W-8 London

We knew and thought we had to practice walking .... ok we had been doing it for decades but maybe not 15 miles a day. Due to a happy coincidence we decided to see our daughter and walk around London. I am really not sure if concrete / tarmac hard surfaces are the best preparation for the longest walk of our lives but fundamentally it was a great day. Westminster Abbey was very interesting - over 3,000 people are buried there and its seems you have to be "someone" to get in - although not everyone mentioned is buried there e.g. Winston Churchill. Anyway after walking in London for a day my feet hurt - perhaps not perfect for the coast to coast but 19,000 steps must have done some good :-)

W-9 Are you mad

It's strange what reactions I am now getting at work when I mention we are having a walking holiday. Whilst many people are going to the beach, camping, the Med or even for a few, exotic destinations, no one but no one seems to be doing a walking holiday. Being different or eccentric is one thing but maybe this is a step too far: I am unique. The idea of getting away from the dreadfully depressing Brexit debates that seem to dominate the BBC is however wonderful. I cannot imagine we can fully escape it but the highlands of northern England must be one of the better places to escape to.

W-10 Reading

We have bought the maps (a stack of them) and a few books. I have just been reading the Julia Bradbury book - an easy read with lots of stunning photos. It does give you a good idea of the slog involved with small things like a chocolate bar being a deserved treat. I have to say crossing the bogs of the Pennines sounds like a right challenge but we can only wait and see. She has reminded me that I need a lot more walking socks: 2 pairs is naively optimistic

W-11

The big walk starts in 11 days.... a mere 11 days to buy the plasters, get the blister stuff and tone those muscles for the trek of a life time. Are we going in the driest month - No. Are we young and energetic - No but with a Churchillian spirit and the voice of Wainwright in our heads we are prepared. It may strain every limb and be a step too far BUT if you do not try, you do not succeed.