Sturdy Girl - Country Walking Magazine

Tiz The Season To Be Walking....

2007-12-06T06:34:00.000-08:00

Tra, la, la, la, la, etc , etc!

Hello there! Just when you thought I'd gone away - I'm back!!! But only to say a festive thank you to everybody who has helped and supported me over the past year. In particular I'd like to say thanks to my mum for putting up with my mad cap ideas and general whinging, my best mates Pat and Estelle for their never-ending belief in me, to Neil and Skinny and Cleveland Search and Rescue (I will get up there for some training next year), and last but not least to the lovely people at the Bardnaclavan Guest House in Fort William. I really appreciated their hospitality when I stayed with them on my Ben Nevis trip. Not only did they feed us well but they also offered me a wonderful welcoming hot bath when I came back from the mountain. If you're looking for somewhere to stay in the area you can't really go wrong - thanks guys.

So, I'm offering this early festive greeting as I'm about to jump on plane to the Canaries for a spot of diving and...wait for it......walking! In fact, I'm hoping to walk up a volcano!! Not only will it be amazing but it could well be the highest I've ever been before (except on the flight) and I may even have my first encounter with walking at altitude. Well......you didn't think I'd just sit on the beach now....did you?

Take care one and all and whatever your faith/belief/background, have a wonderful festive season and all the best for the coming New Year.

Sturdy :-)

Ain't No Mountain High Enough......

2007-09-23T11:42:00.000-07:00

Well...maybe there is one - or two...or three......but not Benny!

Did you think I was lost then?? Sorry for delay in posting this final entry but have been waiting to upload pictures from a water logged camera. 'Water Logged' you say - 'how so'. Well, true to form, when Sturdy takes to the mountains the rain clouds are sure to follow. And last Saturday was no exception!

It was a bright sunny morning and I and around 35 other walkers gathered in the garden of the Ben Nevis Inn for our safety briefing before heading off on our charity walk for Marie Curie Cancer Care. The mountain guides were very clear in their talk - if you don't have waterproofs - you're not going! I was really surprised at how many people had turned up with out them and were, in fact, wearing casual trousers or tracksuits and hardly seemed equipped for walking to the summit of Britain's highest mountain. So, while part of the group waited for friends and colleagues to return with waterproofs, I headed off with another part of group ready for the big walk. We started off at 10am - at 10.13 the rain started and stayed with us for the rest of the day! The leader maintained a good pace but one of the group found it hard to keep up so, in true, would be aspiring mountain leader style - and not being interested in a race, I walked with her and tried to help her make it to the half way point. The problem seemed to be over strained calf muscles but, together, we made it. But it was grim - windy, raining and cold. At the half way point we were given another 'pep' talk and reminded that from here-on-in, if one wanted to turn back, we all had to turn back. My companion to the half way point decided not to continue and I admire her for taking the decision. I and the others decided to continue our battle against the elements and slowly - very slowly - made our way towards the summit. The weather was appalling - the wind picked up to gale force, the cloud drop, the rain got heavier, the cold bit deep and when we finally made it to the top, at about 2.30pm, I really could care less! We could just about see each other, never mind anything else and we only remained there for a few minutes. Then began the long, slow trudge back down - rain beating in the face. At one point my hands were so cold I could just about hold onto my poles - but I wasn't let go of them for anything - at times these were the only thing that stopped me being blown over.

After 8 and a half hours I finally made it back to the Inn, where my mother was waiting with a big grin, a bowl of soup and better still - a nice warming whisky! Oh yes, and a DVD she'd bought me in the visitor centre of the Ben Nevis walk and the views you can see on a good day - if you're lucky!

I can honestly say this was the most challenging thing I've ever done - physically and emotionally - but I did it. Yes....I actually did it. And it was only because of the extreme weather conditions that it was such a battle - otherwise the training and preparation paid off.

So, mission accomplished! Only a year ago I'd never done any real hill-walking but since I took up the quest to become a proper 'hill-walker type' I've learnt about safety, first aid, navigation, environmental issues, scrambling and endurance. And I've met some fantastic people and had some real adventures. I'm fitter, happier and healthier and that's how I intend to stay. And I love the great outdoors!!

Ben Nevis really brought home the fact that I am not a mountaineer and a hard core hill-walker/climber. I'm interested in the beauty of the landscape, of walking in breathtaking places and in having fun with friends and family. Last weekend, despite the bad weather there were, apparently, about 500 people on the summit - it was like Piccadilly Circus - and that's not for me. In future, I'll be looking for those quieter, less-frequented hills and peaks that I can explore with Sean and Basil, Mum and Pat and others I meet on the way. And I'm gonna have adventures and I'm gonna be out there - but in my own time, in my own way and far away from the maddening crowds.

Thanks for following my journey - hope it's raised a smile and/or an eyebrow or too and I hope you find your own path on the hills. Take care, be happy and keep walking - I will be.

So, in the words of Bugs Bunny....'that's all folks'.
Sturdy

The Road Is Long.....

2007-09-12T04:38:00.000-07:00

With many a winding bend........or so they tell me!

Well folks - the hour of reckoning is fast approaching. Almost a year ago I was set a challenge - to become a 'proper Ben Nevis hillwalking type' within a year. Over the past months I've been to new and exciting places, developed vital skills, challenged myself physically and emotionally and learnt a lot about the wonders and pitfalls of hillwalking and also learnt a lot about myself. Despite the grumbles about occasional aches and pains I'm fitter than I've been for a long time and loving it! Since I began my training I've lost well over 3 stone and have gone from being a dress size 18-20 to 10-12. My energy levels are great and I've learnt to appreciate my own abilities as well as the wonders of the outdoors. But it's not over yet. On Saturday I will be facing my greatest physical and psychological challenge ever - to walk to the summit of Ben Nevis and back - safely and in daylight - and with every step I'll be helping to raise much needed funds for Marie Curie Cancer Care. I'm pleased to say I've raised just under £400 at the moment but would bring in a bit more so if you've a few pennies to spare you can log on to www.justgiving.com/sturdygirl and make a small donation - every penny helps.

My mum will be joining me on the trip up to Fort William. Needless to say, she won't be making the ascent with me but I know she'd love to if she could. Instead she'll be waiting at the bottom with a walking talkie grasped firmly in her mitts, patiently waiting for me to come back down - either that or she'll be off shopping somewhere and enjoying a leisurely lunch! Just make sure you've got a nice pint for me mum when I get back - and something yummy to eat. If any of you are in the area on Saturday why not say hello. I'll be leaving from the Ben Nevis Inn between 9.30am and 10am - hope to be back by 5pm - but more likely 8pm! I'll be finding a nice pub in the town later on as well. Tomcat will, I hope, be hanging around at home waiting to here if I've survived or not :-) and has promised a nice dinner and lots of TLC when I get back on Tuesday- although in reality what he means is we'll be jumping into a swimming pool as soon as I get back to practise his scuba diving skills! Cheeky monster. And in case you're wondering, Tomcat's real name is Sean and thanks to him and his beautiful dog I've been able to discover the wonders of my home county and have finally come to understand that I don't have to be an all singing/all dancing extreme sports nutter to find a companion who is happy to share some of my outdoor passions - I've learnt that it's O.K to stop every now and again and do nothing - I've found balance and a playmate to explore life's great adventure with - and we first met in the pouring rain on a walk around Hadleigh Castle - and if waterproofs don't put you off someone then it's got to be good!!!

So, what a year it's been. But, as I said, it's not over yet. It's time to face that mountain and step up to my final challenge. Wish me luck. I'll be writing one final blog next week when I get back, sharing memories, moments and hopes for the future - thanks for travelling with me so far - hope you've enjoyed the journey.

All for now.

Sturdy.

The Final Countdown....

2007-09-07T03:19:00.000-07:00

Leaving on a jet plane........

Yes, only a week to go and I'll be flying off to bonnie Scotland for my final challenge in my first stages of becoming a competent, happy hillwalker and head for the summit of Ben Nevis.

August was a bit of a wash out what with weather, family commitments and an extreme lack of real walking but I was able to keep up the general fitness and think I'm ready for next week- I think it's going to be more of a mental battle. Mind you, having said that, I've been having bad pains in my hip joint (left side) for a couple of weeks now - I know I've just had a birthday but come on.....I'm too young for that.......aren't I!!! As such, been taking it easy this week - resting up before a final boost next week before the big walk. So I haven't been out doing much for the past month but my friend Pat has - and boy did she go for it.

'Hi, I'm Sturdy Girl's friend Pat-from-Somerset. Last week another friend and I did a three-day 36.5 mile walk called the Coleridge Way. This is a newish trail, based on a walk that the poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge did from his cottage in Nether Stowey to Porlock. It's a fabulous route, going through the Quantocks (England's first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), then the less well-known Brendon Hills and finishing in Exmoor National Park. We printed off a brilliantly detailed itinerary and map and found it easy to follow, particularly as little quill-feather symbols appear on all the signposts. It's a reasonably tough walk due to lots of long ascents, but we were really lucky with the weather. Thanks to Sturdy Girl's advice I was properly equipped with good boots, lightweight walking trousers and especially comfortable socks. I even used a borrowed walking pole in some places to get me over uneven ground and a few streams. Another bit of SG's advice also proved invaluable, namely to carry a pack of nuts, seeds and raisins for much-need energy boosts throughout the day. We even remembered to do some stretching exercises before getting into the car at the end of the walk each day. I'm no spring chicken (next year I'll get the bus-pass), and at the end of the final walking day I vowed "never again!", but within 24 hours I was starting to wonder where my next long-distance trail might lead. I'd never before done three consecutive days of walking, so physically it was hard, it was sometimes painful (a blister, a dodgy knee episode, a couple of rather scary slips and three twisted ankles), and totally exhausting, but emotionally it's chock full of satisfaction, excitement and, I must confess, more than a little smugness. I did it! Thanks, Sturdy Girl, for your encouragement and support.'

Well done Pat and Rachel - proud of you both.

As my little blog is nearing it's end (sob!) and love to know if my mini adventures and/or insights have made any difference to you - why not drop me a line - I'd love to hear your story.

And don't forget - it's not too late to sponsor my efforts next week - all funds raised will go to Marie Curie Cancer Care and you can donate at: www.justgiving.com/sturdygirl.

All for now.

Sturdy

Where's Sturdy??

2007-08-27T10:35:00.001-07:00

Did you miss me???!!!!!

Sorry folks, been without my computer for the past week. Bet you thought I'd got lost somewhere! Chance would be a fine thing!!! Sadly, still haven't been able to get out anywhere exciting to walk. It's strange isn't it how life can change in such simple ways yet they can have such a large impact on different things. Until a little while ago I had no commitments or real reason to keep me at home and so I used to be out there all the time - nothing and no one to stop me - apart from a shortage of cash every now and again! But as the year has moved on and I've met different people and done different things I find that I'm now leading a more balanced, some would say normal life - which is good......but......I want to be out there walking! It seems ages since I've really been out on the hills. The weather this weekend has been great and I've been doing some brilliant things and having a good time but I've not been out on the hills and it feels as though I've missed out. I know that how I've chosen to spend my time is, in the long term, more important, but it would have been nice to have been out somewhere like the Lakes, or the Peaks, or the Downs, or anywhere really. I have just been for a nice walk around Langdon Hills but it's not quite the same now is it!

On a more positive note, I'm obviously having a good affect on some of you, including my best mate Pat down in Somerset. You know, the one I keep dragging into things. She called the other day to tell me that she's about to undertake a 3 day, 35 mile walk with another of my friends. It sounds like a fantastic route and I'm soooo envious of them. Sorry I can't be there with you. They've promised to give me a full account and I'll pass on the highlights to you when they come back. I'm so pleased for them, especially for Pat as this is the sort of thing she would never have dreamed of doing just a short time ago!!! Go for it girls.

Last week I officially became a volunteer walking leader for 'Walking Your Way To Wellness' - a council run scheme to encourage those leading a sedentary lifestyle to take to the great outdoors. Especially those who may feel excluded, such as those with health problems, feel they may be too old or too large or those who don't want to go out on their own. This is something I feel really passionate about as I know the difference walking has made to me, and if I can help others to discover that joy and some of the health benefits I have gained then it's more than made my journey worthwhile.

It's only 3 weeks now until I go to Ben Nevis and I'm really starting to worry that I've let things slip a bit. I have no doubt that I can do it but it's going to be a struggle. Interestingly enough it's probably going to be more of psychological struggle at the moment than a physical one. And then what? Once I've 'been there, done that'? Well, I'm not going to give up walking but at least then perhaps I can feel as though I can relax a little.

So, the ultimate challenge is almost upon me. If you'd like to help support Marie Curie and help encourage poor sturdy as she takes on Ben you can log onto: www.justgiving.com/sturdygirl and make an online pledge. Every penny counts and come on....you know I'll be suffering!!!

All for now.

Sturdy

Tell Me Why.....

2007-08-13T06:17:00.001-07:00

I don't like Mondays..???!!!

What a great song that was - and so true. I mean, who does - like Monday's that is!

Another quiet weekend I'm afraid with no real walking. I could fib and tell you I've been to the Peaks, the Lakes or the Downs but I'm afraid that would be telling a big fat porky lie and that's one thing I don't do! I guess it's like that for a lot of us walkers - the urge to get out and do it is always there but the practicalities of everyday life often get in the way - ho hum. Still, did get to help demolish a fence and dig some post holes so that was good exercise - and we had a bouncy castle to play on afterwards. It's true what they say, you never are too old to storm a bouncy castle!!! Went for a gentle walk on Sunday around Maldon and Rettendon which was very relaxing.

Gosh, to think in 5 weeks time I would have been to and, hopefully, conquered Ben Nevis. Scary stuff! Just been in the gym pounding away at the cross trainer and really do need to sort out at least one decent walk over the next few weeks. Think I might head back to my trusty Cheddar Gorge, drag Pat out and head for the hills. Sounds like a plan to me - just not sure when!

As I'm nearing my challenge I can look back over the past few months and consider the may things I've learnt, the people I've met and the physical and psychological changes that I've undergone. I've lost around 3 stone or more and am now a size 10/12 (unless trying to squeeze into a wetsuit!), am holding steady at 10st (but hope to lose a bit more) and am more confident on the hills and paths. I've learnt a lot about myself and about others and know that I'm not the same person now as I was in October last year. And all for the better! I really do love my walking and know that when my initial quest is over, a new one will begin. Next week I take some basic training as a walking leader - and then....who knows! I seem to prefer walking in the cooler autumn/winter months as I don't fair too well in extreme heat so guess some winter walking skills will be called for - and then a trip to the Cairngorms. Tomcat and I hope to do a couple of days wild camping over the winter so if anybody has any ideas of where/what/how etc please do let me know.

Not much going on this week other than the usual training. I'm working some extra hours this week so doing 12 hour days means I'm not going to have much energy for anything else - but it's my birthday on Thursday, so I'm sure I'll muster up some energy for a celebration walk - even if it's only to the pub!!!

Thanks for the emails I'm getting, it's really nice to hear your stories and if my little challenge can help inspire others or make a few people laugh then that's great as that was my hope!

I'll let you know when I've got my next proper walk planned and if you're in the area, maybe you could come along and join me!

Right - back to 'The Fellwalker' - it's just getting to the really interesting part. Mind you it does start to make you wonder about these national park types that want to take you walking in high places....Neil!!!! (just kidding). Good book to pass the time but don't read it alone on the hills.......

All for now.

Sturdy.

Kinder Surprise...!!!

2007-08-10T01:29:00.000-07:00

And the surprise is.......I'm not going :-(

Just a little disappointed. Er - understatement of the year! Sadly, family matters have intervened and Tomcat and I are unable to make our great escape to the Peaks this weekend and, to be honest, I'm at a bit of a loss as to what to do. Last weekend I managed to get out for a nice country stroll but nothing like the kind of distance or terrain I need to be doing at the moment. I also spent a lot of time mucking around under and on water - and as it was so hot, that probably wasn't a bad thing.

But it's only 5 weeks until I go to Ben Nevis and I'm starting to worry - just a little. Really must try and get some decent walking in but it can be hard sometimes, can't it; finding the balance between spending time with loved ones/family and dealing with the grind of daily life and getting out on the hills. I may be able to get out along my 'usual' route this weekend but if I'm honest, I'm also not that keen on doing it alone - but hey, needs must. Think I've become spoilt recently with having company - I've lost my solitary ways - but that's probably a good thing :-)

On a positive note, I've been invited to become a walking leader for the local council (see earlier blogs) and will be taking my training soon. Once completed I'll be able to lead short walking sessions for the elderly and those with medical conditions such as heart problems, arthritis, pain management etc. It's not exactly hard core mountaineering but it's a vital service, makes people happy and gets them out of doors. And I'll get a nice fleece and rucksack as well!!!! My mum is going to be my back up leader and will be taking the training as well - should be interesting!

So, for now it's keeping on at the gym, taking the stairs whenever and wherever I can and trying to arrange some proper walking before I reach the ultimate challenge of my quest on September 15th.

If anybody has any tips about tackle The Ben please do let me know - I'm going to need all the encouragement I can get!!!!

All for now.

Sturdy

Over The Hills And Far Away.......

2007-08-02T08:21:00.000-07:00

Er...actually...no......was at home this weekend.....

But oh how I long to be on those hills. It's torture at the moment, having to learn to balance home life and the urge to be free and wild on the rugged summits. But at least I managed to get in some new experiences in July - the highlight of which had to be walking Striding Edge. I say walking...it was more like crawling, floundering, balancing etc, but it was good. Apparently, despite my earlier protestations, it looks like I may be persuaded to go up Sharp Edge after all...we'll see!!!!

It suddenly dawned on me that it's only about 6 weeks until I go to Ben Nevis - the ultimate challenge in my quest to become a Hill walker. The past 9 months have been amazing. I've been to some great places, met some wonderful people, developed good skills - especially navigation and lost loads of weight. I feel fitter, generally happier(yes mum....really!!!) and love being out on the hills. I've also matured emotionally and am learning to balance my hobby/passion with everyday life which, for me, is quite difficult. Maybe because I've spent too much time on my own or maybe because I just can't believe there are others out there to share it with. And do you know, that's probably the biggest realisation I've made recently....yes, I can go walking on my own, I can look after myself, be aware and safe and I can be miss independent sturdy girl...but you know what. I don't really want to be. I'll go on my own if I have to, don't get me wrong, but I've finally realised that I want company - good friends and conversation, quite times and after thoughts - to be shared with others. And that is really hard for me to admit. But there it is. When I was in Somerset I used to walk with a small group of friends and we called ourselves the Amblers. We covered the distances but took our time and enjoyed the scenery, the history and the atmosphere of the places we walked in. So 'The Amblers' is about to be re-born - watch this space for more over the coming months.

I'm glad to know that I have some regular readers out there and that in my own small way I seem to have given you the inspiration to get out amongst the hills. I love hearing your stories and they help to keep me motivated as well so please keep on emailing. Carla, let me know how your training is going - I'd love to know. I've even managed to inspire my good friend Pat it seems. I had an email this week telling me about an amazing walk she did around Cheddar Gorge - twice in the same day. Now that's something she wouldn't have done on her own a little while ago so good on on you Pat. Look forward to walking the route with you next time I'm down your way - which I hope will be soon.

I'm still hoping to go to the Peak District next weekend so should get some good walking in then. In the meantime, I'm slogging away in the gym, enjoying gentle evening walks with the dog and generally trying to enjoy life and our feeble summer.

This coming weekend I'm going to be playing around underwater again but hope to get out for a nice walk locally on Sunday - certainly hope so, starting to get a bit stir-crazy with not being out walking!!!!!

Am also passing the time away by reading 'The Fell Walker' by Michael Wood - interesting read and kinda making me want to make a trip to Keswick - then again, maybe not......!!!!!

All for now.

Sturdy

It's Raining Again......

2007-07-25T09:19:00.001-07:00

Oh no, my walks at an end.......!!!!

Well, what can I say. A sorry state we're all in that's for sure. My thoughts are with those of you affected by the flooding and hope you and your families are safe. Needless to say, walking and camping plans are a bit on hold at the moment and I don't know about you but these grey skies and wet days are really starting to get to me. Here's hoping it dries up soon and we can all get out and about again and those in the worst affected areas can start to re-build their daily lives and reclaim their homes.

Strangely enough, I spent most of Saturday underwater! I finally got around to taking my scuba review. I used to teach but haven't been in the water for years. Couldn't fight the urge any more though and took the plunge - quite literally. All went well and I'm back in the scuba frame of mind. Interestingly enough, just noticed that it's possible to dive in Wast Water and Coniston up in the Lake District so should be able to combine a bit of hillwalking and a dive or two next time I head up that way! It's also another way of keeping fit and making sure I've a nice balance of interests in my life. For some reason my mum and friends thought I was become a bit obsessive with the walking thing....don't know what they were on about :-)

Definitely getting fidgety though and have an urge to go for a good long walk this weekend. Am scanning the route cards to see where I can head off to. Maybe up towards Walton-On-The Naze in my home county or possibly over to Kent or even Sussex - we'll see. Have postponed planned trip to Kinder for a couple of weeks - I understand it's boggy up there at the best of times so think we'd be more in store for a swim than a walk if we went now!!

Now you might not think it but my training is, generally, going well. I might not be doing the obsessive walking disorder bit but I'm still in the gym 3 times a week, out walking (gently) in the evenings, plus a walk or cycle or swim (or all three) at the weekends. I'm down to 10stone which is brilliant! Only another half a stone or possibly a stone to go and I would have reached my personal goal. So come on Ben Nevis, I'm ready for you.....I hope! Only a few weeks to go now. Sorting out flights and accommodation. Mum is coming with me but I won't be dragging her up the mountain. Strangely enough - she wants to do some more scrambling! Think we can arrange that one mum!! And talking of scrambling, seems I might be doing Sharp Edge after all - but only because I've been promised ropes, safety equipment and the company of Search and Rescue chaps - so what could possibly go wrong???!!!!

Would still like to hear from you if you've been up Kinder Scout and have any top tips, or Ben Nevis - nothing like learning from the experience of others.

Off to party now with work colleagues - it's supposed to be a summer party so, of course, we've got our brollies and warm jumpers!!

Hope you are all well.

All for now.

Sturdy.

Straddling Edge....

2007-07-16T04:36:00.000-07:00

Yes....I know that should be Striding - but Striding I wasn't.....!!!!

Just got back from a fab weekend in the Lake District. Despite the 9 hour drive up there on Friday (don't you just love the M6), it was worth the wait as not only did the rain seem to ease for while, so we only had constant drizzle instead of torrential downpours, but I got to achieve a dream, conquer a fear or two and have a great time thanks to the expert guidance and general cheekiness of Will4Adventure - the company I booked with for a two day scrambling course.

On day one we met at the campsite and was greeted by the friendly smile and early morning humour of Will. The rest of the group soon assembled and I was delighted to find we numbered 10, plus 2 assistants and the group leader. At first I was seriously worried that I was out of my league but as I started to talk to others in the group I realised that we were all pretty similar and that few had done this sort of thing before. It was quite windy so we headed off a little later and hoped for the best as we slowly made our way to the summit.

The pace going up was brilliant. Nobody was made to feel uncomfortable, rest stops were short but frequent and the general feeling was of a relaxed walk with a group of friends - such a change to the Navigation course! The winds were still gusting strongly towards to Edge and it was touch and go as to whether or not we would try it but, after a short break and some top class homemade fruit cake care of Will's girlfriend, we decided to give it a go. Other groups were ahead of us and apart from making it look like Piccadilly circus, the cynic in me though, oh well, we can watch them to see if they get blown off first! Will opted to take the lower path, rather than the ridge, and I always find if an instructor takes this option, it has to be for a reason, so me and one other followed him and took the lower, safer(!) path, which was a bit challenging in it's own right. The others, adrenaline fueled (and probably sugar fueled as well after the cake and flapjack) went for the top. The winds actually seemed to die down and so about a 1/3rd of the way along I took deep breath and went for it, traversing up onto the ridge with the others. The assistant leaders were great and talked me through bits and I only dropped to my knees on two occasions when the wind picked up a bit and even ended up straddling the ridge for a while, whilst I figured out which way to move next! I was terrified but in a good way!! To our right was a sheer drop, the the left the footpath so there was always a way off - one good, the other not so good :-) At the end of the ridge, whether you've followed the footpath or not, there is some down climbing to do, which is always more difficult, and then a scramble up to the summit. I found the down climbing challenging and exhilarating but would have preferred to have had my climbing harness on, or at least a helmet. It's these moments that bring home the risks involved with scrambling and I did wonder whether it was really worth it. But with a big grin on my face we got down safely and made our way up the final scramble which wasn't anywhere near as bad as it looked and onto the summit. Standing on Hellvelyn, looking back at the Edge before it disappeared in the mist, I felt elated and pleased that I'd done it. I was also standing at my highest point so far in my walking career. Sadly, the mists closed in and the winds picked up so not much of a view and we were almost blown off of our feet a couple of times on the way down. A truly fantastic days walking with some lovely people and another personal challenge met.

Sitting in the pub later that night with the group, enjoying a fantastic salad and a pint of Speckled Hen I had another one of those self realisation moments. I enjoyed the scramble, and I'm glad I fulfilled the dream of walking along Striding Edge but would I go out of my way to plan a scrambling walk? Er.....no! When I booked on the course earlier in the year it was for a number of reasons, one of them being that I thought I wanted to be this hard-core, mountaineering Joe Simpson type hill walker - no fear, no limits etc. It's taken a few moments like this to realise that I'm not these things, and I don't want to be. I'm happy to take calculated risks when need be and I'm certainly up for adventure, but I'm not going to go out of my way to add high risk 'thrills' to my walks. The thrill for me is in enjoying nature, the views and landscape and pushing myself physically and mentally but in a relaxed and fun way. Striding Edge was fine, the scramble I did with my mum and friend in Wales - brilliant. Will I be standing on Sharp Edge - don't think so.

On the second day Will had planned another Grade 1 scramble near Coniston but I knew my head and heart weren't in it - too many other things on my mind about home life and also the realisation that I'm not a hardcore mountaineer and so I opted out. I did feel like a wuss but knew I'd made the right choice as, like most things, if your head isn't in it mistakes often happen, and that's not good when scrambling. It's certainly no reflection on the course which I would highly recommend to anyone that wants to have a go at scrambling in a safe, controlled way - Will and his team are brilliant and I can't recommend them highly enough. And affordable too - only £25 for the weekend - you can't get better than that now, can you?!

Before heading home early, I enjoyed a couple of hours walking around Sweden Bridge, High Pike and Low Pike just outside of Ambleside and made the most of the rare appearance of the sun - and boy was it hot. Then headed home for what turned into another 7 hour epic drive - ho hum.

So, thanks to Will4Adventure for the experience - you can find details on this course and all others, including the very popular and unique 'Fear Of Heights' course at http://www.will4adventure.com/

This weekend I'm off for some water based fun and my best friends 40th birthday party but hope to get in a couple of evening walks and then, in a couple of weeks time, Tomcat and I are planning an adventure to the Peak District, planning our own course and practising navigation at the top of Kinder Scout. If you've been up there and have any tips, let us know!

Hope you've all had a good weekend. All for now.

Sturdy.

2007-07-10T03:10:00.000-07:00

Summertime...and the living is easy.....so is the walking!

Had a quiet weekend this week, still recovering from the wet and cold of last week really. I never actually believed those sort of 'urban myths' about aching joints once you've had an injury but with the damp weather we've been having I can assure you - it's true! My ankle has been really playing up - but, musn't grumble - just give it a massage and get on with it - worst thing would be to give in to it.

Was scanning through Internet pages and magazines at the weekend with my walking pal, Tomcat, and we've decided we need to make a 'hit list' of the places we want to visit. In the Lakes, for example, there are so many peaks we'd like to do - over time of course - and I suggested we started with the lowest and worked our way up as we improve. Tomcat thought differently and made the very valid, if not slightly depressing thought that we should start at the top and work our way down, that way as we get older and can't manage the bigger hills we'll still have plenty of nice places to walk! A cunning plan but think we have a few good years left in us yet - we're only in our 30s!!!!

Went for a lovely relaxing evening walk around the River Chelmer on Sunday evening. It was a lovely day and a beautiful evening. Quiet river banks, people out boating and a lovely lock to stop at and enjoy a beer (that's what I call a well packed rucksack!). Beautiful, peaceful, enjoyable. And with the weather so good we couldn't resist heading home for a BBQ and guess what - no sooner had we got the food on, the heaven's opened. Typical! Oh well, at least it was nice whilst we were walking.

This Friday I'm off to Ambleside and the Lakes for a weekend scrambling course. Should be fun and an experience going along Striding Edge and Hellvelyn with a group. Will try to take lots of pictures to share with you - provided I'm not too busy holding on to a large rock and screaming "get me off of here!" - likelihood of this happening - er - minimal I hope!!!!

Hope you're all out on the hills, vales and dales and making the most of the breaks in the weather. Thanks for those who have dropped me a line to tell me about your experiences and goals etc. I love hearing from you and will try to respond to you all. You can email me at Sturdy_girl@hotmail.co.uk If you've been up Ben Nevis and have any tips - let me know as I think I'll need all the help I can get :-)

All for now.

Sturdy

Show Me The Way To Go Home....

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

I'm tired and I want to go to bed........

What a weekend! Headed off from London on Friday night to the depths of Wales for a weekend Navigation course at Plas-Y-Brenin. My train dropped me at Llandudno Junction at 7pm and I then had to amuse myself until 9.30pm when the mini bus picks up from the station. Can't complain - it's a free service from the centre and I took the time out to call home and read through my navigation books.

Needless to say, the weather in Wales was like everywhere else - wet, windy and wild. The course began in Saturday morning with a brief intro and overview and then we donned the waterproofs - or as it turned out - not so water proofs - and headed on to the mountain where we spent 7 hours walking around learning how to match details on a map with 'real' features in the landscape. It was interesting to see how this course differed to the one I took last year on the Preseli Mountains. With this course the emphasis was on map interpretation, on the previous course the emphasis was on compass work - which I actually found more useful. Yes, if your on a mountain or hilly area then using the landscape and map can work very well, but on featureless, low lying terrain such as moors or even forest, it's the compass that is going to work best - but what do I know! Anyway, the day was spent meandering around the hillside, spotting features, finding tick marks and even an occasional game of treasure hunt. We stopped briefly for lunch and the 7 of us in the group huddled into the emergency shelter which was like a small piece of heaven when, for a few minutes, we were out of the wind and rain. This excellent piece of kit is a bit like a small tent but without a door, which just pulls over the top of those inside - a bit like a giant breathable bag. Nifty bit of kit to keep in the rucksack and they come in different sizes - made by Mountain Equipment I believe.

Windswept and soaked through we made our way back to the centre for 5pm for much needed tea and cakes before our end of day briefing - which actually turned into a planning session for the second day's route. We were given a starting reference and a finishing point and how we got there was up to us! We were shown how to work out distance and time, plan escape route, allow for uphill/downhill variants and how to look for tick marks and pointers on the way. Together we devised a 6 hour trek taking in a 805m summit.

The evening was spent enjoying a lovely 3 course dinner, followed by a lecture on winter climbing in Scotland. I once had the idea I'd like to try some winter climbing - now, strangely enough, I don't feel the same urge! Wouldn't mind walking around some snow covered glens though - but will be quite happy to look up at the mountains from below!

Sunday morning - kit had dried off - well, most of it, and off we went again. I'd bought a Garmin Gecko GPS a couple of days before so took that out with me as well just to see what it came up with. Rule number 1 - don't turn it on until you are ready to navigate! It tracked a lovely straight line for the van journey from the centre to the start point! The day looked as though it might be better as we started out hood less and in almost sunlight. Silly thought, within 20 minutes it had started to rain again and that was about our lot for the rest of the walk. The winds were stronger as well which made the rain, at times, feel like hailstones - an impromptu facial on the mountains - lovely!

All along the route we were given things to look out for, learnt how to spot changes in landscape and became quite good at matching contour lines to real physical features but, to be honest, it wasn't a fun walk. For near enough 6 hours we were on the go with only a few short breaks here and there. The other members of the group were fairly seasoned hillwalkers and all seemed to enjoy the route march approach to the day and, if I'm honest, I'd have to say I struggled to keep up, especially going down hill, and I ended up in the bog more times than I care to mention - on one occasion up to my knee. I could still laugh about it but it wasn't the best fun I'd had on a walk. If you'd ask me to describe anything about the place we walked I couldn't tell you - and that's not just because of the weather. And what didn't help was that I'd forgotten my custom insoles for my boots so by the end of the second day my feet and my ankle had ceased to communicate with me! Towards the end of the route we were all beginning to get a bit grouchy and the words, "get us off of here" were muttered more than once. Boy was I glad to get back and have a hot shower before more tea and cakes and then decamping to Betws-Y-Coed.

The weather and the dynamics of the group made it a challenging weekend for me. One of the members seemed to be on his own little mission and was forever charging ahead and on the second day we were all getting a bit fed up with trying to figure out where he was - our little mountain goat! By Sunday night I could easily have jumped on a train and headed home, but no, that would be too easy......

Monday morning and, guess what, more rain. Almost had a sense of humour failure last night when I arrived at Swallow Falls Youth Hostel to find a mistake had been made with my booking. It seems the person who took the booking, months ago, had left. I took a big breath and calmly if not a little shakily muttered "I really don't care if she's left or not, I've been on a mountain for 6 hours in the rain and wind, I'm cold and tired and I have a confirmation of booking - please sort this out!". 30 minutes later and I was in a warm, dry room - thankfully. What I hadn't realised is that Swallow Falls is 2 miles outside of the town with limited bus facilities to dinner was to be had in the adjacent pub/hotel. My mobile phone hadn't been able to pick up a signal since I had arrived on Friday night and I so wanted to be able to talk to loved ones back home that, yes, I was starting to get a little grumpy - can't you tell! Raiding pockets for all available change I tried to ring home but couldn't get through to those I wanted to reach, so at 8pm I gave up and, wait for it.....went to bed! I was knackered!!!! But I was here to get some practise in for Ben Nevis and so made the resolve to get up and get out on to Snowdon itself. I'd been warned that there was strong winds and that I may not get to the summit - but I was going to try.

I filed my walking plan with my mum and the hotel and headed off by Sherpa Bus at10am. Excellent system the Sherpa's. £4 for an all day ticket which links you from the main towns around Snowdon and, therefore, the main routes. Brilliant. I headed off from Pen-Y-Pass and took the Pyg track up. Now I'm guessing this isn't called this because of the cute four-legged creatures that may have used it - I think it's because it is a pyg of a track. The weather was O.K and for a change it wasn't raining. I even managed to get the camera out. I wasn't quite expecting the track to be as craggy as it was and found the steps up quite hard work but it was worth it as the views opened out and I looked down the lakes and the Miner's track below. As I proceed up the track the weather began to worsen and the rain came in again - surprise surprise, but I was O.K. There were a few moments when I thought about the 'what ifs' as I was walking on my own and did stop to think about those I'd left at home and how they might be feeling......

2/3rds of the way up I turned to look behind me at what had been a fantastic view to see a huge wall of greyness heading towards me. Within a couple of minutes the mist had surrounded the mountain and visibility was poor. I stopped. Pulled out the flask and took a seat. I was at the junction of the Pyg Track and the Miner's track. It was time to make a decision. I could push to the summit, about another 40 minutes walk in these conditions, and then have to race back down to get the bus, or I could turn back now. As I drank some tea and snacked on dried fruit I started to shiver - not good. My feet ached and I really did wonder what the point would be of going to the top other than to say I'd done it. What I really wanted was to be able to share that moment with someone special - one of my friends, family or loved ones that I'd left at home and so you know what - I decided not to do it. To wait for another day when I had one of my chosen chums with me, when the weather was better and when I could enjoy the moment fully. And so I chose to head down. With an elusive mobile phone signal I rang mum and told her of the change of route and peered into the fog at the steep path I had to descend. I did feel a bit feeble when a group of school kids trotted past me on their way to the top - and an American couple in jeans and trainers but then I thought - "so what, I'm actually not enjoying this and if I drop into the valley at the bottom I'll be able to see more, take some pictures and enjoy the walk - and that's what it's about" - and that's what I did. It took about 20 minutes for me to descend to the waterfall at the bottom of the steep section and then the rest of the path was easy going. The sun did make an appearance and it was quite something being able to look up at the mountain ridges where I had been walking earlier and from where I looked down on the lakes. Now I was walking beside the crystal clear (and freezing cold) water. And I enjoyed the rest of the walk back. I was out for about 4 hours and it even stopped raining long enough for me to dry off before getting the bus back. A nice day and I learnt something about myself. That I'm not the rufty tufty would-be Joe Simpson type mountaineer I thought I wanted to be. I'm just me - I love the mountains and walking and being out and about but, to be perfectly honest, I'm looking forward to another beautiful, peaceful walk around Maldon as much as I am my next trip to the mountains. It surprised me to discover this about myself. And that I was actually thinking about those I'd left at home who care about me and worry about me when I'm out - and that it's O.K if I'm not a hardened death defying climber/mountaineer type. I guess you could say that in the fog on Snowdon I saw clearly what really matters to me.....

Couldn't wait to get home on Tuesday - the thought of a hot bath and home cooked food was wonderful. What wasn't so wonderful was the £65 it cost me to get an earlier train home - but the end result was worth it - every penny. It may sound strange and to those who know me this will come as a bit of a surprise...but for the first time in a long time I actually wanted to be home......and that's something quite special :-)

My mission for this weekend was accomplished - I hve gained a greater understanding of navigation and feel confident about heading out, and I've been able to gauge how my training is coming on for Ben Nevis. It's going to be a challenging - but I'm convinced I can do it. Must remember my insoles though.......

So, a bit of a rest this weekend. I'm picking up a newer car and will be putting it through it's paces next weekend when I drive to Ambleside for a scrambling course.

All for now.

Sturdy.

All Washed Up

2007-06-26T08:22:00.000-07:00

It's raining again, oh no my walks at an end........

Well, actually, didn't even get to start out on one! What a weekend and what a week it's proving to be - terrible.

Had hoped to get out for the day on Sunday but with the heavy rain didn't think it was fair to drag my poor old mum out in her boots and waterproofs and, to be honest, didn't quite fancy it myself so actually had a quiet weekend checking over kit, looking longingly through magazines and looking ahead to this coming weekend and my trip to Snowdon. Can't wait! Two day navigation course then a day and a half to explore beautiful Betwys y Coed and hopefully bimble up to the summit of Snowdon itself.

Did finally buy a mountain bike at the weekend - a secondhand one that I can trundle around on when I'm not walking - I'm told it's excellent cross-training and will help protect my Achilles heal which is still playing up every now and again!

Er....not much else I can say for now - didn't do anything exciting to tell you about at the weekend - well, not to do with walking anyway :-)

Leaving on a jet plane - no, sorry, slow train, Friday night for Wales - all being well will post an update on my adventures mid-week next week when I'm home. If there's no post by Friday......help.....I'm lost on a mountain!!!!!!

All for now.

Sturdy

Mooving Moments.....

2007-06-20T13:12:00.000-07:00

Sunshine and adventures in Somerset....

What a wild few days we all seem to have had - torrential rain, hot sunshine, brilliant sunsets and gray evenings! Tomorrow will be the longest day and I'm hoping that the weather will give us a break so we can get out and make the most of the light evening - fingers crossed.

At the weekend I headed down to Somerset to go walking with my friend Pat. We had thought about walking our 'usual' route - up and over Cheddar Gorge, up to Burrington and back again, but we were both feeling a bit tired, it was sticky and muggy so we decided to try something different and opted for two or three shorter walks in an area we had not really explored. So OS map in hand we jumped in the car and headed over to Weston-Super-Mare to take a circular tour of Weston Woods. The leafy canopies of Oak and Hazel offered much longed for shade from the sun and there was a lovely ambience as we headed towards the the site of the iron age hill fort - now sadly covered in shrubs, nettles and ferns. I have to confess I was not on top form (and it wasn't due to the party the night before!) and soon abandoned the trusty compass for the 'let's just head this way and see what happens' attitude. It worked! With clear paths (and a disabled route) it was easy to explore the woods and find our way back to the car with little concern for getting truly lost. In fact, Pat and I felt, and probably looked, a bit overdressed with our rucksacks, maps and 'serious' walking kit compared to the families and older walkers enjoying the paths!!!

It was so hot that we took a leisurely lunch at a farm store looking out over Sandy Point, Brean Down and the glistening coastal waters and mud flats. Quite lovely really. But refreshed and raring to go(!) we headed over to Brean Down for a swift climb up onto the Down and an exploration of the Napoleonic Fort and other historical sites which are dotted around the area. We did get caught in a couple of light showers but thankfully nothing as serious as we feared as at one point the sky on the horizon was so dark it was like night-fall! If you've never been to Brean it's a lovely spot and I'd highly recommend it if you like beautiful cliffs, roman and military history. Parking is easy and there's a brilliant cafe at the bottom that does the best vanilla ice-cream!!!

Now you're probably thinking 'hold on a second - this isn't hill walking' - and you're right - it wasn't - but it was fun and it was interesting and maybe, just maybe, Sturdy is beginning to realise that you don't have to be a hard core, go and get 'em mountaineer type to be taken seriously as a walker and that it's actually quite nice to take it easy, stroll around and play it by ear a little - no route marches, no schedules, just good company, good sites and enjoying nature and our beautiful countryside. Hmm....maybe it's all these gentle walks I've been taking at home in Essex - mellowing the Sturdy Girl and making her question her motives, her preconceptions of places and open her eyes a little. Maybe! Then again, maybe I'm just being a little lazy.......... Have any of you undergone a similar process of awakening with regards to walking - I'd love to know - why not leave a comment or email me to let me know!

But the major event of the weekend has to be overcoming one of my greatest fears and breaking through the Wuss factor - Cows! Driving back to Pat's house Sunday morning we were surprised to find a large cow walking down the road towards us, heading to the main road. In the house Pat made some phone calls to local farmers who were heading over to take control. Lovely. So there I am doing the washing up, Pat is outside tidying the garden when suddenly, though the window I heard the muttered gasp "It's in the garden!!" Yep, our wayward cow had wandered back up the lane and into Pat's garden. And this is when it turned really surreal - there we were - Sturdy and Pat trying to calm a distressed cow in the garden and stop it going back onto the road. Pat went back to call the farmers again who promised to be with us in 5 minutes and there I was....alone.....with a cow....a large distressed cow with a messy bum...in a garden....in Glastonbury. If only the camera had been working! Well, they do say that the best way to conquer your fear is to face it - and I was certainly doing that. When the farmers did eventually turn up I was herding poor old Daisy towards the roadblocked lane and back into her field. The legs had stopped shaking, the breathing had returned to almost normal but the washing I'd had out was destined for another wash after she'd drooled all over it during her stay!!! No more will cows feature on the Wuss factor for me!

It's only 12 weeks now until I go to Ben Nevis and I really do have to get my act together - not just with walking but with planning in general. I'm now going to the gym at work 3 times a week, I've completed a novice climbing course, which is great fun, and I'm out in the fresh air as much as possible. In a couple of weeks time I'm off to Snowdonia for a navigation course and a walk up Snowdon, then in July I'm going scrambling and in August, all being well, I'll be spending some time with Cleveland Search and Rescue finding out first hand just what the team have to go through with their training!!!

I'm not sure yet where I'm off to this weekend but it will probably be local(ish) and fairly gentle as the tendon problem is still not fully recovered and both legs feel a little tense - so an easy walk and lots of stretching and probably picking up a mountain bike for some more fun and cross training.

Can't believe how much has changed since I first started writing this blog in November last year. I've met some amazing people, been to some great places and have undergone fantastic changes physically, mentally and emotionally - all down to the wonders of walking. Some people deserve special thanks for their support so far - Pat (obviously!), Estelle (must get up to the lakes soon matey), Robin and Ashleigh (not that you've actually been out walking with me that much yet - but you've definitely been there for me - thanks), Neil and Skinny Dave, Will in Edinburgh, Mum and David (promise I won't drag you up any more big mountains) and finally Tomcat and Basil - for showing me just how beautiful our home county is - hope you don't mind the mention!!!

Right - all for now. Better get re-reading some Navigation Books.

All for now.

Sturdy

Daydreaming in Dunwich

2007-06-11T09:16:00.000-07:00

I wandered lonely as a cloud....well, not quite, had some quite pleasant company actually....!

Well so much for the weather forecast this weekend! There I was, braced for the monsoon season predicted and what did we get - hot sun and blue skies. Well, mostly - unless you were in Suffolk on Sunday. Leaving behind the flat lands of Essex (actually, they're not that flat) I headed off for the 90 mile trip to Dunwich Heath with a good friend and his cheeky doggy - off to explore and practise our navigation skills - map and compass verses GPS! Parking at the RSPB reserve I was thrilled at the wide expanse of heathland which had vibrant bursts of Heathery blooms splashing the landscape with purple splurges. Set against the darker scrub and the grey, ominous sky it was quite something. Then we headed off, in a rather round-about way thanks to my infamous navigation skills, towards the forest. En route we spotted a beautiful Roe Deer relaxing in the shrubs. Chaffinch's serenaded us and the grey skies meant the heat from the day before was kept in-check and didn't threaten to overwhelm our canine walker or us! After a picnic lunch in the forest we headed into the village of Dunwich in search of a dog friendly pub but alas - no such luck, so it was a cup of tea on the seafront before winding our way back towards the car via the clifftop paths. The GPS did a grand job, apart from missing out the bit in the forest (no good for Hansel and Gretel then..hee, hee) and took us to within a few paces of the car - as did my trusty map and compass. Mind you, I'm desperately in need of my navigation refresher course at the end of the month. I only had to suffer a small amount of teasing and tuition from my companion who is a bit of a dab hand at this navigation lark - but not as good as our doggy friend who made it quite clear he knew the way back anyway and wondered what all the fuss was with strange gadgets and bits of paper!!! Smart creatures dogs....far too smart. We completed a lovely 7 mile(ish) walk and the variety of landscape and features was truly outstanding. Hope to come back up this way again and take in Orford Ness next time - a stunning National Trust site a bit lower down the coast with interesting historical aspects (Sturdy - put that anorak away.....). All in all a fab day but we couldn't believe it when we crossed the county line back into Essex out came the sun and blue skies everywhere - typical. Mind you, the cooler weather was better for walking and at least this way we could enjoy a relaxing evening by the River Blackwater watching the boats and enjoying some well earned fish and chips.

It suddenly dawned on me today that it's only 13 weeks until I tackle Ben Nevis and I'm really worried that my training is not sufficient to take on this challenge in a comfortable way so think I'll have to get out and do a bit more challenging walking, head into the gym and start looking at the route and get some accommodation sorted - would probably help! Fundraising is going well but I'm sure there are a few of you out there that may like to help support Marie Curie so please feel free to visit my online fundraising page at: http://www.justgiving.com/sturdygirl - every penny really does count.

I'm off to Somerset this weekend to catch up with Pat and, hopefully, walk around my lovely Gorge!

All for now.

Sturdy.

Weaving Around Wendover

2007-06-05T05:09:00.000-07:00

Now what have I said before about the importance of maps....!!!

Headed out to Buckinghamshire on Saturday with fellow aspiring hillwalker, Michael, for a 10 mile trek around Wendover Woods and the Chiltern Hills. It was a beautiful day, the roads were clear so it only took 90 minutes or so and we were eagerly grasping our Country Walking route plan from 2005...... We found the right roads and started to look for our start point - and that's where the fun began. After driving backwards and forwards along the same stretch of road looking for an elusive 'pay and display car park just off a B road' we decided to park in the Forestry Commission site at Wendover Woods and start our walk from there. Thing is, even though I said I'd never do this again - we didn't have a proper map with us. We had a trusty compass, a route plan, and basic navigation skills (Michael took a one day course the other week in Wales) - oh, yes, and a sense of humour - which was just as well as it took ages to find out way onto anything faintly resembling the route. But we made it in the end. It was a lovely route and true to its name took us under shady canopies and relaxing woodlands. And there were some lovely slopes to get stuck into as well - good training for both of us. The whole route, with a few detours and scenic diversions took around 5 hours and we were both relieved to see the cafe still open when we got back to the car park! But oh, how much easier things would have been with an OS map and/or a GPS - think I'll be investing in both for the future! We did encounter two sections with Wuss ratings - a Wuss factor 1 for me with a field of bovines including a huge bull standing protectively around a calf. Thankfully a small group of fellow walkers and some cyclists entered the field at the same time which seemed to confuse the creatures and I could make a safe bolt for the other side - in a calm, relaxed walking leader kind of way of course! And Michael encountered a Wuss factor 4 when we were about to head along a lesser used footpath, which was overgrown with nettles and sharp nasty things and he only had shorts on. Another valuable lesson - don't wear shorts for woodland walking or if you do, make sure it's because you've got those nifty two-in-ones so you can cover up again if need be - like I did!!

A good day's walking and certainly felt like I'd done something when I got home.

On Sunday, I was introduced to another stunning area of Essex - Laindon Country Park. Not the biggest in the world but such an oasis of peace and greenness nestled on the highest point in Essex and just outside of Basildon. Had a really relaxing walk with a good friend and his very cheeky dog and was yet again surprised at just how beautiful Essex can actually be. In fact, sitting on the train taking the scenic route home last night from Fenchurch Street I was taken aback by the lush fields and vistas around Ockendon, Grays and Thurrock - who would have thought it! Maybe I'll stay around here a bit longer after all.........

This weekend, all being well, I'm off to Suffolk and hope to be practising my map reading skills as well as exploring another new area, although lacking in hills I suspect.

Generally, I'm doing O.K. - the Achilles heel is much better, my walking posture improved, my eagerness as keen as ever and I'm really enjoying getting out and about - hope you are too.

Don't forget, if you 've got any training tips, ideas on places to walk or just want to comment, say hello or come for a walk, let me know - I'd love to hear from you.

All for now.

Sturdy Girl

Touching the Freud

2007-05-30T14:23:00.000-07:00

Angels? I see no angels......

What a wet and wild weekend we all seem to have had! But then, it was bank holiday so what else could we have expected. Taking advantage of the long weekend I packed up the car and my mum and headed down the motorway - or rather motorways - to Pembrokeshire for a weekend of walking and exploring. Joining us in Newport was Will, a fellow walker I met on the Poland trip back in the New Year. He flew from Edinburgh to Cardiff, then took a train and then a taxi and although not environmentally friendly, it took him less time to get there than it took us in the car from Essex!!

Saturday was great - clear skies, warm enough to walk in a T-shirt and dry. Our plan was to walk to the summit of Carningli in the morning, then follow part of the Pembroke Coastal Path in the afternoon. Pulling up just off of the main Newport Road we walked from the small Hamlet to the may bridleway. Now mum, as you know, has problems with her heart and knees and although properly kitted out this time with walking boots, trousers, fleece, poles and rucksack, I didn't really want to push her too far by taking her up the side of the mountain which is the treat I had in store for me and Will! I was aware that I may have to leave her to her own devices at some point and so we had two-way radios for easy and safe communication - but I don't think she was very impressed when I switched them on and we picked up the local taxi service! So off we set, heading for the top. Will and I were both in amateur photographer mode and stopped to take some atmospheric shots and that was it, I turned around and saw mother heading off into the distance trail blazing her way through the bilberries towards the rocky slopes of the ascent! Catching her up she seemed slightly surprised by the lack of path and huge rocks looming towards us. Well, there was nothing for it but to keep going as to back-track and try and get back onto the main path would have taken just as long and been just as precarious as going forward. And so, with the best laid plans for mum's safety and comfort disappearing faster than an arctic iceberg we found ourselves taking on a grade 1 scramble!! Fantastic! And actually, it wasn't that bad at all. I took the lead doing my would be mountain leader bit and mum and Will watched, listened, then went their own way - charming! But seriously, it wasn't that scary and we all had a really good time. Tackling the ascent in small stages and making sure we had good hand/foot holds we were up in in no time. Standing on the top rock was brilliant and mum was really chuffed that she'd done it - so was I. But where does Freud fit in....well, on the way up we discovered that Will had been walking along with his rucksack open and had been gradually depositing unintentional offerings to the angelic host said to inhabit Carningli in the way of water bottles, snacks and his waterproofs. We managed to reclaim most but the the waterproof trousers were nowhere to be seen. I'm sure Freud would have something interesting to say about a gentleman losing his trousers on a mountain!

Carningli, Angel Mountain, has been a place of pilgrimage since at least the 8th Century when a local saint sought refuge there and was visited by an angelic host. Since then people have travelled to the site seeking guidance, spiritual awakening or for ceremonial reasons and whilst we explored the common just below the summit we found prayer ribbons flowing in the wind, reminiscent of the prayer flags you might expect to see on any Nepalese mountain. It was all very rugged and beautiful and the views down onto Newport and the sea were amazing.

Taking the easy path back down to the car we then headed over to the Coastal Path and enjoyed a couple of hours walking along the cliffs. Absolutely brilliant. Mum pushed herself but had to to quit before us and found a comfy bench to rest on for a while whilst Will and I carried on for a bit enjoying the late evening sun and the breathtaking views. The only thing missing was the lack of nesting seabirds!

Sunday was a wash out. We had planned to take in more of the coastal path but with heavy rain and strong winds we joined an organised walk instead in Fishguard. It was a historical walk based on the stories of the local pirates and smugglers and not only did we get to stroll around another beautiful village and harbour in the wild weather, we also learnt about the origins of the 'Jolly Roger' flag. At one point the walk took us to the site of the old fort, which was on a small peninsular and the wind was so strong it was almost impossible to stand up! Great fun. After a couple of hours though my companions had that look on their face as if to say 'can we stop now....please...' I would have happily carried on walking but knew this wouldn't have been fair on them so we headed for the nearest warm, dry pub and enjoyed a relaxed afternoon in the pub enjoying a feast of music by way of a folk festival. Fiddle playing, sea shanties, fine ales and good company - what more could we ask for? Oh yes, blues skies and sunshine would have been nice by hey ho - can't have it all.

If I'm honest I'd have to say that I didn't get in the walking I wanted to, but it was still fun and the most important thing is my companions enjoyed it too. My mum keeps saying I've turned into one of 'those walkers' - the route march obsessed type that I always said I'd never be. I don't think I have but my fitness levels are improving all the time and I do love to walk, so I guess I have to find walking chums who are as mad and energetic as me to explore our amazing countryside with on some occasions - to let rip and go for it, and balance it out with walking with my family and friends on gentle strolls other times. In fact, I went out for just such a walk last week in my home county of Essex and was gobsmacked at how stunning the scenery was. I had no idea the county could be that beautiful and as my friend and I watched the sun setting and the wildlife settling down for the night I was surprised to find myself feeling wistful about the place. It's made me want to explore more of my home county, which may be lacking in hills, but is so obviously rich in other attributes and which I had been taking for granted - or just not even considering existed at all.

Wonder what the weather is going to be up to this weekend? Hope to get out for at least one good walk - hope you manage to get out too.

All for now.

Sturdy Girl

(wearing three layers of fleece - in May!!)

Get a Moove On!

2007-05-21T05:06:00.000-07:00

At last...company on a walk - and a new grading system for the faint-hearted!

Well, contrary to the weather forecast Saturday was a beautiful, bright sunny day and I was joined on my 'usual' walk by a fellow hill lover - Michael - who, like me, has high aspirations with his walking aims but

needs a gentle push (metaphorically speaking) to get him out doing it - and that's where I come in! Professional nag - my new role in life!! Actually, I'd like to think of myself as being more the friendly motivational type but hey - what's in a name?!

Hopefully Mike enjoyed the walk as much as I did - it took a little longer than I'd anticipated and as we both had other engagements in the afternoon the pace picked up somewhat on the flat paths back to town - which was actually really good - nice to speed things up a bit and felt it by the time I got back to my place! Started grinning like a Cheshire again. I'm sure a therapist would have something to say about it all :-) On the way 'round we devised our own walking grades based on the 'Wuss' factor - for those of us who may appear sturdy on the outside but are really big cowards underneath. A 'Wuss Factor 1' would include a route that takes in mud, puddles and potentially slippery bits, 'Wuss Factor 2' would include taking your chances with the Bovine members of society - male and female. 'Wus Factor 3' would have to include something like a slight drop or ledge or a leap over stream or small gap in a rock - you get the idea.. We, or rather, I encountered a Wuss Factor 2 when we had to walk past a herd of young bulls up near the Castle. Mike thought it was great fun as would-be-mountain-leader edged her way past them praying to the gods of hiking that the lovely creatures didn't trample and or eat her for lunch! Thankfully, they didn't and it was good to have somebody walking with me that could actually tell me to stop being such a wus and get on with it - cheers Mike!

Did some cross-training on Sunday - swimming, pilates and stretching - all good, but can't make up for actually getting out there. I'm so looking forward to jumping in the car on Friday and heading off to Pembrokeshire for a weekend of proper walking. One of the friends I made on my Poland trip is flying down from Edinburgh to join us and it'll be nice to catch up and say hello - then drag the poor fellow up a hill or two but I'm sure he won't mind!

The trip was a present to my mum for mother's day. She's not been back to Wales since being evacuated there as a child and really wants to see the scenery - and see it she will. But, and this is a big but, she does suffer from a heart problem and severe arthritis in the knees so we've had a good chat about the route and what I'd like to do, what she'd like to do and how we balance it out so that we're all safe and have fun. I've loaned her a set of walking poles to help with the knees and kitted her out with a light-weight rucksack and some proper walking trousers so she'll be comfy. She felt guilty when we went out last time as I ended up carry all her spares and lunch! Now, at some point we're going to part ways as I would like to get to the summit of Carningli and mum may, or may not, be able to get there. So, I'll head off and she'll amble along at her own pace or even possibly turn back to town. Whatever the case, I want to know what she's up to and how she is. We could rely on mobile phones but as you all know, getting a signal isn't necessarily always a given. So I've invested in some hand-held two way radios, with a range of up to 8 miles (depending on terrain) and weatherproof. They're easy to use and rechargeable and I think will be a valuable part of my kit, especially for events such as this. This way, we can stay in touch, if there are any problems she can call me straight away and vice- versa and in-between we can pretend we're on some exciting mission - well, maybe not. Seriously though, I think the initial expense may pay off in the long run as there will be other occasions when, for whatever reason, my walking partners and I may split up and to have a more reliable source of communication can only be a good thing!

So, short week for me. Hope you've all got something nice planned for the coming bank holiday and must end by saying happy birthday to my number one walking Chum - Pat in Glastonbury - save me a piece of cake now...!!!

All for now.

Sturdy Girl

Sunshine On A Rainy Day......

2007-05-15T05:35:00.000-07:00

or is it...'Just walking in the rain.....'

Had quite a quiet weekend I'm afraid to say. Due to family illness I wasn't able to go on my planned walk on Saturday and had to spend the day in London instead. Getting very itchy feet at the moment - and no, it's not athlete's foot - rather the desire to be back among some big hills with lots of open space around me. Easter seems so long ago already but I can't help thinking of the beautiful countryside in Yorkshire and getting back on that Cleveland Way.

Still, did manage to get a swim in as part of my cross training and was rather chuffed when another 'regular' stopped me and, panting, said "Are you getting better at this?", "Yes," I replied, with a big grin on my face. "Oh good," came the response - "I thought I was getting worse!" Made my day. Achilles Heal is healing nicely (pun intended!) as is general fitness and flexibility. With only 3 and a half months until my Ben Nevis trip I need to be stepping it up a bit now and getting in some good practise walks.

I've got lots of fun things coming up including a scrambling course in July - finally get to tackle Striding Edge - in the safety of a group and with an instructor and Snowdonia at the end of June for a navigation course. I'm also starting to make some good walking contacts through joining various online groups and via people I've met on my travels. And don't worry, if you've offered to come out walking with me, be warned..I will be taking you up on it!!! My next real trip isn't until May bank holiday and, again, due to other commitments I won't be able to get in a real walk this weekend, BUT if you happen to be in or near Essex, this Saturday morning (19th), and want to join me for a couple of hours walking part of my 'usual' route - from Westcliff to Hadleigh Castle and back drop me a line and let me know - you're more than welcome to join me. It's fairly gentle - 50% hard surface/path/road and 50% track, with one hill to take in, but some great views. Rain or shine - I'll be there. Heading off about 9am. If you want to come along email me at sturdy_girl@hotmail.co.uk or leave a comment here. I know I've got at least one aspiring hillwalker joining me so if you've nothing else planned and are in the area, come and join us.

All for now.

Sturdy Girl

(P.S - pictures are views taken from Two Tree Island - Essex)

One Flew Over...

2007-05-08T05:53:00.000-07:00

The Cuckoo's nest, the Egret's nest, the Avocet's nest.....

Not really been up to much this week I'm afraid. My planned trip to Snowdonia for a navigation course was, sadly, cancelled - an adventure to be lived later in the year. Had my longest standing friend and close chum Estelle staying with me and took her on my 'usual' walk. We had originally planned to do the full circuit from home to Benfleet and back but as we'd been sampling the local amenities the night before neither of us were on full form. But it was a glorious day and we both allowed our Bill Oddie like tendencies to blossom, along with the Hawthorn as we strolled along on lovely hard paths in the sun watching the skylarks, caterpillars, rambling groups and munching cattle going about their business. Not one of the most challenging walks I've done so far but certainly one of the most fun - and very, very relaxing. I also saw my first ever Cuckoo. We heard it first, but I thought it was somebody playing around in the bushes but my wise friend assured me it was real! And then, a little later, we spotted it and out came the binoculars. Quite a size aren't they! But lovely. Something I'd never seen before and didn't expect to find on a former landfill in Essex. Just goes to show you - never underestimate mother nature and her offspring!

Went back to do the same walk on Monday with an acquaintance and his dog and what a difference a day - and torrential rain - can make! The paths had returned to their usual slippy, clay-like mud baths and the waterproofs took a good pounding. Still fun though! When the rain did eventually stop we had a lovely late afternoon walk along the sea wall, hair blowing wildly in the wind (well, mine was!) and drying off at the local beer garden with a pint of real ale. Covered in mud, a bit soggy but happy.

Am reading through my various hillwalking books at the moment, reacquainting myself with the navigation exercises and generally trying to keep fitness levels up in between but am getting itchy feet - and no, it's not a virus...just a longing to be back in the mountains of the North...now where's that diary and how much leave have I got left.....???!!

All for now.

Sturdy Girl.

Mellow in the Mendips

2007-04-30T14:04:00.000-07:00

April Antics...

Just got back from a weekend in Somerset catching up with friends and my infamous dog. My poor long suffering friend, Pat (see previous blogs) was dragged out once again along with equally long suffering Buster.

Avoiding the masses in Cheddar Gorge we headed up to Charterhouse for a gentle stroll up to the Trig point on Burrington Coombe, making the most of the dry, sunny if not blustery weather on Mendips highest point. Despite the heat haze the views across to the coast, Brean Down, Brent Knoll and Wales were as breathtaking as usual. It's lovely and open up here on the Coombe and there is something about it that reminds me of Yorkshire - must be the heather!

From the trig point we headed down to Rowberrow Woods, making the most of the shade of the trees and enjoying the remaining Bluebells. We were both surprised to note how many bluebells were up on the Coombe as both of us (not Buster - he's a dog!) were under the misconception that these beautiful spring blooms only grown in the woodlands! How wrong we were.

As we stopped for lunch under the shade of a tree we watched in wonder as a small Roe Deer bounded towards us, which, thankfully, Buster failed to notice as he was too engrossed in our pasties! A little later and I saw my first ever Hare - which took me completely by surprise as it was huge. Time passed and I was warming into the stroll I suggested that we added a bit on to the planned walk but as we were due to attend a friends party in the evening it was suggested that perhaps this might be pushing things time wise, so we wandered back to the car after enjoying a lovely bimble with very little mud.

Now here's the thing. I thought it was a bimble and found it to be one of the most relaxing walks I'd done in a while and didn't think we'd actually gone very far nor been out that long, so couldn't figure out why both Pat and Buster were looking a bit tired. It was only when we checked Pat's pedometer that I realised we'd been walking for around 4 hours, had covered somewhere between 8-10 miles and used up 600+ calories. Brilliant! I hadn't even felt it and, even better, it meant I could definitely have cake later at the party!! Seriously though, it made me realise just how far I've come since I started out on my quest last October/November - and that felt good. Just got to keep it up now and challenge myself a bit more on some different walks, ready for Big Ben in September.

But it's not all about height and distance. It's about the quality of the walk - the experience and taking the time to notice your surroundings (like the deer and hare) and to have fun. I've had some good experiences in April and they've not exactly been extreme dare-devil routes but I've enjoyed everyone of them and met some fantastic people. I'm going from strength to strength, feeling fitter, learning more and getting out and about with a big grin on my face and hope you're all managing to do the same. Summer is approaching and the hills are calling and walking is not only great exercise for the body, but for the mind and spirit as well.

Not sure what May has in store for me yet, but hope it's as fun as April was. The highlight of the month had to be my week in Yorkshire and now the camera's working again here's a couple of extra pictures of Pen-Y-Gent, Ilkley Moor (Me and my Da at the 12 Apostles), sea cliffs on the Robin's Hood Bay to Whitby route - plus the now infamous yellow jacket!

All for now.

Sturdy Girl

There May Be Trouble Ahead......

2007-04-24T15:26:00.000-07:00

Challenging Times for the Moors and Sturdy....

Been on a bit of an anti-climax this week after returning home from Yorkshire. Had to go back the routine of the 9-5 and after the sense of space and freedom I experience 'Up North' found it really difficult to get back onto the London Underground to go to work. Oh well, bills have to paid and pennies saved if I'm to make the big escape and follow my heart to the hills sometime soon.....

Didn't really get to do any walking at the weekend but have been keeping up the general fitness and stretching routines so thought I'd share a few observations on the possible fate of the Yorkshire Moors.

Walking around Ilkley Moor at Easter we were all shaken and upset but the devastation caused to the Moors last year by the fires which swept across the area. You may have seen coverage on the news as these were some of the worst fires too date. A vast area was affected and not just on the surface, but at root level as the peat bogs also ignited and, as you probably know, once the peat catches it burns for a very, very long time. The beautiful, deep, heather which used to cover the area is now nothing but stubble and no longer can the Emperor Moth (the only silk moth in the U.K), Northern Egger Moth, Merlin, Hobby, Golden Plover, Snipe, Red Shank, Whimbril, Ring Ouzel, Fox Moth or Wheatear find food or shelter in this once abundant site. Whilst walking around Piano Rock we spotted two pairs of grouse trying to protect their nest on the burnt ground with only a few random sprigs of surviving heather to offer shelter to their eggs. There are some signs of re-growth and nature will, in time, recover but when one thinks of how long it has taken this moor to mature, and how quickly it can be lost, one wonders what the future holds in store for our moorlands. The cause - the excessive heat last summer meant many areas were subject to 'forest fires' and many consider these events to be another clear indication of the threat caused by global warming. Accordingly to local 'experts' it may be at least 10 years before there is recognisable improvement to this part of the moors and it may take as long as 30 years for the site to recover fully, providing it is not affected again and again but the increasing temperatures and dry seasons. Let's hope not. We, as walkers, can help to 'do out bit' to protect our beautiful and precious landscapes by making sure we all take our rubbish home with us, especially glass items and I don't know about you, but I tend to carry a spare rubbish sack with me now in case I find things lying around which could cause harm to the wildlife or risk igniting fires in the sun.

So that's the challenge to the moors, but what's the challenge to Sturdy I hear you cry (yes...I can hear you....) well, as you know, my 'quest' is to be able to climb (er - walk!) to the summit of Ben Nevis by the end of the year. Now you know I'm not interested in ego and it's not about the 'me, me, me' but more about how I can help inspire others and make a difference to the world in some small way. So what better way to complete my quest than to do it as a charity challenge! So, here we go, it's official - I'm going up Ben Nevis and I'm going to do it for Marie Curie Cancer Care. I know several people who have been affected by Cancer, my own family included, am I'm really chuffed that they have accepted me on one of their charity challenges. So, a date for your diary - I will be making my summit attempt (well, I've got to make it sound brave and daring!) on September 15th and I'll know that every step, lunge, slip, slide, blister and tear - hopefully ending in smiles and a pint or two - will be helping to raise funds for this excellent charity. You can help support me and Marie Curie by visiting: www.justgiving.com/sturdygirl

I'm off to Somerset this weekend for a walk in the Mendips and then some partying - hope you all get a chance to get out and do some walking - the weather is great, the blossom trees are beautiful and boots are definitely made for walking.

See you out there.

Sturdy Girl :-)

Hills, Dales, Vales and Wails!

2007-04-16T12:37:00.000-07:00

Egg-stacy in the North!

Wow! What an absolutely fantastic week I've just had exploring the delights of Yorkshire - and beyond....

Now, being eco-conscious as we all are (aren't we?) I usually try to travel by coach, bus or train and so travelled up to Bradford, which was to be my base for my Easter break by National Express for the bargain price of £2 return. But how could I pass up the opportunity to explore such a wonderful area in the heart of England and so, yes, I'm afraid I gave in and hired a car for the week. And what an adventure me and my little Clio had. The staff at the car hire centre, Alamo/National in Nelson Street, Bradford, tried hard to hide their giggles when they saw the look on my face when I was handed the keys to a brand new Renault and very guiltily put my muddy walking kit in the boot - then drove off with a big smile tuned in to the pumping sounds of Galaxy FM (coolest station in the North!) heading for the North Yorks Moors.....

I arrived at Ostmotherly on the edge of the North Yorks National Park late afternoon and easily found my way to the Youth Hostel where I was booked to stay for two nights. No sooner had I pulled up than I'd pulled on the walking boots and headed out to explore - staying close to the site for starters - and ending up, eventually, at the nearby reservoir - which looked beautiful in the late afternoon sun. I say eventually as I quickly realised how rusty my navigation skills had become over winter - and they were never that great to start with!

On Saturday I headed out for a day on Ostmotherly Moor and part of the Cleveland Way. Mindful of the strict instructions of my Physio I intended to keep the walks short and simple - but the weather was glorious, the scenery stunning and with my new custom made insoles (by Superfeet) and being conscious of my posture throughout - I ended up completing a wonderful 5 hour walk around the moors. Throughout the day I passed hardly another soul and the sense of freedom, escape and peace was incredible - once I got used to the grouse who seemed to take delight in 'jumping out' on me at regular intervals. The view coming back over the summit of one hill to see the reservoir glistening below me in the distance was breathtaking. And I didn't get lost once! Back at the hostel the friendly staff had prepared a fab meal after which I wandered into the village with a fellow hostel guest, Kathy, where we enjoyed a lovely glass of wine or two at the Queen Catherine Pub. This was my first stay in a Youth Hostel and I was really surprised at the atmosphere, the facilities and the comfortable set up. Staying in a room with 10 others was slightly daunting but it was O.K - and I'm now hooked on the whole scheme! Kathy is a lifetime member and has been hosteling for many years and we shared many a story over our wine.

On Easter Sunday I was due to move on to Robin's Hood Bay but on the drive over I was captivated by some stunning peaks that rose up before me and I just had to stop and go walking. I quickly discovered where I was, thanks to the information board, took a wrong turn and headed up the wrong peak - realised where I was, berated myself and then congratulated myself on the extra ascent/decent practise I'd just given myself and finally headed off towards Cringle Moor. As I approached the path I was slightly alarmed to see a mobile ambulance and Search and Rescue Land Rover parked up and though 'Oh no, what could possible have happened so early in the day', and so breathed a sigh of relief when too smiley happy chaps greeted me and explained they were there for the day on PR exercise.

I was surprised to learn that each Search and Rescue outfit has to raise their own funds and receive no help from the state for this vital service which many of us rely on. 'Skinny Dave' and Neil took time out to show me the equipment, talk about some common accidents which occur in the area (mostly ankle injuries and exhaustion through being ill-equipped or prepared) and then continued to tell me some rather scary climbing stories with a strange glint in their eye........!

But seriously, Cleveland Search and Rescue have to raise around £20,000 per year to operate and the guys and girls involved are all volunteers, and the same applies to all of our Mountain Rescue outfits and as walkers the least we can do is pop a couple of quid their way whenever we can. I happily donated a few coins and picked up a copy of an old annual report which is always an interesting read. If you're thinking of walking the Cleveland Way, Pennine Way, Coast To Coast or any other area of the North Yorks Moors and if you feel inclined you can help support them at: Cleveland Search and Rescue Team, 84 Marwood Drive, Great Ayton, Middlesbrough, TS9 6PD. Details for other Moutain/Search and rescue teams, such as Kendal, can be found on the web.

Tearing myself away from my rugged rescuers (yes, they know I'm teasing) I headed off with the intention of walking to the first peak, Cringle and no more than an hour out, then an hour back to the car. Well, they do say the best laid plans..... The weather was amazing and the view from the top awesome. And as I looked at the onward path the next summit loomed ahead of me and looked even more incredible - and so what can a Hill Walker do but walk.......and then I was at that summit, looking out a the vast landscape before me, and the next summit, which featured some amazing rock formations - the Wain Stones - and I could not resist! At the Wain Stones I stopped for a rest and watched some climbers scaling the various faces and routes. It was interesting to note that only one of the four was wearing a helmet and after hearing some of the horror stories from Dave and Neil wondered as to why people continue to take such risks?? With the ascent and decent of the route I had been walking for around two hours and so figured I'd better begin the walk back. At first I had the good intention of following the lower, flatter path around the base of the hills, but as I looked up at the inclines before me I took mental stock of my physical state and decided that I couldn't pass up the opportunity to make the most of real ascent/decent routes and took the higher, harder path - and it was great! Hot, but great! Back at my start point 'Skinny Dave' and Neil were swamped with families and visitors each keen to have a play with the siren and waved hello as I strode past, smiling and sweaty. Not quite sure why then were so surprised to note I'd made it back....alive, 4 hours later!!! And then it was on to Robin's Hood Bay.....

Arrived at the Boggle Hole Youth Hostel late evening and just in time to enjoy a walk on the beach before the tide came in and it was time for another yummy diner, followed by a bottle of local beer on the beach and a bit of star gazing before bed. The atmosphere here was so different than Ostmotherly - more families and even some young musicians to serenade us with their guitars in the dining room. Very relaxing and with nothing else around to disturb the sounds of the sea I soon fell into my bunk and had one of the best nights sleep I'd had in a long time.

Easter Monday - and after a good hearty breakfast I took off across the cliffs for a walk from Boggle Hole to Whitby. The route is very simple and beautiful, high cliffs, soaring sea birds, crashing waves and blue skies, but it is also a continuous roller coaster of a walk - up, down, up, down for 7 miles in each direction. And the weather was glorious yet again. The walk was lovely and peaceful and so wandering into Whitby on a hot, sunny bank holiday Monday was a total shock to the system! After three days walking on my own on the moors and cliffs to suddenly be amongst so many people and so much noise was really difficult to cope with and so I grabbed some famous Whitby Scampi and chips and soon made a hasty retreat away from the maddening crowds and back along the coast path. Now, too be honest, by this point I was, well, to put it bluntly, rather knackered, and I had hoped to get onto the old railway path back to Robin's Hood Bay but to do this from Whitby would have meant fighting my way through the crowds (walking poles come in handy here!) and out the other side of town and I really couldn't be bothered with that so I took a big breath, grasped the poles and headed back the way I came - only slightly more slowly. About half way back it's possible to join the railway path and so I took advantage and walked back along a flat, even surface and in the footsteps of the line my step-dad and his dad worked in days gone by when the steam train ran along this route. I was so relieved to see Robin's Hood Bay looming up after a couple of hours walking in the never faltering sun and quickly made my way to that famous pub by the sea, where many a Coast to Coast walker have laid down their poles, taken off their boots and claimed their certificate. Couldn't claim to have walked that far of course but over the past three days I had averaged around 10-12 miles over hilly terrain and that was enough for me - for now. But the Cleveland Way has captured my imagination and I'm already thinking of ways to get back there in the summer and actually walk from point to point, via the YHA, and covering a good portion of the route. My Physio is going to kill me....but hey, who could pass up walking around here.......

Tuesday - my step dad and mum decided to take me on a gentle, easy walk around Ilkley Moor, looking for ancient 'Cup and Ring' marks and some lesser known stone circles. My step dad is a Yorkshire man and claims to know the moors 'like the back of my hand' and so we headed out, without a map, on a wee adventure.... We parked up at the Keighly end of the moor and headed for 'Piano Rock', and area which suffered massive damage last year due to fires - but more about that another time'. The wind, compared to previous days, was savage and I actually had to don the hard core walking jacket - such a contrast to the T-shirt and sunblock of the day before. From Piano Rock we made our way towards the Hawksmoor end, looking for an elusive stone circle and it quickly became apparent, as we trudged through the bog, that my step dad was....can you guess yet.....lost! I hung my head in disbelief and wished for an OS Map to appear - but no such luck. And, of course, being a stubborn Yorkshire man, he wouldn't admit it or give in. After many a cross word whilst standing in the 'Crimping Mire' - mud, to you and me, I decided to take control, went into would be walking leader mode, and took us off in the direction of safety - and yes, before you say it, I was going in the right direction and got us back onto a main path, via the elusive stone circle, and heading back towards the car. The only reason I got a bit stressed about it is because my Ma, a stubborn East Londoner, has a pacemaker, arthritis and a nasty habit of throwing herself on the floor to meet the wildlife - otherwise known as falling over. And she was getting tired. My step dad has also had a quadruple bypass and was also beginning to feel the effects of what was, by now, an epic 4 hour walk! Me, I was happy as larry once I knew where I was but my immediate concern was to get my parents back safely and, hopefully, still enjoying the walk. Which, eventually, we managed! I'll always remember my step dad finally admitting that he was lost and 'Eh, I never knew that Ilkley Moor was sooo big!' - No kidding!!!

On Thursday 12th we headed off to Pen-y-gent - the smallest of Yorkshire's three mountains. I was being taken here because I'd said I wanted a scramble - and that's what I got! The path up soon becomes a shingle base and then rocks and from a distance the ascent looked formidable. Up close, it's not too bad and as long as you watch where you put your feet it's actually very easy. Mum didn't make it up by David (step dad) and I ploughed ahead and were soon standing at the trig point enjoying the views. I'd made sure Mum had rung us when she was back at the car - for safety reasons - and we returned the assurance when we were about to make our way back down. We abandoned our original plan of a circular route as this would have taken a good couple of hours to complete and it didn't feel right to leave poor old mum on her own for so long. After the slightly longer descent - thank heavens for the walking poles - we joined up with mum and went on to Malham Cove and Gordale Scar where David and I attempted, and failed, to climb the waterfall - much to mum's distress!!! Sorry Ma. A good few hours of scrambling and walking - good practise for Ben Nevis.

Friday 13th - took a day out to visit Sheffield, legendary home of so many walkers and climbers - and my favorite author! Popped into Blacks in the main shopping area for some new sun glasses (had an awful headache for a few days due to the glare when walking) and was really surprised by the friendly staff there. Looks like I could have some new walking chums and Nicola, if you're reading this, I'll be taking you up on your offer as soon as I can!

Sunday 15th - last day of walking before heading home. Grabbed mum and car (step dad wanted a rest!) and headed off to Ambleside in the Lake District - only an hour and a half from Bradford. Hottest day of the year so far and what did I do - I made poor old mum walk from the town to Lower Sweden Bridge, then Higher Sweden Bridge. It was a tough route for her but she did it - with a little encouragement - and I'm really proud of her determination - and the fact she enjoyed the scenery as well. At the Higher Bridge we parted ways for a while and I made a dash for the summit of Red Scree yet again, but yet again failed as the route was far too long for the time I had available and to push it to that extreme in the heat was silly. So I stopped at Swandale Head, took in the view, and then headed back to town to meet up with Ma for a nice cold drink. Earlier in the day we had been pointed in the wrong direction for the start of the walk and ended up taking in Stock Gyll waterfall - nice - but not where we wanted to be. Three lovely chaps heading for Trout Beck helped us out and cheekily added which pup they would be in at 5.30pm. Imagine our surprise when we were just about to get back in the car - at 5.30 and who should walk past but...our helpful walkers. So we decided to join them for a drink but......by the time we had put the stuff in the car and turned around they had disappeared down a side road and we lost them....so sorry lads.....we did try to find you but to no avail! Hope you had a good walk and thanks for helping us out.

So, phew, there you have it - in abridged form, the adventures of Sturdy Girl over Easter. And what a time it was. I got in some great walks, met some amazing people, some of whom I hope to stay in touch with, gained some great experience and shared some of my passion with my nearest and dearest. Thanks to all who helped me on the way; the staff at Ostmotherly and Boggle Hole YHA, 'Skinny Dave' and Neil of Cleveland Search and Rescue, Gill at Alamo Cars, Nicola at Blacks in Sheffield, Kathy - fellow walker and drinking companion, Martin and his wife completing the Cleveland Way route, mum and David, Rupert the Renault and the unknown barman!!!!

Sorry none of you could join me this time around - but I still need help and guidance so please do get in touch if you have any comments, tips, suggestions or want to come walking. I'm a friendly sort - honest!

A weekend off this week, then back down to Somerset next week for a gentle stroll with friends...

All for now and apologies for any spelling mistakes - I've just got back in after a 7 hour journey back and the camera's just packed up - hence the lack of photos for the second part of the entry...sorry!!!! Back to the grind-stone tomorrow.

Sturdy Girl

ALL THE 1ST'S

2007-04-01T13:36:00.000-07:00

That's First Aid, First of the Month and First Call for Help!

Happy April 1st! Another month gone already and spring is definitely in the air. March has been a bit up and down for me - but sadly not due to the hills! But a new month is beginning and who knows what it will bring. Generally things are going well and I'm losing more weight, learning continuously and having a great time.

At the beginning of the week I had some bad news about my muscle injuries which did put me in a pretty foul mood for a while - Sturdy was sulking! But being the generally bouncy type and not one to get too downhearted for too long I soon began to look at making positive changes so that I can carry on following my passions safely and enjoyably.

I've invested in some custom made insoles to help correct my alignment, have started a beginners Pilates class as recommended by my Physio and am following the stretching routines given to me on Monday. I've also resisted the urge to undertake any long walks, keeping distances short and sweet and will continue to do so this week. And I can already feel a bit of a difference. Great.

Last week I completed an HSE First Aid at work course - updating my basic skills and having some good practise sessions involving the inevitable arm slings and staunching of wounds. Although this doesn't cover practical skills for out on the hills, the basics are the same wherever you are, pretty much, and now I can supplement the basics with specialised info. The Hillwalking manual gives some good tips, as does Ciccerone's 'Mountaineering' book. The things you can do with gaffer tape!!! If you get the chance to take this course at work, I highly recommend it. Not only do you get to provide a service to your colleagues, you're also learning valuable skills for yourself, your friends and your family.

But what's the cry for help....I hear you cry..! Well, it goes like this. I spend most of my time walking on my own - not necessarily through choice but because there seems to be a distinct lack of people in my normal circle of friends who want to explore the outdoor world like I do. I don't mind most of the time, and actually quite enjoy it - the sense of peace and tranquility, time to ponder on life, the universe and everything, a bit like Jean Jacques Rosseau in his 'Reveries of a Solitary Walker' or Wordsworth. But sometimes I find I'm more like one of Proust's characters - walking along 'talking' to an imaginary companions - the perfect walking partner. No, I'm not totally insane, it's just that sometimes, when things get a bit challenging and I'm a bit anxious I think about how those I admire might handle the situation. It would probably go something like this; 'So, Miss Potter, how would you traverse these slippery rocks and muddy puddles?' 'Well, Miss Sturdy..I would first ask Benjamin Bunny to hop across carrying my rucksack, then to send Jemima Puddleduck over to float me across...." Hmm. Or Mr Mears, what would he do. It would probably involve some kind of fire - the right sort of course and building a bridge out of twigs and tarp. Or Bear Grylls! He'd probably suggest throwing yourself into the mud with great gusto and crawling across whilst eating some poor creature, raw, en route! I could think about Mr Simpson's musings on fear - about how when we choose our fear and step up to it, we take control - a philosophy I try to apply to daily life most of the time. But you know, ever now and again, all I really need is somebody else there to share their experience and knowledge, offer support and to be there to giggle as I slip around whilst trying to maintain my cool exterior. But I don't know about others out there but I'm finding it really hard to find companions of this sort and if I'd really like to have the benefit others wise words and support in order to continue to explore my hillwalking, tackling some of the routes I'd like to try - like Striding Edge etc - which I don't really want to do on my own.

So here it comes....brace yourself...a genuine call for help.....If you are an experienced hillwalker and would be willing to help guide (in all senses) this eager walker please let me know. I'm looking to find people to walk with, people to talk with and people to laugh with. And don't worry, if you don't want to be mentioned in my ramblings that's not a problem. But I need help - and for a Sturdy Girl like me...that's really hard to admit! And if others want to meet up to walk, that's good to. So, please do get in touch and let me know if you're willing to share in this adventure that I'm on. You can leave a comment here but if you don't like that idea you can email sturdy_girl@hotmail.co.uk. These emails will be monitored of course, as there are some strange folk out there - and I don't mean hillwalkers, climbers and mountaineers!! And if I'm walking with others safety protocols will be in place - for your benefit and mine!

To kick things off then - I'm going 'Up North' at Easter to Yorkshire. I'm going to be walking some kind of gentle route at Osmotherly on Saturday 7th (Easter Saturday). If you want to come along meet outside the YHA about 10.30am. If you're reading this - you'll recognise the mad hair when you see me. And I'll be at Robin Hood's Bay on Monday morning - meet outside Boggle Hole YHA at 10am.

So, let's start hearing from all you experienced, friendly walking types and help me on my quest.

All for now.

Sturdy

Smooth as a Velvet Bottom....

2007-03-26T13:05:00.000-07:00

That's Velvet Bottom at Charterhouse of course!

Spent the weekend in Somerset catching up with some friends and spending time with my lovely, mad, mud-magnet of a dog...Buster. I only had time to squeeze in one good walk with Buster and Pat (my long suffering friend who I usually drag along). We were joined by another friend and his 11 year old daughter, who had never visited the beautiful, fairy-grotto like walk that is Velvet Bottom. A former lead mining site this shallow valley runs from Chaterhouse to the top of Cheddar Gorge and is a bunny haven. Due to the 100's of long-eared residents the grass is so closely cropped one almost bounces along the route. At the end of the valley the walker has the choice to turn left, to a path that leads up the South Side of the Gorge or to cross the road, and walk up Black Rock Gate to the North side of the Gorge. Both spectacular. We turned right and followed the path to the wooded nature trail which was a covered in a green blanket of spring fresh wild garlic. In the reserve the walker again has a choice of traversing the step steps and walking in a horseshoe or following the lower path. A bubbling stream flows through crumbling brick features as this area was once owned by Bristol Water and remnants of its industrial past can still be seen - now being reclaimed by nature. A wagtail joined us along the path for a while, dipping and skipping over the water and catkins hung from the trees, blowing gently in the wind. It was actually very peaceful and mystical. The route isn't long but has enough variety to keep even young and slightly unwilling walkers amused. I love ambling here as it is such a beautiful place and can accommodate almost anyone. The first section, from the road and along the valley could even be considered for those requiring wheelchair access.

After two hours we retired to the local for a relaxing and enjoyable meal and I found myself fretting about the lack of 'serious' walking. But then I stopped myself. We had just spent a couple of hours enjoying some great scenery, sharing some useful information and history with an enquiring mind and having a good time. Who cares if it wasn't over miles and miles of terrain - it was fun. And my Achilles heal and hips were telling me it was enough.

To be honest, the heal thing and the hip ache has really been worrying me and so today I made what I consider to be an investment in my future - certainly my walking future. I made use of our on sight private physio for an assessment. The prognosis was good and bad. The good part is that it's not arthritis (which does run in the family) but the bad part is that I have seriously overstretched the calf, have an inflamed Achilles tendon and a general muscle imbalance - partly caused by my previous ankle break, bad posture and general physical makeup. But more good news - most of it can be rectified - but it's going to take time. I had some ultra-sound, some painful massage and was shown a number of stretches that I need to follow daily for the next couple of weeks. Apparently I can swim and cycle as much as I like but to keep the walking down to low-grade a max of 6 or 7 miles - no 20 milers for a few weeks and on soft terrain - so no concrete paths and tarmac for me! It also seems that the problem has been exaggerated by the fact that I haven't been stretching properly either before a good long walk or after. Apparently I should be including at least 10-15 minutes of stretching into my routine after very, very long outings and should be getting into the practise of stretching after all walks. I wonder if any of you out there have encountered other injuries through not stretching or if you have any tips on how to build these into the average walk. Think I'll feel a bit daft standing in the car park doing 'my thing' when everybody else is heading for the pub! So, the bottom line is that if I want to have a good walking future, if I want to be able to tackle Ben Nevis in September and then go on to take some more advanced training I need to take care of myself now, work towards correcting my posture and muscle strength and listen to my body.

Now...where's the pack of frozen peas and hot water bottle - time to follow instructions for a change.

All for now.

Sturdy.

And I Would Walk 500 Miles.....

2007-03-19T06:54:00.000-07:00

Well....note quite.....21 actually.....but it felt like more!

Spent most of last week taking it easy still resting the Achilles Heal with gentle stretches, a bit of massage and a swim. On Thursday evening I went to an interesting lecture on how altitude affects fitness. Although I have no real desire to go to 8000m either now or in the future it was still interesting to hearing about how our physical and mental abilities deteriorate at height and always amazing to hear other peoples stories. The lecture was followed by a screening of 'Himalaya' by Eric Valli which was one of the most beautiful and moving films, based on mountain culture, that I have seen so far. If you have the chance to watch it - do - the mountains...the snow.....the yaks(!).....and the struggle between the old and the new/ youth and wisdom - fascinating.

By the weekend I was feeling more than restless. I'm aware that in order to be able to tackle Ben Nevis comfortably later in the year I need to be able to increase my general stamina and distance. I've also been offered the chance to tackle some long distance routes in the summer which mean will mean walking many miles over many days, something I've never done before. So...I scoffed down some Oatabix, pulled on the walking boots and headed off on my longest walk so far. The route was a kind of figure of eight with various 'escape routes' on the way, either by turning back at different points or by catching the bus or train. The first half was mainly beach/shingle and pavement. After the first 2 hours I felt great and was bouncing along quite happily. In order to protect my knees/ankle I decided to try out my new walking poles (a much welcome gift from some friends). To start with I felt like a complete idiot, 'skiing' along the beach, and the less than polite jibes from the football thugs in town were far from encouraging. Still, I didn't give in to vanity and kept on with them. Once I'd got into a rhythm and stopped tripping myself up I found them very useful and very welcome. After 4 hours and 11 miles I stopped for lunch, easing myself onto the warm shingle and enjoying the view of the much loved kite-surfers. Half an hour later, when I wanted(?) to move off again I had to struggle to my feet and the first few paces were hard going. I did wonder what on earth I was doing and almost gave up and went home. But I didn't, and after a few minutes was back in my stride again. My right foot was giving me a warning sign as I could feel the makings of a blister but I ignored it and carried on - foolish I know, but hey, I am a novice! 6 hours walking and I was now beginning to feel it, but I was still grinning and the afternoon was beautiful - sunny, warm and dry. I spent most of the day walking in a T-shirt (and trousers of course!) and applying sunblock every now and again through fear of a freckle outburst. The hardest part of the walk was the last 2 hours when I turned 'round to face the long flat sea path that leads back to home. You can see where you're heading to in the distance but it never seems to get any closer - like that bit in Monty Python and the Holy Grail when the knights keep storming the gates of the castle but never actually getting any nearer until suddenly...Bham! You're there. Despite the embarrassment factor I resorted to using my poles on the pavement as well to tackle the last couple of miles. 6PM - 8 hours and 21 miles after setting off I was home again and collapsing in a big heap on the bed. But what did I learn from all of this? Well......first, if you start to feel the makings of a blister - deal with it then and there - don't leave it. I didn't see to mine and now I've a huge bubble attached the side of my foot. If I'd have stopped and put a plaster or some kind of protective layer on it earlier it wouldn't have developed to this stage. What else - oh yes, salt and minerals. As I was walking I began to feel that horrible ache in the joints, especially the hips, which I've had before and I'm now convinced is a build up of acid created when we exercise (is it Lactic acid?? Somebody correct me if I've got this wrong please). This is usually eased by making sure you drink properly but as the body is also losing valuable salts and minerals you need to replace these as well. Isotonic drinks can help but I've found in the past (when I was scuba diving) that adding some Diorolyte solution to the water can help keep you hydrated though out the day - sipping small amounts often. I guess you could just add some fruit juice and/or salt but I'm guessing that would taste mighty foul! O.K. So, what else... Take regular short breaks - I found that stopping for 5 or 10 minutes every hour or so, to take a drink, munch some nuts and dried fruit and enjoy the view helped to boost energy levels and ease boredom. After all, walking should be fun- not a route march. Finally, although I enjoyed the challenge I'd set myself I did wonder whether I'd want to do this kind of walking day after day? It's not really my style as I enjoy the freedom of being able to change the route as desired and also being able to enjoy the scenery and explore interesting places along the way. If the walk is too rigid in that one has to be in certain places at certain times it doesn't allow for spontaneity and real adventure - does it? And that's the part I enjoy.

So, it was challenging but I was happy at the end of it as I sat with a mug of tea, a welcome biscuit and foot massage cream wondering why I had a greater pain in my shoulder than my feet?

Sunday morning. Feeling stiff and feet refusing to move. Needed to get the muscles moving again so went for a swim and then a gentle walk later in the day.....as far as the beach bar where I treated my mum to some lovely wine - well, it was Mothering Sunday - what else could I do?! Glad to find that I wasn't in too bad a shape. Could have managed another walk if I wanted to but, actually, didn't want to. One 20 miler in a weekend is enough for now.

Sitting at work writing this up watching in awe at the snow, thunder and lightening that has bombarded the office over the past 10 minutes and wondering just what is going on with our climate - but that's another story!! Not much planned for this week - a swim tomorrow and then off to Somerset on Friday for some lovely walks in the Mendips.

All for now - think I need to stretch the legs again...sitting at a desk all day is not doing them any favours!!

Sturdy Girl

Oops...that's torn it!

2007-03-12T06:09:00.000-07:00

No hillies...I've pulled my Achilles!

Ouch. That about sums it up for the past week - ouch and poo. My Achilles tendon has been tight for a few weeks now but I've been ignoring it but it got to the point, weekend before last, when I knew I couldn't keep on ignoring the warning signs, especially as I've a packed few months ahead and don't want to end up with any permanent injuries. According to the various on-line guides on muscle and tissue damage I've been overusing it - no?! Well, O.K, I know that, but it's also made worse, so I'm told, by over-pronation (foot not rolling properly) which I know I suffer from and has been made worse since breaking my ankle. Well, at least I know to be on the lookout for warning signs now and to make sure I stretch before and after taking to the trails. As it is, I've been taking time out this week and satisfying my thirst for all things outdoors by watch Bear Grylls and reading Simon Yates 'Against The Wall'. So I now know how to build a snow cave using your backpack, not to parachute yourself onto the top of a mountain without suitable provisions and not to even think about climbing a vertical walls in remotest Chile. Enjoying reading the latter, laughed hysterically at the former!

With the sun out at the weekend I couldn't take it anymore and had to head out to do something so went for a swim and then a gentle walk along the beach. In the absence of any real hills at home I'm thinking the sand and cockle shell/shingle banks will help to build up general leg strength and stamina, especially as the route also means clambering over regular sea breaks. On the plus side, there's a fab beach bar on the way back just a the right point for sitting and enjoying a cold beer and watching the sun go down before strolling back home.

I'm hoping to go for a good long walk this Saturday, ankle/knee permitting and keep up the swimming. I'm off to Somerset week after next for a long overdue walk around Cheddar Gorge and seeing my mad dog - can't wait. Then I'm booked on a first aid course - good timing. I found it interesting to note in the last Mountain Rescue report for Ambleside area of the Lake District that the highest percentage of walking injuries happen in March. I wonder if that's because the sun comes out and it's easy to think that summer as arrived and don't go out as prepared as, say, for a winter walk, only to find that higher up the weather is still cold, wet and slippery? Perhaps. Or perhaps we're just glad to be out in the light that we bounce over the rocks and trails like spring sheep, enjoying a renewed zest for life and feeling invincible in the warmth and glow of the sun. Who knows. But if you're heading up to the Lakes this month (lucky people..!) have fun and take care - wouldn't want to add to the statistics for next year now would you.

Right..back to the book....hmm...definately think I'll stick to walking!

All for now.

Sturdy

If A Picture Paints A Thousand Words

2007-03-04T09:29:00.000-08:00

Then here's the story so far......

It's been four months since I started on my quest and here are some of the places I've been to and people I've met that have helped me on my way so far...looking forward to the next four months.....

Preseli - North Wales Preseli - North Wales
Lake District

Will - Navigation Instructor Buster On Exmoor Best Mate Pat

View from Cheddar Gorge Paddling on Burrington Combe New walking chum Emma

and Hilary in Poland

Meresborough Village Walk Autumn Colours - Lake District Polish Mountains

Hadleigh Castle - My Local Walk

All for now.

Sturdy

Losing the Plot?

2007-02-28T05:39:00.000-08:00

What's it all about...Sturdy??!!
(To be sung to the tune of 'Alfie'..)

Was back to walking on my own again at the weekend and enjoyed a lovely 3 hour jaunt on Saturday morning around my 'usual' route. Had to play taxi service on Sunday but whilst waiting for mum and co to take in the delights of a craft fair, I headed up the road and took a scenic walk around Mersea Island. Last visit to this site was when I was about 9 - first camping trip and it was awful. Our teacher wanted us to eat these horrible slimy things that looked like somebody had sneezed on a shell - think they called them oysters! A few years later(!) and this time around I could appreciate the beauty of the mudflats, the lovely old houses and the relative serenity of the island - and the oysters! Well, if I have to play taxi service I have to treat myself at the same time - don't I?

Last Wednesday I joined a local council walking group, part of the 'Walk For Life' scheme. Now it was only about a mile or so and lasted about 40 minutes but it was probably one of the most rewarding things I've done since I've been on the hill-walking path (pun intended!). The purpose of the group is to encourage the elderly and the infirm to take up walking, get out in the fresh air and enjoy the socialising. In our small group there were those suffering from chronic arthritis, heart problems, walking disabilities - just about everything - but the one thing they all shared was a good sense of humour and a desire to get outside. And that's what it's all about to me. Walking is - or should be - for everyone. I remember how I felt not so long ago when I wanted to take up 'proper' walking. Being overweight and with an injury I wasn't exactly made to feel welcome and, to be honest, was quite embarrassed to even approach some groups. So if I felt like that, I wonder how many other would be walkers are out there feeling the same - thinking they won't be welcome or don't belong.

Thing is, somewhere along the way, over the past 4 months, I seem to have lost the plot a bit. I've started to suffer from my own king of summit fever - walking fever! The feeling that I have to keep pushing myself further and higher, walking more and more but for what? What am I trying to prove and to whom? I've found myself constantly worrying about where I'm going to walk, is it far enough, is it challenging enough and forgotten the very essence of why I started out and what I keep knocking others for. Walking should be about fun, fitness and being with and appreciating nature and our beautiful surroundings. It's not about ego. Only mine seems to have been getting in the way. It came to a head last week when I was offered the opportunity to take up a mega-walk, over several days in an unknown area and with the possibility to lead others. This is, if not technically then physically beyond me at the moment - but I was actually considering it. Why? Is it because I want to be like those I admire - strong, determined, adventurous, respected (well, that's my perception) but let's face it, I'm not a Ray Mears (couldn't kill anything resembling a living creature for a start) and I'm not a Joe Simpson (although with the number of times I seem to have ended up falling over, slipping down or getting lost I may not be far off - oops - sorry Joe - just kidding!). I may have the name 'Sturdy Girl' but in reality I'm a casual walker who takes enjoyment from being with and around nature, appreciating the history and beauty of a place and with an unexplainable love of mountains - I'm a poet and a romantic at heart - not a hard-core mountaineer type. So why am I trying to be? Thankfully, my inner voice and the outer voices of family and friends finally made themselves heard and after my session with the council team I am firmly back in the real world and being true to my own values and desires. Of course, you know that I'm still going to be walking and exploring my precious mountains - including completing my quest to the summit of Ben Nevis - but I'm going to do it my way and via those places that I want to walk in, not those that I think I should. I'm not going to walk routes just because they are the ones people expect me to do or because they have 'credibility'. I'm going to do them because something deep within draws me to them. That might mean I don't 'bag' the usual peaks but hey - who cares?? So, ranting over, time to reconsider my next adventure.....

All for now

Not so Sturdy Girl

Cotswold Capers

2007-02-19T12:59:00.000-08:00

Is this a map I see before me? Er.....no!

Well, headed off to Warwick at the weekend to meet up with a fellow walker I met on my recent Poland trip. Wasn't quite sure what to expect but in the true spirit of adventure jumped on the train Friday night and headed off for what turned out to be a fantastic weekend.

We had planned to go walking in the Peak District on Saturday but the weather wasn't great and with a two hour drive each way we thought better of it and headed into the Cotsworlds instead. Didn't mind as I haven't walked in either place before. We were joined by another of Emma's friends and headed off, route details in hand, to Ilmington for a gentle 8 mile stroll. And therein lies the fundamental flaw in our plans. We'd found the walk details on the Internet (route 2408 on the Walking Britain site) but didn't have an OS map to accompany it. I had my compass and we had our enthusiasm and optimism and undeterred we made it to the start point, pulled on the boots and headed off.....in the wrong direction. Half an hour later and we were back where we started, well, almost but at least we did, eventually find the first elusive gate. Rejoicing, we strolled across the fields taking in the scenic views or, rather, the mists. We managed the first part of the route surprisingly well from here although I was being taunted in true Pythonesque style by Emma's friend, Neil, who decided he was going to be 'the worst walking group member' he could be, challenging my would-be-walking-leader skills to the max. Thankfully, I knew he was only teasing and the hills were only alive with the sound of laughing for most of the way. We had a great lunch in Ebrington where the local pub is very welcoming to walkers and muddy boots (can recommend the local beer and cheese ploughmans!) and then we headed off once more. The second part of the route took us to Hidcote Manor then up onto the hills and close to the highest point in Warwickshire. Shame the directions weren't exactly clear as we seemed to lose the plot at bit looking for Hidcote Bartrim, which turned out to be a lot further down the road then we had thought. Still, we found the Manor House and other key sites and I learnt a useful skill in navigating with a compass and a dodgy, hand-drawn vague route but with a direction marker, thanks the useful(!) comments of my 'demanding walker'. Mind you, I'm a believer in Karma and later in the day, as we made our way across a very, very muddy bridleway, said walker had close encounter with the clay - in a gentle fashion and without injury, and if we hadn't been incapacitated by our laughter we would have run to his aid - honest! Mind you, Emma and I were starting to resemble hairy footed Dutch Bantams (cute chickens with fairy feet) due to the amount of mud sticky to our boots! As evening began to close in we eventually made it back to our car after resorting to heading for the nearby road and walking back into Ilmington. Somewhere along the last section we had lost it completely and without a map we could only really tell we were heading in vaguely the right direction.

So, what did I learn? First and foremost, that it's great walking with others - haven't laughed so much for ages. And when things go wrong it's great to be able to share the blame - er - work things out together. Second of all, don't try to follow route cards without a proper map BUT if you do have to, as long is there is a directional marker you can still figure out roughly which way you should be heading as long as you have a descent compass and know how to use it. If we had been on the Peaks I would never have attempted to walk without the map but, as it was, we were never far from a road with clear signposts back to town. Thirdly, that routes change. On a couple of occasions we found warning signs warning us to 'stay out', including one very strongly worded and rather scarey notice on what was obviously the footpath - which was why we ended up on the muddy bridleway playing in the mud.

All in all we estimate that we covered closer to 10 miles on Saturday and by the end of it we were happy to head back home ready for a nice meal out in Warwick. Thanks to Emma and Neil for their company, their humour and the occasional bit of help! Looking forward to taking you out on some of my routes! Hee, hee, hee!!!

All for now.

Sturdy Girl

Beach Bums and Barometers....

2007-02-12T06:41:00.000-08:00

Look away from the surfers and concentrate...now, how does this thing work?

Had a bit of a busy weekend but finally managed to squeeze in a couple of hours walking on Sunday. Fancied a change from my normal route so opted for the beach instead. Not only did that mean I could watch the kite-surfers (gosh...they do look good in their wetsuits and it look such fun..!) but I could also challenge myself a bit more by deliberately walking on the soft sand and shingle. There is method to the madness...honest. The theory is, it's harder to walk on these surfaces than on good hard earth/paths, therefore, I'll be working my leg muscles more, increasing my general stamina and improving my ascent/decent strength. Well, that's the theory. Mind you, it was hard work! After two hours I was ready to stop and pass the time gazing out to sea.

Whilst out I thought it would be an ideal opportunity to play with my new gadget - the digital barometer. You know, the one that's supposed to warm me about storms brewing and general bad weather. As I stood pulling on my rain coat as an energetic squall hit me, I wondered just why my lovely yellow gadget was trying to convince me that it was sunny with no change forecast! Hmm, either I'm not using this thing properly or it was a wee waste of money! Will have another look at the instructions and give it the benefit of the doubt - for now. Guess it just goes to show that there is no substitute for good basic knowledge. I'll dig out the weather books again and whilst I'm at it, dust off the navigation books and start getting some practise in. I did glance quickly at my 'Mountain Navigation' book, by the aptly named Peter Cliff (no, seriously) and am planning on taking my improver's navigation course sometime soon. At least walking on the beach is easy - out with sea on right, back with sea on left - if suddenly surrounded by water - I'm in the paddling pool! Seriously though, was following the news of the missing walkers and climbers in Scotland at the weekend and was glad to hear they were all found and made it back safely. Does make you stop and think though - about general skills and preparation and the whole debate about not relying on gadgets and gizmos but good old-fashioned knowledge, maps and compass. Seems the walkers were 'saved' by using their low cost survival bags - definately worth a fiver of anybodies money. I've got one in my kit - have you??

Off to Warwickshire this weekend - really looking forward to it. Am also planning an Easter break to Yorkshire so if anybody out there has some suggestions of nice places to walk please let me know. I quite fancy going over to the North Yorks Moors as well as the usual places (Wuthering Heights etc).

Finally, has anybody any suggestions on how to easy a rather tight Achilles heal, tendon thingy? Started to find my left tendon (including behind the knee) is a little tight - worry, but not serious. Any helpful tips on how to stretch this area out (and no, I don't mean 'stop walking' - that's not an option!) - thanks.

All for now.

Sturdy

Anti Climax

2007-02-06T13:35:00.000-08:00

Feeling a bit low this week as didn't get to go out walking at the weekend. Very frustrating being so close to the beautiful rolling hills of the South Downs but not able to set foot on them. Missing the fun and excitement of the snow and my Polish adventure, as well as my fellow walking chums, which didn't help things at the weekend. Great to catch up with my friend and her new baby daughter but missing the open air.

Have started reading my 'Hillwalking Manual' with earnest, preparing for the spring/summer season to come and am in the process of working out some walks over Easter on the stunning North Yorkshire Moors. Bought a hand held/digital barometer at the weekend as my weather reading skills are not as good as they could be and this handy gadget has a built in storm warning. In theory, I can get an up-to-date weather forecast each day when I'm walking and be forewarned if the storm clouds close in on me. Wonder if I can walk in time to the warning alarm and make it to the nearest pub or cafe before the rain comes in - guess they'll be one way to find out!

Hoping to get in a sprint around my 'training' route this weekend. Have some other commitments which will prevent me from heading off anywhere serious but at least this route is good for building general stamina and will get me out in the open air. Also, if we get the snow that's been forecast I can practise my winter walking skills, get out the new ski goggles I couldn't resist buying and dream of far away places......or Scotland next season!

Glad to find I've had an invite to take my first walk in the Peak District week after next. One of my group members from Poland has invited me up for a wonder over the hills - can't wait.

All for now.

Sturdy Girl

Walking in Narnia.

2007-02-01T07:24:00.000-08:00

'And huddled in their warmest coats, they stepped from the back of the bus and gazed upon the magical, enchanted land of Narnia...erm...I mean Szczawnica!'

What an amazing five days I've just had. Leaving a snowy Heathrow last Thursday I had no idea what lay in store for me. I've never been winter walking at home, never mind somewhere like Poland and so I've spent the past week in a constant state of awe, surprise and reverie. The very long journey there and back (don't mention the delays!) was worth it.

Day One - Walking in the Dunajec Gorge and Snow Shoeing
We traveled by bus over the border into Slovakia and then walked back to Poland via the Dunajec Gorge, part of the Pieniny Way and a conservation area. I have never seen so much snow and walking along with the river gently flowing, trees heavy with their diamond encrusted jackets, iridescent in the sunlight and with a small, friendly group of fellow walkers I felt so happy and alive! It took a while to get used to walking on the snow and I soon learnt not to be complacent; the Karrimor's have started to bed in and the grip on them was fantastic. Our guide, Andre, was a wealth of information and very knowledgeable about local wildlife and pointed out different animal tracks in the snow. I can now confidently identify fox, squirrel, wild boar, roe deer, red deer and duck. So, in the unlikely event of being stranded in a snow bound gorge, I should be able to locate the local inhabitants and take lots of pretty pictures whilst I wait for mountain rescue - not capable of anything else, no matter how many Ray Mears programmes I watch! We were walking for about 2 1/2 hours, around 8km and for me it was over far too soon. In the afternoon we donned the snow shoes and headed for the summit of Palenica just on the outskirts of town. At 722m this would be my highest point so far. I was feeling rather nervous about the excursion as the idea of anything remotely like skiing has always terrified me, but as soon as we got the kit and started to sort ourselves out I felt the excitement growing and once I'd managed to strap myself in I found the walking incredibly easy. There wasn't really enough snow to walk properly but we did it anyway and it was great fun. To be able to tackle icy paths without the fear of sliding back down meant we could actually enjoy the stunning scenery. It was late afternoon, the sun cast a deep golden glow on the distant mountains and below, the lights in the town twinkled in the haze of the frosty air. Amazing. On reaching the summit there was no time to pause for thought as the plan was to take the ski lift back down and it was about to close. Not being fond of heights I was dreading this - really dreading it, but one of my fellow group members came to my rescue and accompanied me down, calming me and focusing me until I accepted that we weren't going to plummet to our deaths, once we got the safety bar down of course! I finally relaxed, much to the relief of my companion, and then actually quite enjoyed it - but glad to get off again. In the evening we were taken for a sleigh ride in the forest - Narnia style, with horse drawn sleighs, jingling through the icy waste, lit by burning torches, swishing along paths, through streams until turning around in a star-lit clearing where we stopped for some very welcome hot spiced wine. After the ride we had a BBQ. Yep, in the outside. It's O.K. - it was only -12! Quite exhilarating. When we finaly got back to the hotel I was still too full of puppy energy to sleep and so went for another walk back into the town and along the river, watching the moonbeams dancing on the crystallised water. Walking along, listening to the sound of my own breathing and the soft crunch of foot on snow was quite something.

Day Two - A change of plan!
We had hoped to walk to the summit of 'The Three Crowns' which stands just over 900m high. Unfortunately, the weather had closed in and there was heavy snow. Andre had no choice but to abandon this plan as, with a mixed ability group, we could end up in risky situations and not having a terribly good time. No problem with that in my mind and the rest of the group were also happy with this decision. It was, afterall, the sensible one. I was disappointed on one level but was just as happy with the idea of another valley walk. Andre promised it would be beautiful with stunning views and he wasn't fibbing! From the minute we got off of the bus at the start of the route I was speechless (yes...really!) and spent the next couple of hours walking in another world. A silent, peaceful, beautiful world. It was one of the most exciting and breathtaking things I have done so far. And that's when I knew I was hooked. On snow, on winter walking, on all things icy and on the mountains. I'm going to have to develop some winter walking skills as the apparent risks are multitude but wow - what a feeling. We ascended quite a few wooden steps and rocky slopes so coming back down was great fun - slip sliding around, the sound of giggles echoing through the valley every now and again followed by a call of 'Uwaga' (which generally means something along the lines of 'look out', 'warning' 'avalanche' etc) and the occasional 'Um Bongo' - snow madness I think! I did manage to execute an amazing 360 degree turn at one point on some hidden ice and if it hadn't been for the pair of walking poles I'd been loaned (we all had) I would probably have gone for a nice, icy slide down the path. Best couple of hours walking so far.

In the afternoon we had some free time. Not enough snow for snowmobiling so was convinced to have a go at skiing. Yes, despite the fear I rose to the challenge, hired an instructor and took to the slopes. Spent the next hour in agony, falling over quite a lot and laughing hysterically. I did eventually learn how to stop, when I could be convinced to move in the first place, and could turn to the right but failed miserably to turn to the left, ending up instead lying on the snow giggling. The lesson over I went for a hot beer (great stuff) and watched Will, my play mate for the afternoon and fellow walker, swishing down the slopes. He seemed to make it look easy - quite envious! I did have another little go on my own whilst I was waiting for him to finish his runs and did manage to move, fall over, end up in the netting and the finally, finally, go in the right direction and turn a couple of times. Do I dare confess this....I actually enjoyed it. And it was nice to have someone to chat about it with afterwards while enjoying another beer. Thanks to all in the group for encouraging me and for Will for putting up with me and keeping me company - great fun.

Sadly, that was it for proper walking and activities, the rest of the trip was a bit of cultural sightseeing and then home but I'd accomplished my mission. I'd gone on this trip as an introduction to snowy, winter walking activities to see if I actually enjoyed them and had the fitness and ability to cope with them. I now know that I love playing in the snow, that I'm fitter than I thought I was and that my kit is now doing exactly what I want it to. This is definitely an aspect of hill walking that I want to develop and hope to visit some other mountain ranges over time, including the Tatras, but no rush - as and when I'm ready and can afford it. I also really enjoyed walking in a small group, which is something I'm not used to. Being with like minded people, each with their own particular interests, qualities, experience and dreams was really lovely. I've already said before how I know I'm going to meet some special people on my journey over the coming year and this trip was no exception. I did meet some very, very special people and I hope we'll stay in touch and maybe even go out walking and playing. It was quite sad saying goodbye to them all at the airport and a part of me wonders if I will ever see them again. I hope so - I really do.

So, January started off pretty appallingly for me but I've been able to get in some great training walks, work out some equipment problems, share my local route with my best friend, be blown away by my Polish adventure and met some potential new friends and playmates. What more could I want - apart from more walking opportunities. February is upon us and I'm off to Sussex this weekend to catch up with an old friend. Hope to take in at least one walk whilst I'm there but will probably return later in the month to do a couple of days on the South Downs. The adventure continues......

All for now.

Sturdy Girl

IT'S JUST A GENTLE STROLL....HONEST..!

2007-01-22T12:57:00.000-08:00

Are we there yet.....are we there yet......are we??????

So, my best friend Pat came to stay at the weekend. First visit since I had to move back from Somerset. I promised to introduce her to my 'usual' walk. You know, the one I keep moaning about due to its lack of hills and promised her it was a gentle stroll, no more than 3 hours and flat, no, really. Erm, four hours after we set off, treading through thick mud, up an occasional small hill or two, detouring around the castle ruins so I could show off the stunning estuary views, then down via my favorite trees, through marsh land, over to Benfleet and back along the sea path, we finally ended up back in Leigh On Sea, just another 40 minute walk or so back to my flat! Poor Pat, tired, covered in mud and having had a rapid introduction to the hedgerow at one point all she wanted was a nice lunch and a pint. So I introduced her to the delights of fresh seafood, something the town is famous for. Sorry mate - I guess cockles and whelks aren't everyone's cup of tea - must be an East End thing. Kidding aside, we had a great walk and I've finally realised the value of this route. It's increasing my stamina and general fitness, if not my ascent tactics and my pacing is improving no end. Had to mangle the boots a bit to stop them from pressing in and have discovered that if I lace them differently and mush the tongue up a bit more to break down the fibres they are actually O.K. And the grip is excellent.

Really longing to be amongst some big, rugged mountain type things at the moment and in need of a bit of fun after the rocky (yes, pun intended) start to the year. So I've just taken the plunge and booked myself on a short walking holiday in Poland. Hopefully snowshoeing in the High Tatras. More likely to be avoiding grumpy brown bears who aren't hibernating due to global warming. I'm flying off on Thursday so best go pack. All being well, will update you on my adventure next week!

All for now.

Sturdy Girl

BEST FOOT FORWARD

2007-01-16T12:48:00.000-08:00

New Boots but oooh, do they hurt!

Popped in to my local Millets last week and found a lovely pair of 3 season boots at a really good price. They are Karrimoor KSBs and appeared to offer some great support for my ankle, good grip for all that lovely mud and wet rocks and a good boot for year-round walking. So I happily skipped home with them and wore them around the flat for a few days before taking them on their first outing. All well and good - for the first hour! Then I started to feel the tongue pressing in and when it came to walking up slopes the pain and discomfort grew. After a three hour walk following my usual route via Hadleigh I was more than glad to get them off. The bruising was not good and I can't seem to figure out why they have caused such damage. Perhaps I had them laced too tightly. Perhaps they need wearing in. Perhaps they just aren't right for me. I'll have to keep on wearing them and experimenting for now as I can't afford not to. They were a good price and seemed to fit O.K but good price or not, I don't have money to waste. Just proved yet again how difficult it can be to find the right boots. Still, not giving up on them yet.

Whilst I was out walking my good friend Pat rang me. She was out walking back home in Somerset and had got herself into a bit of a pickle. She hasn't been out walking for a while and was tackling quite a long route. Towards the end she began to have problems with aching shoulders and legs and wasn't quite sure she was going to make it back to her car. Never to fear - Sturdy was here - well - was on the end of the phone. I talked her through some gentle stretches which she could also do on the move, and some breathing exercises and within a few minutes she was O.K to keep going and to get home safely. I made sure she called back when she finally got home! Felt quite good to be able to help a friend like that and to appreciate the knowledge I'm gaining as I walk more and train more. She's coming to visit me this weekend and we're planning some good walks - so watch out boots, I've not finished with you yet!

All for now.

Sturdy

Mud, Mud, Glorious Mud..

2007-01-09T05:30:00.000-08:00

Nothing quite like it for...er...being muddy!

I've found that walking is a great healer. Alone with your thoughts, free from the chaos of every day life, walking with nature and the elements can bring a sense of space, clarity and deep peace. This is where I find my peace and this is when I feel most alive and contented. It's a feeling that can't be taken away by outside events (well, not easily), it is a feeling inside - it's mine - it's yours - no one else's! So I've been walking, and thinking, and will keep following my dreams, exploring new places and embracing the adventure of life. Attempting to shake off the less than ideal start to the New Year, I pulled on the boots at the weekend and went for my 'usual' bimble, only this time I added on another couple of miles, bringing the round distance to about 7 miles or so. It's not a bad walk, taking in the castle ruins, country park and estuary but I miss my hills! My boots were still slipping and didn't hold up too well in the thick mud and the following day I had serious aching in my hip joints - surely I'm too young for that! Not to be put off, I've also started a regular exercise routine at home combining aerobics, stretching and a bit of yoga and swimming. If nothing else - I'll sleep well.

Still planning some new routes for the next couple of months but with a low post-xmas budget and not wanting to blow my holiday time in one go I do need to think carefully. I'm aiming to reach the summit of Ben Nevis in September so I need to start building up gradually now. All quite exciting really.

As ever, any suggestions always welcome, especially if somebody can explain the hip thing!

All for now.

Sturdy.

New Year Blues

2007-01-02T01:57:00.000-08:00

New Year, new beginnings, new paths to tread...

I think I'm not alone when I say that I don't really enjoy New Year. It's always been a time of chaos and sad partings for me and this year was no exception. Had to say goodbye to a very special friend, which is never easy, but were both pretty good at navigation and with the right map and compass maybe our paths will cross again.

In the meantime, there are hills to be walked and mountains to be climbed, metaphorically speaking of course! Can't be doing with all those ropes and sheer drops - too much of a coward. So, out come the walking guides, map of the U.K and train timetables as I settle down to a bit of planning and focus on my mission - to reach the summit of Ben Nevis by the end of September. I need to be increasing my distance and stamina and start looking at visiting some of the smaller sites in the lead up to Big Ben! Think I'll take the next few days to sort out a schedule for the next couple of months and take it from there. If anybody has any suggestions as to ideas places and routes to start building up the terrain and stamina please do let me know.

Hope 2007 brings joy and happiness to you all - and lots and lots of walking.

All for now.

Sturdy.

New Year Blues

2007-01-02T01:56:00.000-08:00

New Year, new beginnings, new paths to tread...

Hope 2007 brings joy and happiness to you all - and lots and lots of walking.

All for now.

Sturdy.

2006-12-29T07:42:00.000-08:00

Please mother, no more mince pies, please.....!!

Well Santa was kind to me and I did get a copy of the Hillwalking Manual which is proving very interesting reading indeed - can't wait to get out and try out some of the skills.

Managed to go for a good long walk on Wednesday - a 3 hour bimble but boy did I feel it afterwards. Surely it hasn't been that long since I went out for a good stretch?! The main problem was my boots. My lovely, recently purchased boots. They were slipping and the resulting blisters made life quite uncomfortable. I was wearing the same socks, insoles and they were laced the same way. Only thing I can think of that might have changed is my weight. Less weight, less pressure on the feet. Can't afford to buy any new ones yet so will have to find a solution - probably thicker socks.

Off to Somerset for the New Year and hope to get out onto the Mendips for the day tomorrow before more festivities!

All for now.

Sturdy

Best Made Plans....

2006-12-17T14:30:00.000-08:00

'Tis the season to be jolly, tra la la......
Oops, no walking for the Sturdy, tra la la la.....'

So much for my intention to begin a regular winter training routine. Over the past week the most walking I've done has been from one end of the train to the other and a few backward steps across the millennium Bridge attempting to walk (er - 'tack') across the Thames! Work duties and family visits left little time to really get out and about but in those rare and precious quite moments I closed my eyes and could see the snow capped hills of Ambleside from a few weeks ago. Magic. I suspect this week will be just as manic but at least I can go for a ramble on Saturday at Rainham Marshes and plan to go for a nice long walk up to Hadleigh and Benfleet and then back along the sea wall on Christmas Eve, just before going off to the panto. Oh no you're not. Oh yes I am. And so just in case the bearded one with the sleigh is reading this;

Dear Santa,

I promise I've been a good novice walker and on my best behavior (well, mostly). Please can I have: 'Hillwalking - The official handbook of the Walking Group Leader Schemes', a pair of good year round 4 season boots, the energy and stamina of a collie so I can bounce up the hills, a pair of walking trousers that don't make me look like Biggles with my gaiters on and finally, more walking days. Thank you. I'm leaving a dram of isotonic drink and some mint cake to keep you going - enjoy.

All for now.

Sturdy Girl

FEELING FRUSTRATED

2006-12-11T13:58:00.000-08:00

So many beautiful places to go - but they all seem so far away....

Didn't get to do any walking last week. I'm out of holiday time and money and with the holiday season almost upon us family chores beckoned. Spent most of my free time looking at Country Walking and Trail magazines and lusting over the pictures of places to visit. I haven't really been anywhere yet and I want to go everywhere. The thing is, they all seem a long way off. Not in terms of mileage but in terms of experience and ability. I guess the main thing I have to work on is general stamina. So, I've started swimming again and have dug out the fitness DVD and am aiming on cross-training 3 times a week and walking whenever I can, even if it's just to the pool. Great. But what I also feel I need is guidance and mentors - so any willing readers out there that can offer advice on where to walk, training ideas etc, feel free to leave a comment. I'd particularly like to visit the Peak District, Snowdonia and go back to the lakes during the first quarter of next year so - any ideas?

Thanks to 'UKBob' for your comment. You're right, walking down a scree slope in the style of Kate Moss might not be the best approach. Think I prefer the definition of 'Sturdy Girl' as found on the online Urban Dictionary: "one who is capable of looking after themselves and also quite probably of walking over rocks!" How true. As for the bulls - taking a friend is also a useful deterrent. Hope you keep reading and keep smiling.

All for now.

Sturdy

Should I Be Out Here..?

2006-12-04T14:41:00.000-08:00

Bullocks! Lost my bearing..

Was in the Mendips at the weekend but annoyingly was suffering with a bad head cold and chest infection. Weather was fantastic though and couldn't stay indoors for too long so grabbed my poor suffering dog (Buster) and best friend (Pat) and went off for a couple of short but exhilarating walks. On Saturday we went out for a nice 5/6 mile bimble from Wookey Hole, up through Ebbor Gorge (nice easy scramble) and across the Mendips. Sunday we followed a quieter route across the top of Cheddar Gorge, taking in part of the Mendip Way. We was having a great time until we stumbled into a huge field full of rather frisky and irritable young bulls who decided to take a more than healthy interest in Buster. Our route took us straight through the middle of them. After some deliberating we skirted around the edge of the field, then across, then zig-zagged, desperately trying to keep our distance and keep them away from the now slightly nervous (and very muddy) Buster. Whilst doing this we managed to lose our bearing completely, or rather, I did. I was wheezing, coughing and sneezing like nobody's business whilst trying to navigate and Pat was beginning to feel less than great. Both of us had committed a cardinal sin and gone out without having had lunch and as we'd been walking now for a couple of hours both of us were getting hungry and niggly. We decided to head back on ourselves, giving in to the bullocks but enjoying the view anyway. Having retraced our steps back up a very muddy hill we took a few moments to rest by the shade of an old oak tree (no, seriously) had a drink and munched on my emergency trail mix. Amazing what a few bits of dried fruit and nuts can do. We had a great walk, the views were magnificent, the weather like a warm September eve, but in hindsight I think maybe I should have tackled a flatter route and both of us should have been better prepared. Lesson learnt. And as for those bullocks.....well, less said!

All for now.

Sturdy Girl

REMEMBER, REMEMBER, THE WALKS OF NOVEMBER

2006-11-28T14:23:00.000-08:00

What a difference a month makes…

I’ve always liked November. It is the start of the festive season with bonfires and fireworks, the burst of autumn colours in the hedgerows and trees and frosty nights. It’s a time when most people begin to draw within and retreat to the warmth and comfort of the indoor life but not for me! I’ve spent nearly every weekend out walking and guess what…I’m hooked. Over the past few weeks I’ve achieved so much and yet it still feels so little. I’ve reached my highest point, my furthest distance and walked in my most challenging weather conditions. And all with a smile on my face – well, most of the time.

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

Mountain Madness

2006-11-20T13:53:00.000-08:00

I wandered lonely as a cloud…
…when all at once my eyes beheld….
…..nothing – hill fog came in!!!

Wordsworth once wrote that rain in the Lake District was commonplace. Seems he was right. But he also wrote that nowhere else could compare with the vibrant colours, textures and breathtaking scenery of the mountain peaks and fells – seems he was right about this too. On Thursday of last week I took my first ever trip to Cumbria and planned to take my first steps upon the rugged landscape – two days walking, with a foray to the Mountain Festival at Kendal to keep me out of trouble in the evenings. So, on Friday morning I jumped on the bus to Ambleside and headed off towards the summit of Red Screes, just above the Kirkstone Pass. At first all seemed well – it was overcast with a threat of rain but generally O.K. Thing is, I wasn’t. It was one of those mornings when you just know you’re not on top form. Could have been the beer the night before, lack of sleep or anything but I knew I wasn’t 100%. Still, I had set my heart on walking to my highest point so far, challenging myself, improving my skills and experience and enjoying the scenery – after all, I’d travelled a long way to get there and didn’t want to waste the journey. As I struggled along the road the rain began to fall, and kept falling. Pulling on the waterproofs I pushed on and finally found the path that lead to the ridge – the ascent route I’d planned to take. Painfully and slowly I picked my way along the path. To be honest, I was exhausted when I shouldn’t have been. Still I continued convinced I’d be O.K and determined to get to the top. As I walked higher, the rain continued, then the sleet, then the wind began to build and by the time I’d reached just over 550m the hill fog came in and I was leaning against a boundary wall, being pelted with sleet, wind whipping at the waterproofs and visibility decreasing rapidly. The sheep stood staring at me as if to say, “Well, lass, what’s it to be?” I could push on to the summit but what would be the point? The chances of the weather improving nearer the top was minimal, I’d be exhausted by the time I got there and probably wouldn’t make it back down to get the bus home. I had nothing to prove to anybody but myself and, as I was rapidly learning, on the hills, there is little room for ego. So I called it and turned round. On the way down, across the valley the cloud cleared and the views were stunning. I wondered if I’d given up too soon, but looking behind me I could see that little had improved on my hilltop. Picking my way back down the water soaked paths, where mini-waterfalls cascaded across the rocks the wind eased, the rain became bearable and I decided to continue my walk along the valley, taking in Sweden Bridge and ending up at Scandale Fell. All along the route I seemed to find myself uttering words like “awesome” and “magnificent” as I savoured each new view. On the way I passed a small group who had reached the trig point on Red Screes and had an awful time – they advised not to try it and I was happy to take their advice and enjoyed the lower landscape instead. Tired, wet but happy, I took the bus back to Kendal after a spending an educational 5 hours walking.

I was staying at the beautiful Bridge House B&B in Kendal and my hosts were wonderful and between them had a wealth of experience as walkers, climbers and skiers and I felt better about myself when they agreed that I’d made a good judgement call by turning back and changing my route, after all, I was up there on my own, in the worst conditions I’d walked in so far and in an area I didn’t really know.

The next morning I rang the weather line for an up-to-date forecast to learn that strong to gale force winds were predicted with snow/sleet showers, low visibility, hill fog and a wind chill of between –4 and –15 depending upon height. I’d spent most of the previous day with soaking wet feet as I discovered that my new boots are not up to harsh winter walking conditions and offered little grip on wet rocks (yes, I did slip over once – nothing injured but pride!) I decided to spend the day taking in the lectures and films at the festival instead. Was feeling good about the decision until a fellow house guest seemed to imply that I was being a bit feeble as enduring the bad weather and “..having wet feet are part and parcel of walking around here – you just put up with it and get on with it.” I felt duly ashamed of myself until his friend quipped, “Yes, but you spent all day yesterday moaning about your wet feet!” I smiled quietly to myself behind my coffee mug as ice-cold eyes glared across the table. Like I said, no room for egos on the hills!

At the festival, not only did I manage to catch some great films, meet some outstanding authors and buy lots of books, I also met some wonderful fellow walkers who were happy to share their local knowledge and walking experiences with me and some of whom I hope to walk with in the near future.

All in all, it was an enlightening weekend. Although I didn’t get in the walks I had hoped to do, I had learnt a lot, had fun and widened my experience. After all, hill walking isn’t about reaching summits….is it? I’d love to know your thoughts on this – feel free to comment.

All for now.

SG

'Gorge'ous Walking

2006-11-14T06:02:00.000-08:00

Looking for Fork Lifts? No... Fore Cliffs!

Spent the weekend in Somerset walking on the Mendips. On Saturday headed out on my own and walked from Cheddar town, up over the north side of the gorge, through Velvet Bottom and Charterhouse, up to the top of Burrington Combe, back through Long Wood and over the south side of the gorge before ending up back in the town, slightly muddier and pleasantly tired. Great walk with fantastic views, especially watching the rain bouncing off the rock face whilst taking shelter with some feral goats!
Total distance, approximately 9 miles give or take a slip or two.

On Sunday, persuaded my good friend Pat to come out with me. Starting from Cheddar again we headed over the north side, through Black Rock and Longwood then along the West Mendip Way before heading back to a hilly area known as Fore Cliffs. Neither of us could resisit the compulsory Two-Ronnies style wise-cracks and we spent most of the walk in fits of giggles. Pat put her faith in my navigation which all seemed to work out O.K. Seems my stamina is improving as well as for the first time ever I was asked to slow down. As I've always considered Pat to be increadibly fit I took this as a compliment and a sign that I'm improving!
Distance: 7.5 miles.

Off to Kendal on Thursday. Using up my last two days holiday to take my first steps in Cumbria and check out the Mountain Festival - see what all the fuss is about!

SG

2006-11-10T01:50:00.000-08:00

Would you like fries with that....

Made a classic faux pax last night that I'm probably never going to live down! Was buying a new windjammer type fleece thing and was trying to sound like I knew what a I talking about. Hmm. The eager young sales chap had to hold back his amusement when I casually asked; "and how does this item compare to the Burgerhouse one over there?". "That would be the Berghaus then would it?" he replied! The blush of embarrassment swept over me like the rising sun on the desert. I've obviously got a lot to learn, including not to try and kid a kidder!

Exmoor. Camping.

2006-11-06T09:22:00.000-08:00

Am I being too ambititous?

Had an opportunity to spend some time with my lovely dog, Buster, so headed down to Somerset ready to whisk him away for a couple of days. With tent in the boot and walking boots ready, I bundled the poor unsuspecting bundle of fluff into the car and off we went to Exmoor.

Fired up by my recent navigation course [See ‘Previously’, left] I had planned a route taking me along and into the moors from the base of the Dunkery Beacon, taking in some cairns and a disused quarry before ending up at the trig point. Car parked, I set the map, took a bearing to make sure I was on the right path and off we went. First attack point reached, no problem. Timing, pacing – perfect. Second attack point – perfect. Now, for the cairns and time to head off the path. I knew where I was on the map, took a bearing to the cairn and off we marched, bouncing our way across the heather. Well, Buster bounced, I kind of stumbled, wobbled and muttered under my breath as I soon realised that short legs and heather don’t necessarily get on well together. I eventually reached my target but was disappointed to find I was out by about 50m. Doubled checked I was at the right point, took a bearing for the next Cairn and off we went again. Reached the Cairn on time/distance but what’s this – it’s the wrong Cairn! Had ended up at the neighbour of the one I thought I was heading to. Undeterred I took another bearing to find the next Cairn, which was over a convex summit and off we went. And went, and went, and went… No Cairn, or at least not on the route I was taking. More to the point, no reference points either. I knew how far I thought I’d travelled and checking the map could see there should be a path not far away so took a bearing, measured distance and sure enough hit the target spot on. So what had happened with the Cairn?

Feeling a bit confused as to why I had missed my mark I headed back up the path to a known point, took another bearing to the elusive Cairn and headed off. I’d estimated the time and distance and so was horrified to realise that I was nowhere near the target but had somehow ended up way up the hill in some very boggy, tufty grass and with no recognisable features to boot! What on earth was going wrong? At this point I was tired, confused and wanted to stomp my feet like a big kid but Buster kept on smiling and wagging his tail at me – at least he was having fun! I didn’t seem to be having any problems finding out where I was or escape routes back to main paths but I just couldn’t hit those *** Cairns. After 4 hours of wandering around in almost circles we’d both had enough and decided to head off to the campsite before the rain set in.

I didn’t have a good night – torrential rain, thunder, lightning, getting spooked by my reading material (Joe Simpson’s ‘Water People’!) - Buster and I finally abandoned the tent and book for the safety of the car. As the rain eventually eased off we packed up camp and headed back to Dunkery.

I was determined to figure out what had gone wrong the day before. As time passed by the weather began to close in, the winds picked up and finally, after we had been roaming around for 2 hours I’d had enough. I just couldn’t figure it out. The day had started well, hitting targets and finding my way around and then it all went pear-shaped again. Then, as I walked back to the car, Buster pulling at the lead and map flapping under my arm I wondered what could be causing the problem. I had a lovely new map, laminated of course, and had folded it over to show my target area. Folded it over. Hmm. Could that be the problem? On Preseli, there had been lots of stones and rocks to rest the map on to take readings, on Exmoor there is mainly heather so I’d been holding a heavily folded map with one hand (dog lead in the other) – could this be where the problem lay? If the map wasn’t flat could I be veering off due to creases, dips etc in the surface? It’s a possibility I suppose, that and being in a more complex terrain. Think I’ll section out the map, keep practising at home with a local site and then come back in a few weeks time to give it another go. Will follow the same route and see how I go.
The adventure has begun!

Who am I and where did it all begin?

2006-11-06T09:21:00.000-08:00

This is me. Sturdy Girl. Lovingly named by my big brother many years ago…

It all started with a broken ankle. For the first time in many years I was housebound, trapped in a non-supporting cast, looking longingly at the outside world and yearning to be out there. But it was winter, wet and cold and apart from an occasional hobble around the cul-de-sac where I lived in Somerset I was stuck.

Now I’m not grumbling. During my enforced retreat I had a choice – fight it or accept it – so I did the latter and took the time out as a much needed retreat in which to reassess life. I was in a failing relationship, a dead-end job and, as I discovered at the hospital, surprisingly overweight. So I took stock, learnt to meditate and listened to my heart. And all the time it was telling me what I already knew – I loved to walk. I loved to be outside in the open air, discovering new places to venture and to bond with my natural surroundings. Only now, the feelings were intensified ten-fold. And no, it wasn’t just because I couldn’t do it – it was the message I’d been ignoring for some time. It had taken many years to realise that when I was out walking, with my beloved dog, Buster, by my side, that I was happy –truly happy! As soon as the cast came off I persuaded my partner to take me to the nearby beach at Berrow. With its wide expanse of hard sand it was the perfect playground for re-training my foot. It felt so good to be moving again and to feel the fresh breeze on my face and to cast my eyes across the open landscape. A priority was to make sure the foot began moving naturally again and regained its strength and flexibility, and what better than soft sand dunes to aid that very purpose? Combined with swimming and a conscious effort to be out and about again it wasn’t long before I started taking regular walks around Cheddar, Priddy and Glastonbury with a couple of good friends and my faithful dog.

“Great!” I hear you say, and so I thought. But here I am, a year later, facing a greater challenge – that of an aspiring hill walker, eager to learn but seemingly isolated. “Why is this?” you ask. Well..it goes something like this.

The relationship which was failing, well, failed. The job which was dead-end – ended and my beautiful Mendips were replaced with the flatlands of Essex. In a space of a few months my whole life had been turned upside down. I lost my home, my job, my hills and my best friend – my mad mutt, Buster. But what I did find was that my passion for walking, my dreams of reaching the summits of Snowdon, Ben Nevis, the High Atlas and countless other places were still as strong as ever. But how does a suddenly single, 30-something, aspiring hill walker get her first foot on the ladder, or, should I say, ascent?

Now, I could book onto a holiday, but as you will all know, independent living is not cheap and limited leave time from work means that many of the trips I would like to join are not within my budget or time-scale. I will, I am sure, be able to join one such group a year and although I’m sure it will be great fun and beneficial, much like fast food, it will only fill a temporary gap and leave me wanting more.

I’ve checked out the local ramblers, but sadly many of their walks are on weekdays, and the occasional weekend walk always seems to clash with something else, and previous experience of other ramblers groups seems to suggest a ‘full steam ahead’ approach with little time for enjoying the surroundings. I contacted the local hill walking group but received a less than motivational response which was kind of along the lines of ‘we are for serious long distance walkers’ – i.e. not overweight novices.

So, what to do? Like so many aspects of my life so far, I am faced with a choice. I can either ignore my passion and wait until I find someone/a group which will take me along and have the patience and understanding to help a novice or I can take the plunge and go out there and do it anyway.

And guess what – that’s exactly what I’m going to do. Over the next few months I am embarking upon a journey of discovery, experience and fun. I’ll be building up my walking experience, increasing distance, traversing different terrain and taking appropriate courses to ensure that I remain safe and healthy.

Each week I’ll post a brief update on progress including a look at related books I might have bought/read, exhibitions or lectures attended and maybe even TV programmes which may have inspired me or thrown up questions. Each month I’ll give a full update of my adventures as I move closer to my dreams.

I’m out there now – will you join me?

First solo walk

2006-11-06T09:20:00.001-08:00

4.5 miles that felt like a million

I’ve added an additional feature to my rucksack. A personal alarm. A bit like a girlie hand grenade, pull the pin and it emits a deafeningly high pitched siren. I kind of figured if I ever had to use it, the best that can happen is any potential unpleasant sort would leg it or, at worst, they’d be deafened for a brief moment allowing me an opportunity to hobble off at great speed. I also figured it might be handy at deterring any unwanted attention from my least favourite animals – cows! I’ve already had a few close encounters with obviously niggly bovines in Somerset and can’t say I enjoyed the experience!

At the perimeter of Hadleigh Country Park (Essex) I had my first sense of anxiety. Suddenly, I had moved away from the open path, where I had passed fellow walkers, joggers, cyclists etc, to a wooded area where visibility was obstructed. I took a breath, focused and stepped over the hurdle into the country park. I felt like queen of the woods. All that stood between me and my target now was a field and…..cows! The notice pinned to the fence warned that not only were there cows, but a welcoming bull, who might just want to say hello. I could feel the blood drain from my face and my pulse quickened as I stared at the beasts that lay before me.

After a time I eased myself over the stile, and slowly began to edge my way along the path, trying to appear confident, alarm grasped firmly in my hands. The castle ruins were now within easy reach and I began to relax. With each step I took felt my confidence in my own ability growing. And then I was there, standing atop the hill, gazing down at the Essex coastline and enjoying a much needed drink of cool water. I felt…elated. It was only a small triumph, but I’d done it.

Walking back down I thought about the beautiful painting Constable made of Hadleigh Castle, my destination on this walk. Wonder what he would have made of the views today?

Motivated by this little venture I have upgraded some of my basic kit, to include a high visibility, light weight backpack and integral drinking system (being slightly overweight means drinking more which also, unfortunately, means having to find a few more bushes), and the staff at Blacks, Fenchurch Street must be thanked for their help and patience in choosing my pack. Greater thanks must also go to the helpful staff at Field and Trek in Covent Garden who took the time to explain different walking boots to me, measured me up, talked about my ankle and muscular injury and ensured I had suitable boots and insoles to fit my needs. I guess the old boots from Lidl’s can now be relegated to the bin (or the charity shop) and I can put my best foot forward (literally).

Up to 6 miles!

2006-11-06T09:20:00.000-08:00

Never climb up anything you can’t get down…

Rang my route and estimated return time through to my backup team (Mum!) and then prepared to head off. Just before leaving I thought I’d check that the new hydration system was working and spent the next 10 minutes battling with the drinking tube trying to figure out how the blessed thing worked. I was fast beginning to wish I’d stuck to my bottle when I gave the stopper a final tug and was rewarded by an unexpected shower of cold water as I hit gold and water gushed everywhere! Had to laugh – and dry myself down, then finally closed the door and hit the road.

Was nearing the halfway point of my walk when I had a battle with a steep incline of muddy clay and sand which was preventing me from reaching my ‘summit’. Pondering over the dilemma of how to get back down from the top I learned two valuable lessons.

Lesson one – never climb up anything if you don’t know how to get back down!

Lesson two – its not how far you walk (or climb), it’s the experience you have on the way. And if you get to a certain point where you know you’ve pushed yourself to your current ability, but to continue forwards would be to put yourself into a situation for which are not prepared, then why bother? If you don’t reach that summit, marker etc does it really matter if you’ve had a great time on the way, seeing, experiencing and feeling as you go. So, unless it’s going to kill you, learn to say ‘enough’ and enjoy what you’ve already had and know when to turn back. If I had been content to do the same today I would have left that hilltop with thoughts of the view on my mind and not the difficulties I endured by pushing myself unnecessarily, suffering slippery slopes and muddy bottoms in my obsession to reach the top. I know I have already shared with you my dream of walking up Ben Nevis and this is still my goal, but I’d like to think that when I do get there, reaching the summit will not be the be-all-and-end-all, but enjoying its ragged beauty as I try.

Returning home, I was glad to kick off my very muddy boots – but at least they now look like walking boots – and deal with aching feet. The Lowa TC boots are great; lightweight, breathable and offering just the right amount of ankle support, and teamed with the Superfeet insoles my feet were supported and cushioned well on the mud, grass and concrete. The water system was a welcome addition to the backpack. I know I don’t normally drink anywhere near enough water (which I’m working on) and so being able to take small sips regularly without effort meant that I found it easy to maintain fluid levels.

I’ve done a navigation course!

2006-11-06T09:19:00.000-08:00

Wow! What a fantastic couple of days …

I had booked my navigation course after spotting an advertisement in the mag and, assured by some friendly emails I’d received from the training centre, felt certain of an interesting time.

Bright and early, well, about 10am actually, Wil from Hillwalking Wales (www.hillwalking-wales.com), was smiling his way towards me outside the onsite classroom. Warm and welcoming, I felt immediately at ease, which is just as well when you’re about to head off into unknown territory with a complete stranger! We started by spending time discussing contours, attack points, handrails, ticks (not the bloodsucking kind!), true north, magnetic north, grid north…phew! The old brain was spinning faster than a compass near a mobile phone. Actually, everything was explained clearly, slowly and in easy to digest pieces and before we set off for the hills – sorry – mountains – I felt I had a good grasp of what lay ahead – literally.

Backpack and gaiters on and it was no rest for the wicked – let’s get down to navigation. For the next 4 hours I was set a series of tasks using only an Ordnance Survey Map, a compass, some toggles, a stopwatch and a speed chart – oh, and a blade of grass or two! Wil patiently waited for me whilst I set the map (got it the right way round), took a bearing (which way to go), estimated how long it should take and finally headed off to the various ‘targets’. There is a cunning system called ‘aiming off’ which comes in handy if you happen to miss your mark – honest, Wil, it was deliberate! No, seriously, throughout the day I received what can only be described as top-notch instruction which was also fun and insightful, just how training should be. It was great fun working our way towards the summit, taking time out to watch skylarks, admire the dramatic, rolling landscape littered with ancient cairns and burial mounds, and even do some scrambling until we reached the trig point at the top of Foeldrygon.

Although we joked about it being the top of the world – to me it was just that. I’d just walked and navigated my way through my first real hillwalk and it was great. Windswept and sun kissed, it was fantastic. Could have stayed up there for hours, but after a few compulsory tourist-type photos we had to head down and back to the van.

On the second day we headed off to Foel Cwmcerywn, Preseli’s highest summit. From the start I was given targets to navigate towards as we worked our way up towards the trig point. It was another bright warm day, and after spending the previous evening with a storming headache due to excessive grinning and a spot of squinting, I donned the sunglasses, grabbed the compass and set off. We double checked our pacing and timing as well as strategies as we meandered up the grassy slopes, taking in the majestic skyline – dark shadows of the hills silhouetted against the low autumn sun. Lunch was taken at a disused quarry and the beauty of the landscape was so overpowering that we sat, for the most, in silence gazing at the peaks, watching kestrels riding the thermals and wild horses running free in the distance. Wasn’t often that we were silent throughout the course, but at this moment, in this place, the hills almost demanded it.
[Pic 4]

Lunch done we pushed on to the summit and that was almost it for me and my navigation this time around. The rest of the route was walking along the ridge path (sorry, ‘hand railing’) and although we took bearings and worked out timings, it was plain sailing all the way back. It was strange to be walking without having to think about how many steps I’d done, had I re-set the watch, were we about to walk over a ledge….? The views were spectacular and we even had the good fortune to walk near a herd of wild ponies, grazing on the heather and mosses. Although we’d been on the move for hours, I still didn’t want to come off of that mountain, it just felt so good.

Before I started on this course I knew very little about navigation and how to read a map. At the end of the second day I felt confident that I could successfully and safely plan routes, find bearings, reach targets and work out where I am on a map in emergencies. I could estimate the distance I wished to travel, how to take in to account variations to pace and timings due to ascents/descents but more importantly, I’d learned that the best way to reach a summit (or a target point!) isn’t always by taking the most direct route. If we had done that heading out to Foel Cwmerwyn I would never had experienced the beauty and tranquillity of the quarry. So, when I’m planning future routes, I’ll be looking out for those features in the landscape and taking time to visit them. After all, it’s not just all about reaching summits now – is it?

Alone in the Preselis

2006-11-06T09:18:00.000-08:00

Trying to remember my new nav skills

Despite aching legs, I headed off onto the Preseli’s on my own. It had been great having Wil’s company, as well as tuition, for the past couple of days but now I was back to being on my own and time to find out if I really had taken in as much as I thought I had on the course. My route was circular and would begin where I had started out on Saturday, near the approach to Foeldrygon. Taking the bridleway I headed off towards Carn Gyfrwy and Carn Menyn, legendary source of the world-famous Bluestones, as used at Stonehenge. This first leg of the route was very straight and uncomplicated so I practised my timing and target setting whilst ‘hand railing’ (following) the boundary wall. As I moved closer to my first ‘attack point’ I had to take a few steps backwards in awe of the landscape that was unravelling around me. Dark fingers of rock stretched into the skyline like a starburst of granite as the valley below stretched out under their silent gaze. To the right of the bridleway, ancient cairns watched me pass as I picked my way through the moss to the sacred stones. Wil had told me about a special stone, known as ‘Aslan’s Table’ which could be found nestling among the boulders, if you took the time to find it - and find it I certainly did. There was something about it that I felt quite drawn to and felt happy to spend time just sitting in its presence, soaking up the atmosphere of the place and enjoying the sense of space and tranquillity.

But there was so much more to come as I took in Bwlch Ungwr, Carn Bica, Carn Goedog, Carn Breseb, Carnalw, Carn Ddafad-las and then back towards the original start point. I was out and about for 5 hours and applied everything I had learnt over the past couple of days, including relocating when I became so absorbed by the surroundings I lost track of where I was, and when the dark rain clouds rolled across the rocky outcrops I knew I’d be O.K. The only mistake I made was not taking enough fluids and, probably, food at my stops because when the rain did arrive I was feeling tired and a little wobbly which did result in one brief encounter with the ground as a heather root got the better of me. It wasn’t serious and I had to laugh at myself, but it could have been. I should have recognised my own signals earlier on and drunk a little more water or eaten another goodie from the fantastic lunch Jim at Clynfyw had provided. As it was, I’d pushed myself and that was the result. Diagnosis made, I took shelter in an ancient cairn, pulled on the waterproofs, tucked into sandwich and some dried fruits and had a rest until the heaviest rain had passed. Feeling revived I checked my location, took a bearing and headed back to the bluestones. I had planned on finishing my route via the summit of Foeldrygarn but knew I was tired, had had a great walk and had nothing to prove by forcing myself up a final summit just to say I’d done it. By my calculations (I’m sure you’ll tell me if I’ve got it wrong, Wil!) I had walked 9.3km, had taken in around 405m of ascent and the highest point was Carn Bica. More importantly I had enjoyed every minute of it. So enough was enough and I happily bounced along the wet grass all the way back to the car as the rain began to fall again and a rainbow reached across the hill fort as I walked away from one of the most magical places I have ever been.