another the pub. " It's only a mile down the road". She had a strange concept of distance as it was along 2 1/2 mile walk back only managed by the fortification of good food and wine.

Onto Malham after a hearty breakfast and the promise of a short cut to pick up the Pennine Way. We got lost in the first half mile, then we got lost again but as Carol said " It depends on the shape of trees according to the map' and she worked it out in the end..The rain fell, the wind blew, and we ended up in a tea house giving us time to plan the route for the next day, abandoning the Pennine Way yet again.

Dr Who,the Tardis and dinasours are not the normal local residents but it was Bank Holiday Monday and the Annual Safari Trail in Malham.Carol a quiz enthusiast wanted to join in but we needed to plan how to get from the Pennine Way across to the Ribble Way without cheating. £26 for a taxi was too much so we just had to walk.But more imminently we had to escape from the bedroom where we were locked in.
The only way out was through the window. We'd planned to walk up to Malham Cove before dinner but the effort of climbing through the window took us straight to the pub, where suprisingly there was a computer! We spent the evening eating, drinking & "blogging" hence the reason why I am now, 3 days later, proof reading what we wrote.

"Oh dear what can the matter be"

2007-05-30T15:25:00.000-07:00

After Beverley & Glenda left I checked out what Hebden had to offer. It seemed to have everything I needed, Launderette, Library & Tourist Information Centre and all in a very pretty touristy town.

At the T.I.C. I was delighted to see there was a "Hebden Bridge to Howarth Way" Clearly a good enough reason to get off the Pennine Way. Sally would be delighted with the detour.

After a browse around I walked back to the hostel. This meant we could start at Hebden tomorrow & wisely avoid going over "Studely Pike" It was only about 3.5 miles, a pleasant stroll along the canal...or so I thought. Not so easy in flip-flops, especially the hairpin hike up the road at the end. I started out admiring the cute little cottages that backed onto the water & then it all got a bit seedy. The barges looked dirty & delapidated & so did the "Weirdo's" coming down the canal towards me. Then I passed by some sort of scruffy commune, an assortment of sheds, some broken bikes & an untidy allottment. It was all to reminiscent of the "Avon Trail" out of Bristol & I flip-flopped as quick as I could out of there.

I'd already decided I wasn't going to "eat in" I wasn't into company & one quick look in the communal lounge meant I'd made the right decision. They were all just to butch & hairy, male & female. I quickly sped off to the safety of my room only to find all 3 other beds had been taken. Rucksacks & possesions were all around and I had to get out of there, and quickly, before my "room mates" came back. Luckily, the old dear on duty, found me another room (with 4 beds) & I just prayed no-one would check in before 11pm.

It got to about 8.30pm & I thought I'd get ready to stroll across the Sheep Field to the pub. Suddenly I heard banging & shouting, and it just went on..I thought "Oh no, just like the YMCA in Liverpool in 1990, the drunks are back" but it was a bit early for that & then I realised the noise was coming from the toilet next door. I went to investigate. There was an old man hovering outside. It seemed to be his wife that was locked in. He didn't say..anything. No words of encouragement like "Don't worry dear we'll get you out" So it was down to me & the old lady on night duty. She got into a dither & couldn't find the screwdrivers. 20 minutes later we were getting nowhere. I was resigning myself to a bag of crisps for dinner when down the corridor strolled three cyclists. (I didn't know that until later) but in a trice one of them whipped out his cycling repair kit & opened the door!

I raced out of the door & up the field into the pub. After last nights meal I knew what to do. Order at the food Bar first, then get a drink from the bar. I breathlessly apologised for my late arrival, it was a minute off 9.30-latest food order time- explaining my predicament. "That's fine" he said "It's Saturday, & we take orders up until 10pm"

As I left, I met up with the cyclists & got into conversation as we walked back. One of them had cycled from John O Groats to Lands End in 11 days!

I opened the door with relief that the room was empty. It was 11pm & I was safely on my own!

Crowden to Hebden Bridge

2007-05-30T15:19:00.001-07:00

Wednesday 23rd May

Beverley and Glenda set off from Banstead (temp. 26.5°C), arrived 5 hours later at the car park in Crowden 2 hours late (temp 16.5°C), luckily Carol and Jane were 2 hours late as well.

Drove over Snake Pass to Jane and Neil’s house in Sheffield where wine and lasagne were waiting, very welcome!

Thursday 24th May

Carol, Beverley and Glenda set off back to Crowden. We started walking at 10.40 am over Saddleworth Moor and Black Hill, easier than the previous day they said – not! Carol called this day ‘the assault course.’ Quite a few ‘black hills’ were climbed today.

Carol made numerous phone calls, and eventually arranged for Jess, a retired scouter from 43rd Huddersfield Scouts, to collect us at Standedge at 4 pm. However it was soon apparent that this was a very hopeful estimate. We kept phoning with progress reports, Jess assured us that we were very close to the finishing post but 4, 4.30 and 5 pm came and went, we eventually made it at 5.45 and fell gratefully into car for hour’s drive back to Crowden. (Glenda slept most of the way.) Back over Snake pass to Sheffield to gate crash Neil’s party with work colleagues. Delicious curries! Joined by Stefanie who, living at Hallam Uni. Only15 minutes away, wanted to see her mum! We retired to bed at midnight with the party still going on.

Friday 25th May

We left Sheffield and our comfortable beds after much appreciated hospitality from Jane and Neil and after driving to Mankinholes Youth Hostel (2 hours away) we got a taxi back to Standedge which took another hour. We started walking at 12.40 pm (Carol’s latest start to date).

We got lost straight away. Didn’t look at map OL1 before we set off as ‘only 1cm from edge of the next map, we thought. We eventually re-joined the Pennine Way which turned out to be in quite a different direction from the Pennine Bridleway.

Only one real hill climbed today but lots of reservoirs and drainage ditches as we crossed Close Moor, Moss Moor, Rishworth Moor, Messenden Moor………..not to mention the M62 with Glenda shouting to us to ‘fork off’, whilst map reading from 20 feet behind.

Eventually Stoodley Pike came into view as we descended to Mankinholes with Carol steaming ahead and us hobbling behind. We finally reached the youth hostel at 8.30 pm. A record late finish for Carol. By the time we had paid (before we were allowed up to our room) it was nearing 9pm and there was great concern that the nearby pub would stop serving food so we ordered by phone and crossed a field of sheep to get there in time.

Panic at 10.50 pm when we realized that the YH shut at 11 and we hadn’t paid the bill. Back (uphill) across the field of sheep at a much faster speed than our aching legs and feet wanted to go. We made it – just.

Saturday 26th May

Next morning, after a rather late breakfast (when we should have already vacated the YH)
We headed off to Hebden Bridge to find a laundrette and a library for Carol and sandwiches for us to keep us going for the journey home. (Via Sheffield to collect most of the contents of Stefanie’s room).

It had been good to see Carol and we were pleased to have had the opportunity to walk with her. We ached and Beverley is still wearing flip flops four days later but we kept up and finished the course (without getting wet at all).

2007-05-30T15:01:00.000-07:00

Girls in the mist

2007-05-26T03:59:00.000-07:00

I'm not doing it!
We are doing it!

Wednesday 23 May Edale to Crowden – start of the Pennine Way

Carol and I (Jane) set off in leisurely fashion by taking the train to Edale. Despite being submerged by Northern Irish schoolchildren in the postoffice while buying emergency camera batteries, we were soon back under the start of the Pennine Way sign (symbol=acorn) where Emma and Carol had stood on Monday pm. Little did we know…
Weather forecast said ‘dry and sunny periods’ so obviously we hadn’t brought our waterproofs. As we climbed Jacobs’ Ladder (must have been 1 in 4), the mist started to swirl about our heads, and by the time we reached Swine’s Back and then Edale Rocks, visibility was down to 10 m (Information Centre man said we needed 200!).
But our luck held, and Carol’s impressive map-reading skills, honed to perfection on previous (lowland) Ways, now came to the fore. We didn’t get lost once (well only once) on the eroded peat-bogged mountain on our way over Kinder Scout, scene of the original mass trespass in April 1932. Carol carved For Sophie in the rock.

Various parts of the PW are now well-paved with giant limestone slabs; the effects of man and weathering having combined to make large areas of the peat bogs erode to such a degree that deep channels have sunk into the peat, with ground level above your head. It is a fascinating lunar landscape in places. We sat and ate our lunch at Kinder Force, such a dramatic waterfall which we could only hear but not see as the sheer drop prevented us from getting a view. Wildlife incident of the day now occurred with a very large sheep suddenly looming up on our shoulder from behind and then – horror of horrors! – performing a large wee while Carol quickly grabbed our sandwiches while simultaneously poking it with the useful walking pole. Another friendly walker observed that we’d been ‘having trouble with the sheep’ – they’re supposed to be timid not shameless! But other wonderful wildlife moments occurred with 2 sightings apiece of mountain hares (ginormous) and curlews, protecting their nests.

After lunch we crossed the Snake Pass road (to Glossop), and followed more PW signs over to Old Woman and Bleaklow Head. Far fewer walkers on this side of the Dark Peak. We stuck to the Way, paved or otherwise, just meeting one more hale and hearty walker – bivvying up on the Peak overnight and impressed with Carol’s LEJOG walking feat – before descending to Torside Reservoir (hardly any water) and gratefully meeting up with Beverley and Glenda who’d driven up from Surrey to walk with Carol the next 2 days.
Carol and I first met at South London NCT, 20 years ago, when we were expecting our first babies. We have kept in touch ever since. I was proud to be walking with her in memory of Sophie, and will be thinking of her and everyone walking with her all the way to John O'Groats.

Signs, stiles and spring flowers

2007-05-24T14:23:00.001-07:00

Friday 18th May Colton to Dove Bridge

“Don’t be late” said Carol(!) so I (Emma) duly set off at crack of dawn to drive up and meet her, Gemma and Caroline for the next stage of the walk. I felt quite smug, both that I made good time and that I found the very well hidden retreat without too much problem, only to find, as Caroline said, the three of them still in their pyjamas! Still, gave me time for a cup of tea before we set off.

Mark Moxon described the next part of the route thus: "Oh my god, what an awful, awful day....I really wanted to like the Staffordshire Way and I really wanted to like walking through Staffordshire....There's a lot to be said for creating a walking trail that goes from one end of your county to the other, but surely it's sensible to check whether it's actually worth walking first?"

Our first thoughts were that he must have been having a bad day. Our path following the Staffordshire Way took us through perfectly pleasant rolling countryside with, importantly, frequent waymarks (the sign of the Pretzel) to make sure we didn’t get lost. Apart from a couple of showers the weather remained dry if rather windy – not ideal for refolding the OS map at lunchtime! I’m sure Carol picked the windiest spot in Staffordshire for the lunch stop!

By the end of the day though, as we climbed over what must have been (or felt like) the 100th stile that day, we thought that perhaps Mark did have a point. Carol and I were due to stay for the next 3 nights with Jo and Andy, my sister and brother in law. We staggered into Uttoxeter, a mile from where we were due to meet Andy for a very welcome cup of coffee. As we set off again for our rendezvous Carol had the bright idea of popping into the Uttoxeter Advertiser to give them the web address in case they wanted to put anything in the paper about the walk. Well, half hour later after being interviewed by a journalist and photographed pretending to stride down Uttoxeter High Street in our matching Lejog t-shirts we eventually carried on. We didn’t realise we might be that big a news story!

Having met up with Andy, we dropped Caroline and Gemma at Lichfield Station where Carol bid them a sad farewell.

Saturday 19th May. Dove Bridge to Ilam

The next day got off to a good start with another Carol (at the Brewer’s Fayre in Uttoxeter) letting us park and use the loo AND giving us a donation – thank you Carol.

We followed the Staffordshire Way’s pretzels for a few miles before turning at Rocester onto the Limestone Way. Hmm. Clearly all of Staffordshire’s waymark budget went on the Staffordshire Way and negotiating the Limestone Way required considerably more map reading (oh dear!). Still, we continued without too many detours with the countryside around us gradually taking on a more dramatic look – rocky outcrops, open moorland and fewer stiles (hurrah!)

Most bizarre moment of the day? That has to be the boat parked (moored?)
in the middle of nowhere claiming it was under “video surveillance”. Not long after,
we met Andy and Jo walking to meet us and we all walked the last couple of miles
down into picture postcard Ilam (complete with welcome ice cream van.)
Bunster Hill loomed ahead of us but that could wait until the morning.

Sunday 20th May. Ilam to Waterloo Inn

Minor hitch in the morning with no sign of my car keys to get us to our start point. Poor Jo had to get up and whizz off to hoik Andy (prime suspect) out of church to come and help find them. But, no sign and eventually Jo drove us all the way out to our start point (minus my boots and Carol's stick, locked safely in my boot!)

Leaving the hill to the morning didn’t seem like quite such a good idea now! It seemed a big climb before we were properly in our stride and warmed up (sorry Gary). The view from the top though was sensational – and a taste of what was to come over the rest of the day. After walking through the woods at the top of the valley, we descended into Dovedale. A concrete path led through the dale. It seemed out of place but actually, having to neither map read nor negotiate rough ground was a rare treat and gave us the chance to enjoy the lovely scenery. Being a sunny Sunday in May, the crowds were out in force – Carol reckoned she saw more walkers this day than in the previous 6 weeks combined. We passed through Milldale (another exceptionally pretty village) and headed onto Hartington (tea shops! Ice creams! Loos!) This was the longest mileage of my four days so we pressed on without allowing ourselves any of these luxuries. At Monyash we rejoined the Limestone Way –properly marked at last (ram’s head) now we were in Derbyshire! With only 3 miles left to go we also treated ourselves to an ice cream.

My map reading skills were clearly displayed at the end of the day. I warned Carol of the steep hill we’d have to climb right at the end to reach Waterloo Inn on the A6. Well, there was a hill but luckily I’d got my contours the wrong way round and we went down not up! Our legs were very grateful!
(ps keys turned up in my niece's handbag!)

Monday 21st May Waterloo Inn to Edale

We continued again on the Limestone Way, taking a detour to walk up a parallel path through Monk’s Dale and Peter Dale. What a lovely magical walk that was - so peaceful and deserted with carpets of orchids and other spring flowers lining the way. The scenery remained impressive but grew bleaker as the day progressed and we headed into the northern Peak District. No ice cream vans or loos today! But the waymarks were clear and the route was easily followed making for some fast progress.

Having passed through fields with bulls before we weren’t too worried when we encountered another one on our route. Usually they kept their distance but this one stood firmly in the middle of the path, glowering at us. It’ll move, we thought. They wouldn’t put a dangerous bull in a field with a footpath. We got closer, the bull didn’t move. Carol glared at the bull. The bull glared back- but didn't move. Finally, we agreed that discretion was the better part of valour and hopped over the wall and barbed wire fence into the adjacent field to continue our walk. Imagine our embarrassment when a sole walker a couple of hundred yards behind us nonchalantly walked right past the bull minutes later.

Mam Tor loomed ahead and we admired the hang gliders soaring around its summit (although very inconvenient when you’re ready for a loo stop!) and then we were descending into Edale for the end of another day. We had some time to spare before Andy picked me up and Carol’s friend Jane collected her so, at last, we treated ourselves to a cup of tea (in probably the grottiest café we’d passed all weekend). We then walked up to admire the start of the Pennine Way where we met Geraldine and Ian who took our photo by the Pennine Way sign, reassured Carol about the next day’s 17 mile stretch AND bought us a drink in the pub – thank you Geraldine and Ian.

.

The "Foreign Legion" descends into Edale

2007-05-23T14:13:00.000-07:00

A lunchtime venue not tried before

2007-05-23T14:07:00.000-07:00

"Hettie" and friend at lunch

2007-05-23T14:03:00.000-07:00

Clare & Bryony in the woods

2007-05-23T14:00:00.000-07:00

And finally it rained!

2007-05-23T13:56:00.000-07:00

Hilary looking for the Cotswolds Way

2007-05-23T13:53:00.000-07:00

Meg on The Monarch Way

2007-05-22T13:31:00.000-07:00

Observing the Parish Noticeboard before Linda lost the T shirt.

2007-05-22T13:14:00.000-07:00

Caroline and Gemma

2007-05-20T05:16:00.001-07:00

Tuesday 15th May
We were met by Carol at Penkridge station at 10.00pm. Picked up by a taxi to take us to our lodging in Cannock woods. We were very pleasantly suprised to find we were staying in a pine lodge called The Hermitage. A beautiful retreat with the most wonderful gardens.

Wednesday 16th May
After a good nights sleep we were kindly given a lift back to Penkridge. We called in at the library where Carol picked up her laundry- very kindly done by one of the lovely ladies at the library.
We set off along the road when Carol decided we ought to divert to make the walk more interesting. We proceeded through a field marked 'bull-beware' with trepidation. No bull but very long wet grass and discovered nobody's boots were waterproof! Apart from heavy showers of rain we had a pleasant walk through the woods seeing lots of deer. Had our lunch in the immaculately kept gardens of a German war cemetery followed by a hot chocolate at a remote cafe. Carol trekked us a mile the wrong way before joining the 'Heart of England trail' through Cannock Chase. This was well marked by the green tree emblem. Learnt that Cannock Chase was used until the 1950's as a base for training RAF. We walked down 'Kitbag Hill' thankfully we were going down, not up with Kitbags on like the RAF had to do.Cannock Chase was designated in 1958 because of its beautiful landscape, its wildlife and its history. Finished walking at Castle Ring(an Iron Age hill-fort), then in a very round-about way made our way back to the Hermatige. Spent the evening in the local pub, good food sitting on comfy sofas but not much atmosphere as there were no other customers!.

Thursday 17th May
A more leisurely start to the day. Visited the beautiful gardens where we were staying called the Reflections gardens, in the grounds of the Chaplins house. This was a series of five different themed gardens taking you on a spiritual journey. This was very inspirational and moving and we were able to light a candle for Sophie.
The sun had come out and we took up our journey at Castle Ring, following the Heart of England trail then through fields to Rugeley. Visited the library and food shopping for tonight, met a lovely little girl called Ellie with her dolly Josie. We were unable to think of a alternative 'b' when she asked us what KBO meant. However afterwards we came up with loads. We decided on 'bobbing'(because of Sponge Bob) to be the alternative word for the under 12's. Then we took a leisurely walk onto Colton. We were very greatful to be picked up by Pauline and David (Pauline being one of the lovely ladies from Penkridge library) and a night with home cooking and pj's.

Friday 18th May
Emma Cottrell arrived at 8.30am -we were still in our pj's. Sun came out and set off for another days walk following the Staffordshire Way.
KBO-From Caroline and Gemma

We couldn't have got any wetter!!

2007-05-18T11:08:00.000-07:00

Cathy and Liz met Carol in Bewdley under a very cloudy sky. John (Liz’s cousin) took a photo of us by the river; just as well because there would be no way of getting another photo for the rest of the day, but more about that later. As we stood by the river we asked what all the metal bits in the ground were and John told us they were flood barriers, how apt! We then got dropped off at the Kinfyre Bar and Bistro where Carol had finished her walk the previous day. As we set off towards Pattingham there was a light drizzle which we could cope with and kept reassuring each other that it might brighten up!
However, as we walked on our way more rain came down and more and more and it was by now apparent that actually it wasn’t going to brighten up at all and we were just going to get very, very wet. Especially when a 4x4 driver took great delight in deliberately driving as close to us through a puddle as he could. Most of the roads were more like rivers, especially the smaller country lanes; we just had to wade through. Surely soon we would find some sort of shelter to stop and eat our sandwiches but there was just nothing to be found and in desperation the only shelter we could find was a public loo in the middle of nowhere and there we were standing in the doorway eating our sandwiches, that must be a first! This is when we got the only other photos of the day and also the quote of the day: “What’s that pink thing in the way”? “It’s your finger in front of the lens”, was the reply. Oh well the brain was rather soggy by now. Needless to say we didn’t hang around long and were soon on our way again.
By now we just wanted to keep going until we reached our destination, we just couldn’t get any wetter and we even tried singing to keep our spirits up. By the time we reached Pattingham we were so distracted by dreams of a hot bath and an aga to dry our clothes, we thought we had reached the B&B before we actually had. We gaily trudged up the garden path of some poor unsuspecting family and called out to a very bemused young lady, “we are here and we are very wet”. She immediately called for assistance from her dad who quickly donned coat and boots and walked a little way to point us in the right direction. Just an example of the kindness and help we were going to receive over the next couple of days.
Our prayers were answered, as we trudged up the lane with the farmhouse in sight, Gill the landlady came rushing out and ushered us into her kitchen and we couldn’t believe it but there before us was an aga. So, there we were, three sodden bodies dripping all over the kitchen of our hosts Gill and Roger. They couldn’t have been kinder and insisted we got out of our wet things and go straight up and have hot baths and showers. When we returned to the kitchen all our clothes had been put on the aga and our boots stuffed with paper. We were given tea and home made cake in the conservatory which had heated flooring, just what we needed. The farmhouse was surrounded by a beautiful garden and fields with horses and there were peacocks and chickens and a lovely view of the Wrekin Hills. The next problem was, that having dried ourselves off and got comfortable, we needed to get ourselves to the local pub for an evening meal. Again Gill came to the rescue and in borrowed clothes and shoes from our host, as our change of clothes were also wet through, she drove us to the pub where we had a good meal and a much needed glass of wine and then insisted that we phone her when we were finished and she would fetch us.
We went to bed hoping that we would wake up to find a better day. At first we were disappointed as it appeared to be much the same as the day before but Roger had checked the weather forecast and said if we hang around a bit it would brighten up. We finally set off under a dull sky and headed off towards Brewood. The sun came out and the day was warm. We found somewhere more comfortable for our lunch today, a dry bench just outside a pretty village church. This time we didn’t need to stick to the roads and made our way across the Staffordshire Way, a very beautiful setting of countryside and fields with horses, sheep and geese. This was more like it. We finished our walk just along the canal into Brewood. Oh and we saw David Bowie (well ok it was just a look-alike). After a quick cup of tea we were taken back to the B&B. We took advantage of the nice evening and walked to the pub for our evening meal. In the morning John fetched us and we said our goodbyes to Gill and Roger of Pattingham and thanked them for all they had done for us. We took Carol back to Brewood to resume her walk and waved goodbye.

Carol Clare and Bryony on the Bewdley to Kilver trail

2007-05-16T11:55:00.000-07:00

My Mum and I met Carol at Bewdley on Saturday morning to start our walk to Kinver 9 miles away. After a quick loo stop, we set off along a path which bordered a disused railway line. We heard several steam trains run by local enthusiasts go past along the way, which an unfamiliar sound was especially living in Tadworth.
Light rain started falling almost immediately and we could tell it was going to be one of those days of taking raincoats on and off. A friend had leant my Mum the choice of 3 raincoats for me, and I managed to leave all of them in the car, which turned out to be a big mistake.
At the end of the lane we entered a field and had a full view of the fast flowing river Severn. A group of girls were sitting under a tree, and Carol asked them if they were doing DofE, they were so like us they were a bit unlucky with the weather.
We ate our sandwiches on a bench overlooking the river and took shelter in a pub for half an hour and had a coffee. By now the rain was coming down quite heavily but we were still enthusiastic to set off again.
We decided to walk through the woods, rather than take the road because we thought it would be a bit more fun, even though we knew our trainers would soon be caked in mud. In Shatterford woods, we came to a gate which mentioned “Staffordshire” on it, so we realised we were crossing over into another County.
Back on the roads we saw the usual country scenes once again of sheep and cows grazing in the fields. We spotted a National Trust sign which related to Kinver Edge, a high sandstone ridge which offers views across surrounding counties; it also mentioned the famous Holy Austin rock houses. Mum and Carol decided they would definitely like to return and see them one day.
As we headed into Kinver itself, we could hear a band playing and we were surprised but delighted at such a welcome. In fact Kinver was having its May Fair which was just drawing to a close, although the High Street was still packed with people.
We walked ¼ of a mile the wrong way, before realising Kinfayre Bar & Bistro where we were staying was at the other end of the High Street.
All 3 of us were glad to put our feet up and a cup of tea in our room was just what we needed.
Carol put us to shame with how fit she was but we just about managed to keep up. The walk didn’t seem as long as I thought it would, but I suppose that’s because we were talking the whole time which made time pass a lot more quickly.
The walk was great fun, but our feet were really aching, and to think that Carol had done 19 ½ miles the day before!

Coffee Morning at Overton Grange School

2007-05-15T09:44:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday 15th May Seonaid and Beverley hosted a coffee morning at Overton Grange School in Sutton. A total of £126.29 was raised so thank you to Seonaid, Beverley and all the staff at the school.

Here's a picture of Seonaid and Beverley preparing the cakes and teas!

The Longest Day

2007-05-15T07:50:00.000-07:00

This was going to be a tough day. 20 miles from Worcester to Bewdley, but it was along the"Severn Way" It hadn't been too difficult to follow yesterday & so I set off with a determined stride (having first popped back to the O2 phone shop to ask why I couldn't pick up a reception on the radio on my snazzy new all singing, dancing contract phone. The bemused young assistant explained, painstakingly, that it would help if I unravelled the cord!) Now I was in business, tuning in to Radio 4 I plugged in & plodded on up the river & out of Worcester passing some very swanky riverside homes on the way. On the radio all the talk was about Tony Blair & the announced resignation. MP's past & present gave their views on his time at no 10. what he'd achieved or not, depending on which side they were on. Another interesting report was on Devon & how it want's to be known as the "Green County" I'm all in agreement, they should be promoting themselves as more than just cream teas. The best programme though was the one about pop music & how songs affected teenage lives over the generations, that was right up my street.
Talking of streets, I headed for them after about 15 miles of ploughing through the fields & woods along the river. It was getting wet & boring. The only interesting interludes were firstly meeting Tracey & her dogs. We struck up a conversation for a while & she was interested in what I was doing & why. It would have been nice to have company for a while, but she was going one way & I, the other. Then, secondly, feeling a bit low & fed up I crossed a stile, just like any other of the other hundred I must already have crossed. But on this one was a sign. it said, "On a Rainbow Trail, walk on a trail of song and all about you will be beauty. There is a way out of every dark mist over a Rainbow Trail" heartened by this, I walked on, knowing that Sophie had come to help me out of my "dark mist"
The last few miles were hard, I thought I'd never reach Bewdley. Finally there,I met my first friendly "Brummy" the first of many. He took me all the way to the B & B when I'd only asked the way & I collapsed thankfully into my room.
On the advice of the landlady I went to the "Pack Horse" pub up the road. She said it would be ok to eat there on my own & it was. She booked me a table as it gets busy & I know why. The food was really good & better still it was a "no smoking" establishment. As I went to the bar to pay I struck up a conversation with a lady at the bar & the next thing I knew she'd bought me another drink & by the time I'd told her all about the walk, it was closing time. We booked a table for the next night & with difficulty I found my way back to the B & B
The next day was a rest day, just as well as I was feeling a bit hungover. After breakfast I did my usual rest day stuff. The laundry & the Library. Bewdley was an interesting place. It had a museum & a "Town Trail" the first I planned to visit, the second I planned to do. I did neither, stuck at the computer again! I did get to walk through the Jubilee Gardens & around the town & riverside. A lot of work has gone into improving & protecting the riverside & there were some very attractive apartments & houses.
I went to the pub to meet my "new friend" & as it was Friday night it was packed. By the time I left, before closing time, my friend had told everyone about my walk. Comments ranged from "Are you mad" to "You can get a bus or train out of here, you know" but they all wished me well, & lot's of luck.
After remembering to lock the front door behind me this time I retired to my room.
I was sorry to leave Bewdley & the guest house , The friendly owners turned on the computer so I could show them the web page & encouraged by the comments & donations I waited round the corner for Clare & Bryony to arrive. Another day, another destination & I was looking forward to it & meeting up with them.

6pm at the OK Corral

2007-05-11T08:27:00.000-07:00

We found "The Monarch Way"

2007-05-11T07:35:00.000-07:00

My silent Audience

2007-05-11T07:33:00.000-07:00

Thankyou

2007-05-11T07:05:00.000-07:00

I have been so amazed to see the web site every few days when I get access to a computer. It just keeps going up & up...So thankyou to all who are supporting this cause, it really keeps me going.
The total raised so far doesn't even include the money sent direct to the Royal Marsden Hospital. I don't know the exact amount but I'm sure the target has already been reached. A big thankyou to the students, their families & the staff at Rosebery School, Epsom for donating & raising £2,675.
I would also like to thank Nigel & Anthea for their very generous donation which enabled us to have some T Shirts printed. People have stopped us many times along the way & shown interest in what we are doing. Thanks also to Bernadette for designing them.
Talking about computer access, if I was also doing a "Top of the Pops" on Libraries as well as "Happening Villages" then Tewkesbury is up there at No.1 Not only did I get 2 hours free, but the very kind library assistant just let me carry on, computer hopping until closing time.So Thanks to you as well.

Reflections of the first few weeks

2007-05-11T02:44:00.000-07:00

I thought it was time to stop & take stock of the first few weeks of this journey. When I first planned to do it, on paper, it didn't look impossible. Sophie was so keen to do it with me & at that stage that didn't seem impossible either. Sadly, for her, it was. I know though that she is always with me and my walking companions, every step of the way, otherwise I know I wouldn't have got this far, both mentally & physically.
Looking back, that first week in Cornwall was tough. Doing the coastal path on the first two days was back breaking. The weather was perfect though, and the scenery stunning. That and the relief of getting from A to B at the end of each day kept us going.
What we learnt in the first week:
1) Don't rely on footpaths. There's usually a sign at the start, but then they tend to disappear (Farmers choose to re-route them )
2)Whatever the mileage for the day is supposed to be it's always 12, according to the pedometer.
3)The average 2.5 miles per hour we'd predicted we'd achieve (in training) was way off the mark. Sometimes it was less than 1!
4)Don't plan the route ahead of time, look at the os map the night before.
5)Always take a packed lunch. We could walk all day & not pass a shop, cafe or pub.

Cornwall was a mixture of beautiful coasts & fishing villages & run down industrial areas. There was a sense of poverty, despite the extortionate house prices. We didn't meet many real Cornish people, I suppose they can't afford to live here anymore, the place has been taken over by the "Second Homers" To live here you'd have to work hard. An example of which was the St. Brewards Post Office/Internet Cafe where the young owner & his wife seemed to be running a very successful business.

What we learnt in the second week:
1)Take an extra pair of socks. So called Waterproof Boots cannot be relied upon
2)Whatever the mileage of the day is supposed to be, it's always 5.5 according to the pedometer
3)Talk less & read the map carefully, one wrong move & you could be way out, or going round in circles!
4)Plan the route in the morning before you leave, try to avoid hills, rivers & canals are easier to follow.

Devon was lovely in many ways.
Firstly it housed the Hartlands & their great hospitality & walking without the rucksack was a huge bonus.
The scenery changed & became so green & lush. Pretty little villages with thatched cottages set in rolling hills & fields. We had some pleasant walks by rivers & canals & the weather continued to be sunny & warm.
It's a lovely time of the year to walk with new born lambs, calves & ducklings. As it was so unseasonably warm the bluebells, wisteria & May blossom were all in bloom.
The locals were very friendly. In one village a couple were sitting on a bench outside their house & offered us iced water in glasses, filled up our bottles & even offered toilet facilities.

Things we learnt in the third week:
1)Plan your route as your walking, the famous "Monarch Way" is not so well known on every path.
2)Salisbury was a lot further away from walking points than I'd realised.
3)Rest Days are not very restful. Physically, yes, mentally, not. Hours spent at the computer in frustration at not really knowing how to use it.
4)Take Kenny's advice & throw the pedometer in the "Trash Can"

Somerset was similar to Devon in many ways, although there were not so many pretty villages, the thing I remember is the people. They bent over backwards to be friendly & helpful when we asked for directions. The Scouts came to our assistance in this county & how! Maybe it's because the tourists pass them by on their way through to the south west. I was sad to leave Jane's as this was now the end of the luxury of having a base for a whole week, it was time to move on to B & B hopping for a while.

Upton to Worcester

2007-05-09T06:00:00.000-07:00

After putting In my complaint to the Tewkesbury Tourist Information Centre about the state of the "Severn Way" Keith & I set off with a clear straight path ahead of us! So whoever comes to mow the path from Tewkesbury, they need go no further than Upton upon Severn. It was an easy route to follow along the river. We kept to the river for most of the way apart from a trek through a pretty village & some woods. Deep in the middle of it all we were trying to find our way back to the river when we came across a tent. All on it's own in the middle of nowhere. Keith thought he'd heard or read somewhere about a guy who lives in a tent & commutes up to London every day and was convinced this was his place, but I wasn't so sure. Where did he hang up his smart suits & shirts? Back along the riverside we saw a Paddle Boat Steamer passing by with only a few passengers. As there wasn't a lot of "traffic" on the river that day, it was amusing to see the big "motorway" signs along the route directing the way the boats should go. We managed to dodge the dark clouds all day until we reached Worcester & then the heavens opened. Waiting, in the pouring rain, outside the cathedral for our lift back to the car, we watched the pigeons swooping round looking for food. It was a poignant memory for us. "Mary Poppins" was the last film Sophie watched.
The Manager from "Wickes" at Worcester (thanks Jonathan) picked us up, Keith dropped me back at the guest house and I finally, after passing through Exeter, Salisbury & Tekesbury, went into a Cathedral. I picked the right moment. The Choristers were practising for Evensong, it was such a beautiful sound in a wonderful place. I lit a candle for Sophie & left my message in the book.

AND THE RAIN CAME DOWN

2007-05-08T04:46:00.000-07:00

The wonderfully helpful Barbara picked us up at the hotel in the morning and dropped us off near the airport.
The weather had taken a turn for the worst it was raining and the skies were black. So we decided to stick to the roads. Fortunately there was only one big shower and as the skies began to clear we made good progress back to Tewkesbury. It was a bit boring with only a few interesting Tudor Houses along the way. We were leaving behind the Cotswolds and moving into a different scenic landscape. We arrived back at the hotel at 2.15, a record!
So, after lunch in the pub, Carol and I decided to knock off a few miles of the Severn Way while Maurice repaired his feet. It looked easy, the starting point was in the pub car park. We took a shortcut across the grass to reach the river and that's when Carol realised her boots were not waterproof.
Ploughing through nettles, to try to keep to the river, we encounted a 6 ft high metal gate. "Construction under way, do not enter, cctv cameras in operation". We thought about jumping over but decided we didn't want to get arrested today. So back across the field we saw another sign "please keep to the path and keep dogs under control as this field has been treated with weedkiller" A bit late to tell us now, we'd already been there. We crossed the bridge by road and under the bridge followed the signs for the Severn Way. There was no path and it was all overgrown.
We tried, we really did, but in the end gave up & walked on a footpath on the other side. This was fine for a while until we saw a white van. We had also heard shooting in the distance. This was enough to send us back to the Hotel & call it a day.Carol resolved to go straight to the Tourist Information Centre in the morning to complain about a) The Severn Valley Water Works obstructing our path & b)the state of the path when we attempted to walk it. All does not bode well for the walk from Tewkesley to Worcester on Wednesday.
We could have had another meal in the hotel, but went looking for what else the town had to offer. Flicking through the Yellow Pages, it looked promising. Chinese, Indian, Italian, Bistro Bars... All on Church Street...and all, on investigation, closed. This was Bank Holiday Monday, in the middle of a tourist area. The town was dead, clearly everyone here had gone on holiday. Eventually we found a Chinese, which was ok, apart from the dismal "Musak" We should have stayed "at home" where Manuel welcomed us back into the bar for a nightcap.

COOPER'S HILL AND THE CHEESE ROLLS

2007-05-08T04:02:00.000-07:00

You take some risks following the Cotswolds Way across the Painswick golf course. As golfers, Maurice and Hilary thought it looked a difficult course but at least they knew where to stand to avoid low flying balls.
It was a pleasant walk up to Cooper's Hill looking out for wild orchids along the way. The view from the top was spectacular. Unfortunately we disturbed a courting couple who were not particularly there for the view and then when a fit family of 8 appeared over the edge of the very steep hill the couple disappeared to find a quieter spot.
Consequently it was a very steep decline ending in someones back garden,reminiscent of Aunty Edna's steep little garden path in Welshpool.
It was fairly flat from then on over the M5 and under a railway towards Gloucester Airport. We phoned our contact for a lift back to Painswick where we had to collect the car. Barbara, who, with her husband Ken, manages the Gloucestershire scout HQ at Cranham, said she would be there in 10 minutes, so there was no time for plane spotting, or to nip into the airport cafe for a cup fo tea and a free session on the wireless internet.
We had an interesting conversation on the way back to Painswick, Barbara told us all about the cheese rolling event held on Coopers Hill, where Double Gloucester cheeses are rolled down the hill, followed by their owners ,every August Bank Holiday. Dating back from the Middle Ages this highly dangerous tradition is now under threat of being banned by the Health & Safety Dept. We were pleased to hear that the locals were having none of it.After all ,it's up to them if they want to risk breaking an arm or a leg.
Barabara also told us that there are 99 Yew trees in the church yard in Painswick. Many attempts have been made to plant one more but each time the tree has died, very strange.
Painswick is a picture perfect postcard town. Like a film set,nothing marred the perfect setting, the 99 Yew trees are groomed to perfection. All the buildings are built out of the same mellow stone. Even the shops are quaint. Books, Fabrics , Pottery and Antiques and then, I found a "Londis". How did this happen? Well I suppose if you live here and run out of tea bags you can't just pop into Gloucester - it's too far. I spotted a sweet little tea shop which was unfortunately closed until further notice due to "continuing back problems" hope your'e feeling better soon Pauline.
Poor Maurice, despite constant references and so called sightings of Cheltenham racecourse, he never got even near. Maybe next time.

ALL ROADS LEAD TO CAM

2007-05-08T03:37:00.000-07:00

During a whirlwind three days, it was good to see the family, but I found it difficult to renew my "vim & vigour" for the walk when the time came to leave but I started to feel more positive the nearer we got to Painswick, where we were meeting Hilary and Maurice.
After a night in Painswick, Keith tried to drop us off in Cam to commence walking. We discovered all roads lead to Cam, we saw a sign "Welcome to Cam" but we never actually found it. However, what we did find was a convenient place to pick up the Cotswolds Way.
We clambered up a hill towards a wood and after negotiating our way through a fallen tree we finally found it. We were hoping to find "Hetty Peglar's Tump" ( a Long Barrow) but didn't. What we did find was the trail of the 11th Gloucester Scouts. We found a deserted suspicious looking tub of white powder, next to a box of compasses, having earlier seen a stressed out scout leader shouting down a walky talky "they can't be lost". We followed the trail of white powder looking for a scout or two, but like the tump they were nowhere to be seen.
On leaving the wood we saw some amazing views from up high on Coaley Peak. It was such a good start to Hilary & Maurice's first day of three, scenery & weather, perfect.
We spotted a nice place for lunch on a wide open field. After unpacking our sandwiches, we saw the "Do not trespass" sign as it was a boarding school sports field,we carried on eating, as it was Saturday, and therefore we were unlikely to be hit by a flying Lacrosse Puck.
After lunch Hilary finally got possession of the map & didn't let go(now we know who Caitlin takes after).
As we made our way down to Painswick for the second nights stop, the views were stunning. Maurice was particularly stunned by the Painswick cricket ground in an idylic setting and they even had floodlights! Just coming out to bat after tea, we nearly lost him for the rest of the day.
However, the last half mile was up hill again and that's where we caught up with a very elderly couple slowly making their way to the top.
As we passed them by the old man asked Hilary "what does KBO mean?" She told him to which he replied "absolutely fantastic - you have done really well so far"
That evening the hotel was having a "Pig Roast and Dance which we decided not to gate crash and had an early night, but what a swine! they turned up the volume at 11.30 p.m. until the early hours.

A Heavy Load

2007-05-08T03:29:00.000-07:00

It was sad to say goodbye to Jane at Salisbury station the next morning. It had been relaxing and comfortable staying at her and Yvonne's houses when all I had to do at the end of a long days walk was sit down at a table and have food and drink put in front of me.I am forever grateful to both families for putting up with me & ferrying me around the South West.I could go on...the packed lunches, the walking companions...but it was back to the pack!
Saying goodbye to Temple Meads for the last time was also a wrench but it had to be done. Getting off the train at Yate was even more of a wrench, but that was to my back, as now I had to carry the 17lb rucksack again after two weeks of day walking.
It was a hot day and nothing exciting happened apart from getting lost, but I won't bore you with any more of those tales, it just meant I walked 3 miles I didn't need to do.
I just kept on walking, treating myself to a Cornetto as I was making good progress. This was the first county I'd entered on a road so stopped to take a photo. "Welcome to Gloucestershire" I chanced a short footpath across a field, to relieve the boredom of the road. "Bunsall Farm operate CCTV cameras on this land, you will be seen, named & shamed etc.." I could clearly see where I wanted to go, but chickened out. A mile down the road I tried again. "This is my livelyhood, do not stray from the footpath or my dogs will eat yours" Well! Hello Gloucestershire, you folks sure are friendly round here. I glanced to the Cotswolds Hills to my right and thought, I should be up there admiring the views, but I wasn't into punishing myself today and one less view woudn't matter in the big scheme of things. Besides, I had to be fit and energised to organise an 18th birthday in one day!
Keith was picking me up from Cam - not sure where that was, but more of that later. I found a convenient wooden bench outside a pub, took off my sweaty socks and shoes and waited, relaxing in the afternoon sunshine for him to arrive.
Three days at home were ahead of me.

MEG ON THE MONARCH WAY

2007-05-08T03:17:00.000-07:00

Just as I think I am off for my usual walk round the village, I get bundled into the car with Jane & Carol. Hoping this wasn't going to be a long journey I settled down for a nap. When the lead came out I knew I was going somewhere. What a fun walk this turned out to be. Running through fields with long grass, under and over stiles, and the best bit, a river! I ran in and out and shook it all about, but apparently all was not great in the human world. Jane and Carol were going backwards and forwards looking for something called the "Monarch Way". So, I was attached to the lead and had to go on a boring road. At a junction,we went one way back to the car and Carol went the other.

The Monarch Way - Part Two

Imagine finding yourself in a field, by a bridge ,with the "Monarch Way" pointing you through another field, where there was no way out, and no other markers. The South Gloucestershire budget must have been tight the year they put up the signs. Instead of the usual round metal badges, these were sticky white labels, half of which were torn away or, quite clearly, missing.
The only way to make any progress was to walk by road. I did pick up some parts of the "Way" along the route and eventually arrived at Chipping Sodbury, a pretty village, where I found the train station was a mile away in Yate, a not so pretty town. So plodding on, I finally got there and bought my return ticket to Salisbury.
I like travelling on trains. It gives me time to catch up on writing notes for the blog and replying to text messages. Jane was there to meet me at the station and I looked forward to a long soak at the end of a very long day.

Thelma & Louise at Wookey & the Wet Flushes

2007-05-04T06:38:00.000-07:00

Carol said we had to park in the car park on the hill with the lovely view, the one she'd missed yesterday. Not so lovely shrouded in the morning mist so we went down to the "Wookey Hole Experience" car park instead. The W.H.E. was a tacky touristy enterprise in what is a naturally beautiful area. Observing the naff names over the W.C.'s we popped into "The Witches" before we set off.
Having not been in training for very long I was worried I might not stay the distance. Carol set off at a cracking pace, hat on, stick in hand, shouting "come on Linda, it's only 10 miles, and I've got the cereal bars!"
We arrived at the "happening" village of Wookey. By Carol's definition, a happening village can be determined by the items on the Parish Noticeboard. The Agenda of the Parish Council Meetings always make for a good read. On this one they were going to discuss "The plans to build affordable housing, & what impact this would have on the village" hmmm... Anyway, having passed through a few villages on her travels, after 3 weeks in the charts, St Breward was still at no.1.
We stopped for lunch at the Yarley Fields Nature Reserve. where we discovered we were in amongst the wet flushes & the hard rushes. We weren't quite sure what they were, but we had our own wet flush before we left!
In trying to locate the next "Way" we could have done with a Samaritan or two. After a few wrong turnings, we saw the badge, on the post, and we were off on "The Samaritan Way" across some very precarious bridges, passing over the, by now familiar, Rhynes.
We passed through the hamlet of Godley. It was all very strange. One farm, one very square unattractive house, a farm and Godley Church. It was in the Norman style, but not that old. It was empty, neglected & looked like it had been locked up for years when we went to investigate, and yet some of the grave stones were well kept with fresh flowers on them. We wondered why this church was here in the middle of nowhere? Baffled, we left the Godless church for our next strange destination, Glastonbury. It was some what, what we'd expected. Crystal and magic shop and even a healing powers BnB, (that would have been an interesting night' stay). In the beautiful warm sunshine of the town square, the weird and wonderful were out in force. We were tempted to join the queue at the Town Hall, for the Pagen Frederation of Wessex Conference, the agenda looked fascinating and the queue even more so. "Mummers" (Morris Dancers) and beardy men in black shirts amongst others.
After getting a call from Beverly (of Street Fame) saying she could pick us up at the Street/Glastonbury bridge in half an hour, we made our final wrong move, as only we could. This was one of our Thelma and Louise style adventures. We took a footpath as a short cut and after ploughing through nettles we came to a hedge with a halt and there was no way out. The road we could have been on had gardens backing onto the field. We had no time to go back and there was only one thing to do. So i said "Go Louise do your stuff!" Carol shouted up and down the back of the gardens, "Help please! Can anybody help us?!" and up shot the head of a very suprised teenager, quietly sunbathing. "Quick Dad, there's a strange woman at the bottom of our garden in a orange hat and her friends wearing funny trousers." (She didn't actually say that but probably thought it.) And that's when we met The Eco-friendly Merrill family of TV fame. Mr M showed us his solar panels and as he lead us up the garden path we swapped web addresses. So we got to the bridge on time and it was good to see all the family again, including son Elliott this time.

TAXI

2007-05-04T06:32:00.000-07:00

Feeling pretty pleased with ourselves at finding our way out of Bristol, we parked in the car park at Chew Valley Lake, and then spent an hour looking for the trail. The map didn't make sense until we realised that our car park was off the map and there were three of them! We finally set off along the Monarch Way with some beautiful views of the lake behind us. We'd picked up Taxi numbers from the Chew Cafe and decided to ring mid afternoon when we thought we knew our ETA at Wookey Hole. This was a big mistake as the 4 different numbers all turned out to be one Taxi Firm. All cars fully booked till 10pm! After much frantic phone calling we eventually found someone who could pick us up in an hour. Just as well as by this time Carol had no battery and I had no credit. We weren't even at Wookey Hole at this point, but were told to wait, where we were, at the crossroads. The "Hunter's Lodge Inn" was the most dismal place to hang out so we decided to stroll down the road to look at the secondhand cars outside a Garage, equally dismal & deserted. We did spot a bargain though. At £295, m.o.t until Oct, it was tempting. As we walked away from the Inn the signpost was swinging and creaking in the wind - It was just like a one horse town road movie. Back at the ranch we struck up conversation with a group of cavers who'd come looking for food [they must have been desperate to even think of eating here, not that it was even open anyway]. As the Taxi pulled into Chew Valley car park the driver said we'd missed the best views of the day," looking down onto Wookey Hole from Priddy - it's a stunning site" (he said) Great!

Temple Mead to ...Temple Mead...Via...Temple Mead

2007-05-04T05:03:00.000-07:00

Set off early on the school bus to Salisbury with a promise to Matthew that I wouldn't join him & his friends on the top deck. Hoping to catch the 9.04 train to Bristol, I managed to catch an earlier, delayed train. Great, I was off to a good start, except the train didn't move. We were all told to get off as it had now broken down. As I waited on the platform, I watched the train being shunted away & realised I'd left my walking stick on it! Luckily it was being attached to the 9.04 & the guard brought it back to me. I'll be amazed if I get to John O Groats with same stick.
Now this train was delayed, and thinking I might miss the bus connection to Bitton, I had a good idea. Looking at the map it showed "Boat & Ferry Rides" up & down the Avon. I could get a boat ride down the river to parallel point to Bitton. An even better way to start the day. Armed with one of those irresistable City Maps you can buy from a machine for a £1, they are beautifully illustrated like a Toy Town in a childrens book, I set off to find the ferry stop & walked round in a circle back to Temple Mead Station. The map may look pretty, but not very accurate. So...off I went again, found the ferry stop & did as instructed on the notice board "If you want to be picked up, wave your hand" So I did. But she didn't stop, she gesticulated to me to go over to the next bridge. Ahh, I must have been waiting at the wrong place. So I hurried to the bridge where she told me "The Ferry stops here, at Temple Meads, and I turn round & go back up to town" Well, no wonder she had no passengers, it would be quicker to walk! and that's what I did. Good idea number two. I decided to walk along the river, following the "Avon Trail" it was only a couple of extra miles & should be pleasant along the meandering river. I just needed to find the starting point. An hour later I was back at...Temple Mead Station. Eventually, got on the trail & very quickly wanted to get off again. It was dirty& industrial with graffitied walls & debris all around me. Hardly anyone passed by, why would they? It was a horrible place to walk. I was beginning to feel uncomfortable when the path suddenly came to a halt at a retail park. I gladly stepped up onto the road & went to MacDonalds for advice. They were all so helpful, everyone came out of the kitchen to pour over the map & as I left a man ran after me, "Take the Whitby Road to the left, that's where you need to go" I would love to have taken the Whitby Road if it was Whitby, North Yorkshire. At least I'd know where I was! so ignoring their instructions I headed out of Bristol on the main A road through the equally grim suburb of Brislington, it wasn't good walking on a busy road but at least I was finally getting out of town. Once I'd passed the Park & Ride & turned into a side road down to a pleasant pathway through fields I thankfully sat down on the grass for a very late lunch. The rest of the route was easy to follow through lanes & fields & I soon made up time. I needed to, Jane was meeting me at Bishop Sutton & we were driving back to Bristol University to stay with Catherine, her daughter. This, I was looking forward to, spending the night in a hall of residence was the nearest I'd get to being a student. We got lost in Bristol, what is it about this place? before finally getting there.
Most student rooms are compact & Catherine's was no exception. We spent the next half hour rearranging ourselves,bedding & bags, just stopping short of the furniture, to accommodate the three of us. After a quick shower we drove back into Bristol & had a meal with Catherine & her Medic friends. We were joined by Joe, the son of a good friend of mine, & he stayed to chat with Jane & I while Catherine & friends went off to celebrate the end of their exams in the Medics Bar.

2007-05-01T14:17:00.000-07:00

2007-05-01T14:14:00.000-07:00

I walked alone!

2007-04-29T13:55:00.000-07:00

As the girls dropped me off at Burrow Bridge, we were all worried. I was worried about them driving home & they were worried about me walking on my own. Because of Sophie I am now paranoid about something happening to them. After about an hour of fretting I phoned them. "We were 10 miles from Bristol, going the wrong way, but we're ok now"
The thing about walking, or being, on your own is having more time to think. I call it my "Sophie time" I sometimes need this time to be alone.
I walked across a bridge & that's when I learned about the Somerset drainage system. An elaborate pattern of rhynes (water courses) that cross the wetland area, which makes walking easier as it's flat & straight but harder because you have to cross at the right point. Today's walk was going to be fairly straightforward I thought. Feeling confident, I decided to take a short cut down a footpath only to find myself in a field of cows, one of which was intent on following me. As I walked faster the cow trotted (do cow's trot?) behind me. I was getting scared, but remembering what Gary told me, I waved my stick & shouted "Go away, I want to be alone" and she did!
Walking along the straight flat roads to Street, with the absence of cars, people & an Ipod, I started singing to myself. Just as I was reaching the crescendo to "Bridge over troubled waters" with only the cows (safely behind barbed wire) as my silent audience, a cyclist shot past. Feeling very embarrassed, I hummed quietly from there on.
I reached Street in record time. So early, in fact, that my contact for a lift back to Salisbury wasn't home.
I should explain, at this point, that the Scout Association have been helping me with transport & accommodation and Neil (Surrey Contingent Jamboree Leader) had put me in touch with his equivalent in Somerset.
After having a quick look around the Street Shopping Outlet I decided I wasn't into retail therapy, & besides, I didn't want to add to my load. So I headed back to Beverley's house where I met her, and her family. What a lovely family they were. Her husband Murray & daughter Abi welcomed me into their home, & after a cup of tea, Richard, their friend & fellow scouter (Ass. District Commissioner) took me all the way back to Salisbury. In the few hours I spent with them I learnt a lot more about the Jamboree selection programme, not realising the Contingent leaders had to be selected as well as the Scouts. (I thought they'd be paid to go!)
After a cup of tea, Richard headed back to Street & I headed for the shower. I felt quite overwhelmed by their generosity. Street to Salisbury is a long way!

2007-04-26T06:28:00.000-07:00

Nathalie, Matt and Barney cooling their feet

2007-04-26T06:25:00.000-07:00

2007-04-26T06:23:00.000-07:00

2007-04-26T06:19:00.000-07:00

2007-04-26T06:11:00.000-07:00

"Shwesty's are doing it for themselves"

2007-04-26T03:53:00.001-07:00

Mum said, "We won't need our raincoats, it's hardly rained at all since I started this walk" We drove through the pouring rain along the A303, passed through Taunton town centre, twice, before arriving at the Park & Ride on the other side of town. We finally set off at 11.00 am, and it stopped raining. (phew!)
We set off to find the "Taunton & Bridgewater Canal" Caitlin comandeering the map reading. It was an easy route to follow & the weather improved as we went along. Queueing up at the shop in Creech St Michael, we attracted the attention of a A.C. heating & Gas man. (We were wearing the T Shirts) He was really interested, as his son is planning to cycle the route. We accompanied him back to his van so he could jot down the web details.
Back along the canal I, Lauren, was starting to flag. It was tempting to pick up a bottle of wine & spend the rest of the journey sunbathing on the boat ride to Bridgewater, soothing my soon to be blisters in the cool canal water. Mum said "No way" a) There is no wine & b) We are not going to Bridgewater. So I had to K.B.O....
It got to be a bit monotonous after a while, but two interesting attractions kept us amused.
The first was at the boat hire place. On the cafe wall was a mural of the canal. Next to it was a handle which, when turned, gave an audio history of the canal. Wind too slow, and the droning voice stopped, wind too fast & he couldn't keep up. We tried a few times but never got any further than "It's good to see the canal actively alive again..." obviously he wasn't A.A. !
The other was the Somerset Solar System. Astronomical milestones along the route described each planet in a weirdly surreal way. For example "Jupiter, the Big One. With it's giant red spot & 16 moons, a dense complex atmosphere, posing many questions. One vast storm in space, Jupiter needs a book, not a plaque" Must have been written under the influence of some very potent cider. Sophie would have loved it. We all sang the song she taught us about learning the order of the planets. (Encarta '98)
We finally left the Canal & headed towards Middlezoy, or so we thought. Caitlin (the control freak) refusing to let go of the map took us to places we didn't want to go. Across fields of cows, ploughing through long grass & nettles until the Somerset drainage system brought us to a halt. We had no choice but to jump across. Trekking on, two miles from our destination, we came to another stop. Where we thought there was a bridge, there wasn't. It started to rain. Caitlin's feet were sore & our only choice was to go a long way round via the main road, or was it? No, good old Mum came up with an alternative parallel route (so no cheating) to Burrow Bridge.
We took a taxi back to the P & R in Taunton & Caitlin drove (again) like Yvonne's Mum in training so we sped back to Salisbury singing along to "Help"

Steph's walk with Carol & her Mum

2007-04-26T03:51:00.000-07:00

I joined Carol and my mum on the walk today, after getting back from Switzerland yesterday. We set off from Greenham and found the footpath straight away. After walking along the path for a while we had to cross some fields where we saw lots of sheep, cows and we even got followed for a while by a horse that eventually had to stop following us when we went over a stile. Then we went through more fields of long grass where mine and Carol’s feet got a bit wet so it was lucky that we took a wrong turn and ended up in the centre of Wellington, instead of just outside it so that Carol could buy some new dry socks. Then we had a quick coffee at a café and I realised that I had left the compass behind by some toilets, wo0ps but luckily I remembered where I had put it down and it wasn’t very far away so I walked back to get it. After the coffee we walked along a road for a while and ended up walking along by the river and past a weir, we entered Taunton under a big black cloud but luckily we just managed to miss the rain!

Double trouble on the canal

2007-04-24T06:29:00.000-07:00

The twins, Danielle and Charlotte, aged 11, wanted to walk with Carol and Yvonne and we thought that this would be a perfect day. From Tiverton to Greenham, the route follows the canal all the way. Flat, no map- reading...perfect.
After a rather late start due to practicalities of transporting bikes, Yvonne arrived to see Carol and the twins in the café, drinking hot drinks, reading and writing. “Come on, no time to get comfy, let’s go.”
The twins took in turns with the bike, riding on ahead and waiting for us to catch up, which gave them time to catch their breath (we were going at some pace, clocking off the miles).
All went well until Yvonne noticed a bit missing off her walking stick. A jogger stopped to find out what we were looking for, promising to come back with lost piece if she found it as she was returning this way. “Fat chance”, we thought, and thought no more of it until a breathless yell called us some time later with said piece in hand. She’d run further than she meant to to catch us up. It was this sort of friendliness we came across all day, people nodding their hellos and smiling at us, mellowed by the warm sunshine.
We had the first spots of rain at around midday, but the cooling effect was welcome and it didn’t last long anyway. We passed under umpteen bridges and admired the many ducks and ducklings in the reeds. This was where Carol entered her third county, Somerset.
At the end of the canal, hours earlier than expected, we were pleased that we only had a short trail over the fields till we reached the car. We’ll be home early we said, a bit prematurely!
As usual, the footpath was not as obvious as it looked on the map. Danielle juddered on ahead on her bike to see if she could find the gate at the end of the field. “Help”, she yelled, and proudly displayed what was once a beige walking shoe and was now a squelchy, muddy brown. The middle of the field was a bog! To top it all, the right way was at the top of the field. Imagine the sight of Yvonne and Carol struggling to carry a bike over not one but FOUR stiles in total. The muscles in our legs had been tested so far, now it was time for our arm workout. We rushed past a very smelly dairy farm, where the air smelt of gone-off milk and soon arrived in the picturesque village of Greenham where we eventually found the car hiding up a lane.

Rape (seed)

2007-04-22T15:08:00.001-07:00

My middle siren was a great friend of Sophie and we live in Devon so the family put Carol up for a few days - "You don't mind walking with Carol for a day do you ?" said the strife - seemed a not unreasonable request.Tedburn St Mary to Tiverton seemed a simple jaunt on paper. A bit of public footpath and minor road circumventing Crediton and then along the Exe Valley Way to the start of the Great Western Canal in Tiverton - I reckoned 15 miles - Carol's new gizmo from Millets reckoned 16.4.Carol set off like a whippet up a serious incline and conversation was a little Wheezy for a while but second wind broke in coincidental with the incline ridging out. "By heck" i thought - "she goes at a pace". (Actually i have never said "By Heck" in my life but this Bridlingtonish rubs off !)Why do farmers hate public footpaths so? Why do they train their hens, peacocks (honest), dogs and ducks to intimidate so ! Because they own their little bit of the world I suppose and you the charitable walker are an invader intent upon trampling their crops. So to stop you enjoying a stress-free walk , and having failed to stop you with the menagerie, a cunning plot - grow a field of 5 foot high rape seed across the footpath so you cannot see where you are going !! A brilliant piece of navigation saw us through - only to present us in front of 3 feet of barbed wire which the miniscule Carol took in her stride. A quick stop for an ice cream at Bickleigh Mill and then a delightful walk along the bank of the River Exe. The final 2 miles through Tiverton across tarmac did for my feet but the Pollock made with the blister plasters. Both feet blistered and a funny strain behind my knee.It was fun but I can't walk now !GaryVive LeJog

Rest Day!

2007-04-22T14:44:00.000-07:00

This was my first proper rest day as the other rest days was spent catching up on mileage. It was a strange feeling, not getting up and getting prepared for another day's walk. I spent the morning catching up on the computer and then got the park and ride into Exeter. It was a bit of a culture shock, all these shops, all these people. It felt weird going into town with a shopping list. Top of the list was a trip to Millets to buy a map measurer. The pedometer was seriously unreliable (Kenny - I have tried lots of different paces and it still says I've only done 3 miles, when the map clearly says 6).
The other reason for my trip into Exeter was to meet a friend from home who happened to be on a course here. We met outside the Cathedral and spent a couple of hours chatting and catching up. Her mission was to report back to HQ URC that I was alive and well with no blisters. Sitting in the sunshine outside the Cathedral, I almost forgot that tomorrow I was back on the trail and I also had some washing to do.
So, back at Yvonne's I was at the belfast sink, washing, scrubbing, rinsing, wringing and hanging out to dry. If Launceston was the 1970s, this washing palava was like going back to the '30s! (Let's hope Jane's washing machine hasn't packed up).

Trekking with the teenagers

2007-04-22T14:35:00.000-07:00

I was joined today by Nathalie and two of her sixth form friends, Barney and Matt. Oh dear, I might have a bit of trouble keeping up! Yvonne and the twins joined us for the first half hour, but turned back at the first sight of a hill. Things seemed to be going fine as we followed what we thought was the course of the river, only to come across a field full of nosey cows. This spurred us on to walk nervously around the edge of the field, only to find that there was no way out. We had no option but to creep past the cows again to the other edge of the field. We kept following the ‘river’ and hit a dead end – the only way out was to clamber tentatively over a barbed wire fence, through a hole in the hedge to come across …. sheep, also intent on following us! (It was OK for them they’re only 18, I’m 52!)
We came to a crossroads at the other end of the field, which surprised us, as it wasn’t supposed to be there. Luckily, a jolly postman stopped and pointed out on the map where we were, oh dear, about a mile north of where we thought we were. He initially offered us a lift, and then looking at our t-shirts, realised where we were heading and said, “perhaps not”. He confessed that he himself was planning to do the same route, but cycling. (He was only about 24, ambitious and was probably wondering what the hell was I thinking about).
Soon after, we were back on the right track and found the real river which we followed until we stopped for lunch and a toe dip in the river at a beautiful spot by a pub with picnic tables. I did my usual trek to the pub for a refill of the water bottles and thought, hmm, “I’d better buy an ice cream, as well, as they don’t seem too hospitable”. The sign outside the pub said: ‘If you choose to picnic at our tables, would you please leave your name and address so we can come and picnic on your patio’. On entering the pub, another sign, ‘If you use our toilets and you are not patrons, would you please leave a donation in the box’.
Trekking on, (good move, Barney, to walk on the shady side of the river) we saw this amazing sight of a rock sliced clean in half, with an amazing carved pattern.
As per usual, the last three or four miles were uphill, on a road, in the burning heat. The sight of 4 people walking backwards up a hill must have been quite bizarre to the oncoming traffic…..

We didn't get lost!

2007-04-21T14:13:00.000-07:00

After a hearty breakfast and a cheery wave from the Bridestowe landlady, ex army nurse Janet, we set off at about 9.30, resolved not to get lost today and to pay more attention to the map. The weather was looking promising and the early part of the walk was simple enough. The Granite Way, a cycle track, was well marked and, more importantly, flat, so we were able to walk and chat at the same time! We passed some beautiful scenery, rolling hills and calm woods, only to be overtaken now and again by excited schoolchildren on their bikes. We went over the Meldon Viaduct with stunning panoramic views, which was slightly spoilt soon after by the quarry and some sad looking, neglected trains in a state of disrepair.
We arrived in Okehampton for a late lunch (sandwiches again) and a well deserved coffee in a little coffee shop. We took a bit of time to wander around Okehampton (as if we hadn’t walked enough), to admire the castle from afar and visit the tourist office Okehampton was an improvement on Launceston.
The afternoon was in contrast to the morning where we had to concentrate on our route a bit more. We decided to follow the Dartmoor Way which went down to Belstone, a beautiful, peaceful village with an unusual converted chapel with a bright red telephone box in front. We decided to treat ourselves to an ice-cream in a quaint-looking shop, only to find out that it was the pub, and it was shut anyway.
Mildly disappointed, disturbing a sunbathing local to check on our route (only checking of course) we were directed on a little path, which skirted the dry, barren edges of Dartmoor (no more hills, we thought) down to the River Taw. We followed this path for most of the afternoon, noting some lovely picnic spots for the future. The highlight of the day was perching ourselves on the edge of some rocks, soaking our feet in the ice-cold river, whilst having a break. We marched with renewed vigour through the woods, through Sticklepath to South Zeal where we found the car awaiting us ready for the journey home.

Catching up with a dear friend

2007-04-20T12:05:00.000-07:00

Today was the day I swapped walking companions, and as I waited outside the BP garage for Yvonne to arrive, I was already looking forward to staying in one place for 5 days. This B & B hopping was getting exhausting. Only one more night & I'd be in a home with access to a computer, not having to choose what to eat from a menu, & most importantly, a washing machine ! After the initial hugs & how good to see you...etc, she told me the bad news. The washing machine had broken & the new one wasn't arriving until Wednesday, next week!
Yvonne's Mum was driving us to our starting point & bearing in mind she's 74 (and French) I gripped my seat for the entire journey! She drove like a maniac, but we got there in record time.
We had a coffee in a posh hotel, and ended up leaving a bit later than expected. We talked non stop, a lot of catching up to do, & consequently, got lost quite soon into the walk. We didn't just "get lost" we walked round in a mile & a half circle back to where we started! Feeling very frustrated & annoyed with ourselves, a farmer, with trailer, turned up & offered us a lift. He was a bit vague about where he was taking us (pointing wildly at the field we should have been in) & it was also difficult to understand his dialect,.We declined his offer because we thought it might be cheating, but also, it was a toss up as to who would go in the trailer with the sheep. Deciding to concentrate more carefully on the map, the rest of the day was a pleasant walk through fields, tracks & "The Two Castles Trail."
We had to make up time to get to Bridestowe as we had a dinner date at the pub. We just about had time to drop our bags, have a quick shower & change, before meeting Sheila & Nigel at the "White Hart" or to be P.C. at the "Blanche Hart." When ordering, Nigel enquired, "What is Blanchebait ? " & the young waitress apologetically told us they coudn't call it whitebait anymore ! We had fine wine, good food & lively conversation. (Thank you Nigel & Sheila, if you're reading this, I hope you got back to Padstow in good time.)

Goodbye Cornwall - Hello Devon !

2007-04-20T00:24:00.000-07:00

The "King's Head" is a former coaching inn , dating from 1623, built at the crossing of "Five Lanes" Apparently, people travelling up to London would take out a will before setting off because of the distance & treacherous roads conditions.
We ate at the pub, Jill booked it earlier, in a panic, as the place was heaving in the afternoon. It turned out to be the locals gathering round the screen for the "Grand National". The food was good, and cheap. We were joined later by a group of Hot Air Balloonists, congregating there to collect their certificates & have a buffet supper. These Cornish pub & shop owners know how to run a business. Always finding ways to bring people in. We went upstairs to bed, lulled off to sleep by the sounds of the Juke Box.
After a basic breakfast, "No we don't have fruit, it would go off" we left for Launceston, sandwichless, because "we can't make sandwiches, it's Sunday & we're only doing roasts" We weren't too worried as we thought we'd find somewhere to eat along the way. We stopped to look at the tiny house where John Wesley preached & stayed for a while, having lost his way on the moor. Walked through the lovely villages of Alturnun & then trudged along through the narrow lanes. The weather was perfect, in the soft, misty haze the landscape looked like a pre-impressionist painting. After a few miles we realised that a) no vehicles had passed us by & b) the reason why, there were no villages, pubs or shops along this route. Kenny was hobbling along with a swollen ankle & we really needed a place to sit down , bandage him up & get something to eat. And then, ahead of us Nirvana! A sign "Teas, Coffees, Snacks" & most importantly, OPEN. Except it wasn't. We tried every door but nobody was home except the dog tied up outside. We eventually arrived in Launceston, which didn't look promising, judging by the litter strewn along the road leading into town. We made our final hike up St Stephens Hill to the B & B. and hoped the landlady would offer us tea & biscuits, she did.
It was like being in a 1970's time warp. I even had a teasmade in my room. Doilies under & over everything. I was really looking forward to spending two nights here.
Launceston is very hilly, it took an effort to climb the hill to town. The pubs were depressingly dismal & half empty. We eventually settled on a fish & chip restaurant which looked like the only clean & bright spot in this dismal town. It turned out to be a really good meal & we toasted ourselves for having completed the first 100 miles. The owner brought us a bottle of wine with a bottlestopper "in case we didn't drink it all" we laughed, no chance of that!
The next day I saw Jill & Kenny off on the bus to Plymouth. It felt strange, but good to be on my own for a while. I went to the library to use the Internet. (expensive- £3 an hour) & managed to catch up on some e mails, and more importantly, look at the fund raising page. I was amazed at peoples generosity. Apart from the general giving I also heard that the B5Y (Banstead Five Churches Youth group) had raised £400 from a collection after their performance of "Mark's Passion" A lot of Sophie's friends were involved in this so it meant a lot to me & my family.
Armed with an OS map, I walked part of the next day's journey. The reason being, it was 17 miles to Bridestowe and one thing I've learnt this last week is 12 miles is manageable, 14 is tough, so 17 ? I thought not, especially as it would be Yvonne's first day. (my walking companion for the next few days)
Back in Launceston, which wasn't quite so depressing on a Monday afternoon, at least the shops were open, I looked for the take-away pizza place I'd spotted last night. "Closed on Monday" So
it was back to the fish restaurant. I wandered around the Castle area eating my fish cake & chips, and realised there were some nice places in Launceston. Some very grand houses & lovely little cottages. It must have been quite smart once.
Back at the B & B, I invited the landlady to share a glass of wine with me and we had a interesting evening chatting as we had something in common. Her grandaughter, now 11, has had treatment for brain tumours since she was first diagnosed 6 years ago. We swapped stories & looked at photographs and as I went to bed I felt inspired and re-energised. I can't help Sophie now, but I can do something for this little girl & others like her, by raising money & awareness.

Greetings from Bodmin Moor

2007-04-18T13:51:00.000-07:00

We said our hurried goodbyes to the hostess at the B & B, as she was dashing off to the the Brownie Pantomime, and left St Brewards under a cloudless sky. The Moor was easy & well marked at first. Jill left Kenny & I at "King Arthur's Hall" which historians, like Jill, get enthused about but was just a pile of old stones to me. I was happy to go onwards & eastwards on my own but Kenny woudn't hear of it, and thank goodness he didn't. The footpath disappeared & just as we were wondering what to do next, this serious hiker (he had all the equipment, map case, compass, and two walking sticks!) appeared out of the mist & said"Are you lost?" He knew the Moor & we were glad of it. He guided us up & around "Brown Willy" at the pace of a mountain goat and we were on our way. We were fine for a while, until we started climbing into the mist when (according to the map) we shoudn't have. We were worried, it was 5pm & we needed "Two Sticks", but he was long gone. We climbed to the top, heard, then saw, the A30 & figured out where we were. We eventually arrived in Five Lanes at "The Kings Head" pub. Jill met us at the door, showered, refreshed & with a glass of wine in her hand.

The approach to Bodmin Moor...

2007-04-17T01:35:00.000-07:00

We left the warm & generous hospitality of Tregolls Farm, St Wenn, and set off along the "Camel Trail", a nice easy route to follow, very flat & very popular with cyclists. However, we had to walk it & it got rather boring after a few miles. The highlight, or should that be lowlight, of the day was being attacked by a couple of chickens, hell bent on eating our lunch. So we didn't get much of a rest & the last few miles was a steep hike up the hill to St.Brewards, our destination. This village is a really "happening" place: the Post Office cum Internet Cafe was a hub of activity where we got lot's of advice about getting over Bodmin Moor to Five Lanes. Ranging from a breezy "You'll be fine, just keep heading East, only 6 miles" to "I don't want to alarm you but the mist can come down at any moment & you have to watch out for the boggy marshes"...
Feeling rather alarmed, and keen not to think about it until the morning we headed even further up the hill to the pub - the highest Inn in Cornwall. It wasn't really worth the climb, really busy, average food & poor service. We should have got a take-away pizza from the Internet cafe (Friday's special )!

The first few days...

2007-04-12T11:31:00.000-07:00

Apparently, there's a man who owns the sign at Land's End and he takes it home with him every night! And he charges £9 to everyone who has their picture taken with it!! Anyway, after waiting for the man to arrive and erect his sign so she could have her pic taken, Carol set off on Sunday morning with Jill and Kenny.

On day one they walked the twelve or so miles along the South Coast from Land's End to Penzance. Day two took them along the tough coastal path to Helston, around seventeen miles. And day three covered Helston to Veryan. In Veryan they stayed at Broom Parc which, for those of you in the know, is where they filmed The Camomile Lawn - I'm told it's a 1980's TV program and a book! It's a very beautiful place to stay and they spent their first rest day here before walking the twenty miles from Veryan to St Wenn on day five.

Apart from some badly marked trails and new motorways that aren't on the map, everything's going fine. The weather is lovely and the scenery fantastic. And they're generating alot of interest from people wanting to know what they are walking for and asking about the t-shirts.

Once Carol gets to a computer she be able to update you all on some of the tales so far and hopefully upload some pictures!

Thanks for all your support!

2007-04-09T11:48:00.000-07:00

All the preperation over, Carol has finally set off! Joined by her sister Jill and brother in law Kenny, the trio have enjoyed some lovely weather over the first two days of their journey. Here's a picture of the group before they left for Lands End.

Carol will be adding to the blog whenever she gets the chance and will be adding some pictures of the journey. I'll also let you know about all the other fundraising events taking place whenever I have details, and keep you up-to-date about how much money we have raised.

If you would like to sponsor Carol on her walk use the following link: www.justgiving.com/sophiepollock

Thank you to everyone for all your help!

Have a look at the route map to see where Carol will be walking.