Preparing for a Longer Walk

 

Walk?  End to End - Lands End to John o'Groats 

When?                                              May- August

Projected days?                                 80 odd days 

Weight of Pack (estimate)?   17 kilos/ 35 pounds

Fitness

  The walk will, obviously, only be enjoyed if my body is up for the challenge. At present it is not. But I still have two months and have just secured the kind sponsorship of Wilmslow Leisure Center which will allow me access to their gym and swimming pool. I live in beautiful Cheshire, near the Pennines and beauties like Lyme Park and Styal woods. Plenty of places to explore and get my feet ready for 10 hours a day walking. ON the Pennine Way the first five days were hell on my souls, I don't want to do that again.
  What do I need to do?

1. One long walk a week, with two or so lighter ones
2. Gym 3 times a weeks with hard work outs focusing on key muscle groups (pretend here that I have a clue what that means.)
3. Eat healthier and drink a lot of water so the fitness isn't wrecked by gluttony 

  Richard at Wilmslow Leisure Center is sorting out my pass and arranging some free fitness instruction which will make a big difference. If I take proper advantage of their help there is still enough time to get my body in shape.

   I've gone on two walks in the last few weeks with my backpack full and ready to camp. This allows me to strengthen my back and legs with exactly the weight I'll be carrying along the way. The only problem I've struggled with is the cold. On the last walk I layered till I could barely lower my arms but to no avail. I shivered and got down off the moors are quickly as humanly possible. Bring on the Spring!!

Equipment- Sponsorship

 As I've walked in the past I have all the bare necessities sorted but I have been working hard to get sponsorship and upgrade as much as I can before the start. I've never walked such a length and any advantage I can get I will do with pleasure. Its my first attempt at getting sponsorship and, so long as you willing to spend a number of hours sending emails, has been very successful. So far the companies who have agreed to help me are:

View Ranger  

http://www.viewranger.com/en-gb

  View Ranger have provided me with the maps for the entire route saving me a hell of a lot of money and, even more importantly, weight. It can all be read and followed on my phone, and recorded as I walk along. I can also add photos along the way so those sponsoring me can follow my progress. It also, if you map readings on the weaker side, can use GPS to tell you exactly where you are. You can plan your route and it will tell you both the miles and elevation. This is brilliant, and the only weight it will cost me is a external battery to make sure my phone doesn't die on me half way through a day.

Berghaus

  Berghaus were kind enough to provide me with a Women's Scafell Down Jacket. I'd hoped to provide them with some stunning photos but after this shot it rained the rest of the walk and the lovely jacket was covered my another Berghaus coat to protect me from the rain. Hopefully later this week I'll be able to take a few more.  I will review it in more detail after my next walk. Here are its specifications:

• HydroDown technology: Innovative water repellent treatment absorbs 75% less water than regular Down; dries 50% faster than regular Down; will still keep you warm when wet
• Two concealed hand warmer pockets zipped
• Stretch bound cuffs

Deuter    

 Deuter has promised me a Deuter Aircontact 60+ 10 SL and I can't wait to try it out. The photo are from Australia and my smaller backpack. I actually sent these to the sponsorship department in a bid to win their support. Considering I'm currently using a 60 Liter Black backpack bought from a second hand shop for a tenner my excitement is understandable. Here are the specifications of my future baby:

• New front, quick access opening
• energy saving comfort due to the anatomically shaped and pivoting Vari Flex hip fins, which follow your every move precise load control due to compression straps on hip fins
• Pull-Forward hip belt buckle, easy to fasten even when heavily laden
• Stable multi-chamber aluminium X-frame transfers load to the hip belt
• ergonomically shaped head moulding and positionable lid pocket with compression strap allow freedom of head movement
• Three side compression straps in 60+10, 65+10 & 75+10
• Hydration system compatible side bellows pockets
• Hip belt zipped pocket
• Lid pocket
• Two daisy chains
• Top lid attachment rings
• Ice axe and hiking pole loop
• Lower side pockets for tent poles
• Double-layered base
• Integrated detachable rain cover
• Zipped map pockets on the side

   Will report back once I have it and have tested it. 

What I'm still fishing for:

  I am still emailing for a few items of equipment, one been a good lightweight warm sleeping back, possibly synthetic down. Second being a pair of hiking shoes and sandals. Wouldn't say no to a replacement tent either. But if these items are the only things I get then I'll consider myself very fortunate.

Organization- Accommodation Sponsorship

  I've spent several weeks planning my route and contacting campsites. Heres another area where you can apply for sponsorship. If the walk is for a charity, and is impressive enough, then a lot of kind souls are willing to allow you to camp for free. Considering that some of the campsites along the south west coastal path cost 10 or 12 pounds a person this is quite a gift. So far the kind souls providing me a free pitch are: 

1. Trevedra Farm Caravan and Camping Site
2. Trevalgan Touring Park  
3. Trewiston Farm Caravan Park
4. Potseath Camping 
5. Loveland Farm
6. Stoke Barton Farm
7. Cerenety Eco Campsite
8. Westacott Farm 
9. The Fairways Holiday Park  
10. Medip Camp
11. Cheddar Campsite
12. Beeches Farm Campsite
13. Wye  Tipi Camping  
14. Walton Court  
15. Brook Farm Cottage and Camp Site  
16. Newhaven Nr Buxton  
17. Low Way Farm  
18. Grandie Caravan Park
19. Border Forest Caravan Park
20. Forest view inn walkers 
21. Beinglas Farm Campsite   
22. Bunchrew Caravan Park 

   I WILL REVIEW AS I PASS THROUGH BUT FOR NOW LET ME SAY THANK YOU!  
 

Choosing and Setting up a Charity

  Choosing a charity took me quite some time. I wanted to support something which helped women in developing countries receive an education. After a bit of research I found Wilmslow Wells for Africa. They raise funds to build wells in some of the most desolate parts of Africa. In these villages women are ofter forced to walk over a mile to reach a water supply. Water borne diseases kill many and cause illness, but without any other choice there is little these people can do. A well with clean water can change so much. Now the women and children don't have to spend two hours retrieving water they can work on small businesses (such as making cheeses from their goats), their children can be sent to school and illness decreases. It doesn't work to educate women directly but it provides an environment where the chances of them leading a better life are dramatically increased. Hopefully this walk can be used to spread the word about their good work and raise enough funds to make a difference to their lives. 95 % off money donated to this charity is spend in Africa. More information can be found on their website: http://www.wilmslowwells.org/

TO DONATE

 https://www.givey.com/girlgoeshiking

Mental Preperations

  The idea of walking three months straight alone is quite daunting, its a whole term and university. I've read several guides on the subject but they are working to give you information and not an idea of what it'll be like. Your also dealing with a very subjective topic. I read two books so far, one about a hiker and the other about cycling it:

When I Walk, I Bounce: Walking from Land's End to John o'Groats

"Convinced that walking from Land's End to John o'Groats will be a pleasant way to spend the summer, Mark Moxon soon discovers that there's a lot more to crossing Britain than simply putting one foot in front of the other. In this entertaining and frequently hilarious book, Mark takes us on a journey not only of 1111 miles, but of the highs and lows of long-distance walking."

  A well written and humorous account of the walk, easy to read although I confess I did skip about a bit to which ever section I was researching. Since I am not walking this particular route some bits I ignored. I also lover the moors and hate any type of road walking, he is the opposite way inclined and therefore a lot of the moaning in sections I ignored. He hated the Pennine Way while I love it.
  Worth a read.


Free Country: A Penniless Adventure the Length of Britain

 
" The plan is simple. George and Ben have three weeks to cycle 1000 miles from the bottom of England to the top of Scotland. There is just one small problem… they have no bikes, no clothes, no food and no money. Setting off in just a pair of Union Jack boxer shorts, they attempt to rely on the generosity of the British public for everything from food to accommodation, clothes to shoes, and bikes to beer.

During the most hilarious adventure, George and Ben encounter some of Great Britain's most eccentric and extraordinary characters and find themselves in the most ridiculous situations. Free Country is guaranteed to make you laugh (you may even shed a tear). It will restore your faith in humanity and leave you with a big smile on your face and a warm feeling inside"



   A great read but you wouldn't catch me dead trying it. I feel unprepared as it is and I have every single piece of gear needed. I am to receive free accommodation but obtained through emails not face to face appeals. Still is gives you courage that is they can do it then surely you, with everything you might need, can. Even if your walking it like me its worth a read.

Wilmslow To Lyme Park

  Last week I went on a day jaunt along the Bollin river and the edge of the Pennines. Its a very flat walk, easy to navigate and a perfect for my first attempt since last summer to carry my rucksack. Since it was half term I took my younger brother who, while he's a big fan of football, does not see the point of walking. I expected winning so took my earphones.
  We set off early and were rewarded my wonderful frost covered landscapes.We walked across the field heading East of Wilmslow towards Prestbury.

  After about an hour or two we curved along a golf course across the bridge and past top o' hill and across Bonis Hill Lane and north east towards Adlington.

  While crossing these farms there seemed to be an awful lot of dead foxes, we counted at least five at different levels of decomposition. Didn't m,ake us feel very safe and we were glad when we left. The sun was high though and is smelt and looked like spring was pushing away the winter.
  Once through Adlington we headed up a wooded path and climbed the hill to see Lyme park's guard tower in the distance. It had taken us around four hours of walking, not particular hard ones, but it  felt like an accomplishment.

   What did surprise me is how easily I carried the backpack, my back hadn't hurt at all the entire way. The phone camera was also well tested and as you can see from the picks above, it isn't half bad. Will test it again when I'm off on an overnighter next week.