The month began with a bit of a bimble on the North Downs with the residents of Meresborough Village (where my good friend Estelle lives) who invited me to join them on their autumn walk. A gentle 5 or 6 miles across the North Downs finished with a pub lunch and a chance to chat to some of the serious walkers in the group. I heeded their advice and promised not to try to walk Striding Edge on my own when I went to Kendal and Mark, a seasoned walker, also suggested I read a copy of the Mountain Rescue report for the area whilst I was there. Not only would it support the Rescue team, it would also give me an insight into the most common injuries and accident hotspots.

Following on from my Kentish outing, I had a fantastic weekend in the Mendips walking around Cheddar Gorge. I first began walking in this area as a 5 year old and have always loved this part of the world. The weather was not great but the feral goats didn’t seem to mind sharing their shelter with me.

The high point for this month has to be my first visit to the Lake District. Although I only went out walking on one day it meant so much to me. The breathtaking beauty of the hills, the silence of walking in the clouds; where time and motion seem to stand still, and the warmth and friendliness of those I met out walking was overwhelming.

The thing is, now that I’ve started, I want to keep going. My challenge over the next month will be to find ways to continue walking. I’ve used up the last of my holiday time (until the New Year), have spent what little spare cash I had and am unsure as to how to keep walking and improving over the coming wet months. I discovered in the Lakes that my boots are not suitable for wet, soggy winter walking conditions but unless Santa brings a spare pair of 4 Season boots and some better waterproofs down the chimney with him I’m going to have to find a way to make do for now. Either that or leave subtle hints for my family, like open pages of catalogues left casually on the side or retelling vastly exaggerated stories of slipping and sliding on the high hills over festive dinners! But seriously, I do want to stay out there and so will have to look for suitable places to visit. I’m particularly keen to develop my sense of balance and confidence with descents as well so if anybody has any suggestions as to how I can do this over the winter months, let me know.

Physically, I’m doing O.K. Over the past 8 weeks I’ve actually lost a stone in weight which is fantastic. I’m feeling fitter, my feet are holding up and I’m enjoying the challenge of pushing my comfort zones in so many ways. On the emotional front I’ve had plenty of food for thought, the most poignant being the various discussions at Kendal about risk and the value of life. Although aimed at the climbing community many of the points raised could/should apply to hill walkers as well, like duty of care for those we choose to walk with, being responsible for our own safety and being able to say we’re not happy with something if we find we are our of our depth (er..shouldn’t that be height?). For me, it made me consider the feelings of my family and close friends who can’t understand why I want to go out walking in all weathers and on particularly large hills. It’s something they may never understand but the least I can do is assure them that when I do go out, I’m properly prepared not only with my kit but with knowledge and that I’m doing something that makes me happy. So I’m looking at taking a first aid course in the New Year. I’ll continue to build up my experience slowly, a step at a time (pun intended) and looking for willing mentors and guidance along the way. And I’ll keep talking to them (my family that is) and maybe one day they’ll come with me and experience the beauty and serenity of the hills that I’ve only just begun to discover.

So, roll on December…mince pies, mulled wine and walking in a winter wonderland….

All for now.

SG

Read or Post a Comment

<< Home