What route should I take?
I like to walk in the wilds or at least away from main roads and crowds of people. I also want to go to new places as well as seeing some of the beautiful places I've visited in the past. So my route will mainly be along national trails beginning with the South West Coastal path and including the Quantock Hills, The Cotswolds Way, the Pennine Way and beyond. I expect to walk about 1200 miles, at least 200 miles more than the crow flies, but well worth the extra effort.
Where will I stay?
I'll be wild camping wherever I can find a good spot, ideally well away from houses and roads, where I get a good view and the ground is flat. I'll also pitch at campsites if in need of a shower. Occasionally I'll be sleeping in an actual bed. My sister Jo has booked a cottage in North Devon where I'll be staying with her and her dog Leeds. My good friends Bondy and Anna have also volunteered to put me up for a couple of nights as I travel through the Midlands. Bondy has even agreed to walk with me. My mate Mikey on the other hand might also put me up for a night, but will only walk from the pub to the end of the car park to wave me on my way, with a few encouraging words to remember him by no doubt.
Do I have the right gear?
I already have most of the equipment I need, all bought when backpacking the coast to coast walk a couple of years ago. I have bought some additional clothing, all of it lightweight and breathable anticipating lots more sunny weather. The photo at the start of this post features some of my favourite kit including my pair of Patagonia baggies. My daughters are not very impressed with this latest fash-fail. They didn’t cheer up to find that Patagonia guarantee their shorts for life and I’ll be wearing them for ever.
Discover more from Henry’s very long walk
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Look forward to reading more…
I’m getting there Rachel. Fatigue and lack of a mobile signal has been thwarting me.