Day 45- Garrigill to Haltwhistle 16 Miles

   Today's walk was a pleasant change of pace from yesterday's trial. Instead of sticking strictly to the Pennine Way, through Slaggyford and over Hartlayburn Common to Greenhead, I joined the South Tynedale Railway trail at Alston and struck to it for the rest of the day. This meant flat walking and clear tracks, and the lack of navigation would allow me to tune out completely.   

River South Tyne before Alston

  The first stretch of today is along the banks of River South Tyne for five miles although it feels longer. The path switches sides and meanders through farm land and through styles and fences galore. Since I'd had no food for breakfast I reached it hungry and in need of a sugar fix. I ended up in the same cafe I'd gone to on my last Pennine Way jaunt and it didn't impress me any more than it had last time. That said I left with my hunger abated and wondered round town. First stop was to the outdoor shop to procure another backpack cover, I also bought a pair of glove liners to help keep my hands warm on cold nights.

  A few shops later my backpack was heavy again but I had enough food for a couple of days and felt a little less stressed. The beginning of the South Tynedale Railway walk goes along a tourist attraction with working stream engines pulling carriages back and fourth. The path is stoned with the same stones as the tracks and made for uncomfortable walking. I hoped it would change at some point to flat dirt and give my souls a rest. 

  After a couple of miles and a few quaint stations I past a digger and the path dissolved into an overgrown trench whose flatness was the only indication that a train track was ever there. This line was constructed during the C19th to transport lead, coal and limestone from the Alston mine fields to Halwhistle and then east towards Newcastle. It was also vital to the communities isolated in rural parts of England during the winter months. wit the whole line been shut in 1976 the path and the Lambley Viaduct slowly fell to pieces. It was only in 1995 that the Lambley Viaduct was restored and reopened. It's the highlight of the day, tall and elegant it's everything you associate with the romance of the railway and walking over it you're treated with 17 metre high views of the river and land below.  The track continues straight and true, once in a while a crumbling station is visible but mostly it's just a pretty path between small towns.

 

   Although only 16 or so miles I was happy to reach camp and pitch at Haltwhistle Camping and Caravanning Club Site. The campsite was a lovely one and I found Master and Commander in their second hand bookshelf. Buying it, and some rice and chocolate, I settled in. They placed all the tents close together but that was my only complaint and while my neighbors snore was quite impressive my earphones preserved my sleep.

Haltwhistle Camping and Caravanning Club Site

Day 30- Uttoxeter to Swinscoe 14 miles

Leaving Uttoxeter Racecourse

Today was horrible. To begin with the paths out of Uttoxeter are covered with cows or simply over grown. Then I mislaid the path crossing the A56 and ended up struggling through nettle covered paths and getting stuck. My legs and feet, exposed in sandles and three courter lenghts, were covered in stings. Once crossed the 'path' disappeared under more brambles.

The near constant state of my feet

I stopped for a drink at twelve before following, as best as I could, the Ordley Brook. This path, after a dry summer, would have been a charming walk through a wooded valley but after the rain it was hell. Branches and trees had fallen across the path making progress slow and hard. The backpack make the simplest bit of squatting or climbing much much harder.
  Eventually after scaling several wooded banks I scrambled into a field, twisted my ankle and sat, exhausted and horrified at the idea of carrying on all the way to Biggin, another ten or so miles away. So I didn't, settling for the considerably closer target of Swinscoe and Common End Farm campsite.
  Set up and ready I had a shower, waiting for the campsite owner to appear so I could pay before going back down the road to the pub. The owner was lovely and the campsite is the type I like, nothing fancy but comfortable and well taken care of.

Common End Farm Campsite

The pub was called 'The Dog and Patridge', a handsom building but full of unhappy workers who didn't seem to like each other or me much. Perhaps they were upset at how quiet it was. Alton towers had been shut a days before after an awful crash on one of the roller coasters and the funfair was a major source of their custom. I saw no sign off any regulars. Possibly you'd not notice unless you yourself work in a restaurant. Either way I spent three hours there trying to catch up with the blog before gratefully leaving.

Day 28- Monk's Woods to Brocton 20 miles

I woke today at five and was packed and gone by six. It looked like a long day and the weather forcast said that by five there would not only be rain but forty to fifty mile winds. I wanted to get to camp before hand and since it was yet another day without a campsite I felt anxious. Leaving the field lessened a lot of these anxieties but with no food for breakfast or lunch I felt myself tune into my primal hunter gather instincts. With luck more than skill I tracked down 24 hour petrol station which willingly supplied me with sugary substances.

Belvide Reservoirs

  From here I crossed the A464, went through Tongs Village and towards Belvide Reservoir. I'd planned to camp here but it would not have worked since it's surrounded by houses and green house. It was well I'd settled for the field and not forged on.
   You're still following Staffordshire way, sometimes diverting onto the Monarchs way so the paths are relatively easy to follow and stiles maintained. It was passing through Bishops woods that I got a call from Judith, my aunt, who joined me in Penkridge for lunch. These meetings with people help so much and Judith was wonderful. Not only was I treated to good company and a lunch but she'd bought fresh socks and a packed lunch with snacks.

Lunch with Judith in Penkridge

  Once over the M6 you follow the Staffordshire to Worcestershire canal for a few flat miles before turning East up into Brocton. I met a lady cycling the canal path and we talked a while, she was a veteran traveller and wrote for walking magazines as well as being an artist.

  Although I reached Brocton well before five I decided to be naughty and camp early. The weather would crash in soon and I didn't want to end up wet. I found a lovely patch just off the path but hopefully hidden enough by trees. I did question the wisdom of camping among a bunch of trees just before the winds came crashing in but

Brocton Moors

without a handy campsite there was little choice. In the end I chose better than I thought, I must have been on the right side of the hill and I passed a lovely and peaceful night sheltered from the worst of the weather. The rain wasn't even that hard and warm in my tent I enjoyed the certainty it gave that few would be afield in such conditions.

Day 13- Westermill farm to Elworthy 22.5 miles

  It took me a while to get going today, and walking to the toilets was painful. That said packing up went smoothly, I even got to hold onto a horse for a little while as the farmer needed a spare set of hands. Once packed I struggled a little finding the road.
  As yesterday the day began on minor roads and slipped through Exford village quite early on. The village is lovely, everyone there seeming to know each other and a grass green in the centre has a very communal feel. I bought a pasty, and some cinnamon slices.

  After finishing breakfast on the park bench its was back on the road and up the hill out of town. Little traffic and I passed mainly locals walking their dogs. Soon, however, I was treated with easy field walking. A path through pastures and along hills allows a good rhythm and I enjoyed it, although eager to get to a camp early. Today was the first day I might be forced to wild camp and I still felt nervous.
  While the paths are well kept the gradient today changed frequently as I climbed in and out of valleys. The sky was clear though and the views quite lovely.
  My feet were suffering, brambles having slashed at my heel and neetles eventually forcing me to abandon my sandals and don my wet boots.

Fields over Roadwater

  I finally reached Roadwater at sixish, way too early to camp so I continued, climbing back up and been rewarded with some dazzling landscapes. The red soil in the fields contested beautifully with the backdrop and sea in the distance. While I kept an eye out for quiet corners I might hide away in I didn't fancy waiting till dusk sat in a field. So I carried on through Nettlecombe and onto Monksilver. Both are very petty towns, Nettlecombe housing a wonderful looking manor house and grounds. In Monksilver I stopped in a pub for a drink. It was a lovely place which I was half tempted to stay the night in, especially as the

owner gave me the drink on the house one he realised what I was doing.

  From there I walked, ready now to stop at the first opportunity. The hills I walked through, however, remained a little to populated. Finally I battled my way along an over grown path to find an open field at the end. No walking path through it, away from the road and freshly cut. Seemed as good as I could hope for and dropping my stuff set up camp, crawling into bed fully clothed, not even bothering to cook dinner.

Day 11- Abbotsham to Barnstable 16 miles

Crossing the Bideford Long Bridge

  This morning was another case of grab all belongings and get indoors. No rain but I wasn't taking the chance. Probably because of this caution I managed to jinx matters and it was one of the sunniest so far. Not hard walking today, mainly flat and mostly on a bike lain stretching between Bideford and Barnstable. I hoped I'd be able to reach camp early and relax a little.

  I woke at 6:30 and was out of camp by 7:30 the sun bright and dazzling over the campsite. Following small lanes I made my way towards Bideford, meeting few cars and I enjoyed a mixture of Beethovens Piano Sonatas and Concertos while maintaining an easy trot. I had plans for a big breakfast once I reached the town center. I found myself entering the town on a school street and it felt strange marching past all the school kids walking into school. Not been much of a morning person this was a reminder of just how much my sleeping habits had changed since beginning this hike.

  Greasy spoons cafe found I ordered myself an English breakfast and finally found signal! I was so sick of my phone been disconnected from the world. It was one thing to wonder through a jungle and face nature's wildest places with no signal and quite another meandering along between towns and be cut off. I checked my messages, most from mother trying to ascertain whether I was still alive. She'd already phoned campsites and confirmed I'd left when I should, and I made a point of ringing to reassure her in person. There were also a few from a lady called Joanna who used to run Wilmslow Wells for Africa (the charity I am walking for). She and her husband Roger were in Devon for a few days and wished to take me out for dinner. She'd been attempting to contact me for a while but I'd gotten none of the messages. Quickly ringing back arrangements were made and I had the promise of lovely company ahead of me for dinner to spur me on.
  Once across the river your on the bike lane and any navigation, if I'd not been using my app the entire time, is finished with. You follow the path for the next 7 or 8 miles until you reach the town and then climb up into the hills for the campsite. While dull walking, after the excitements of the coastal path, my legs welcomed the relief. My feet however soon took over the complaining. I was wearing my sandals again, as the boots were still wet and on my backpack, and with nothing but flat concrete underfoot my soles were getting a pounding. At one point I tried putting the insoles of my shoes in the sandals but they slid about and were no good. The only thing which helped was to start a new audio book, another Lee Child novel, and allow myself to be swept up in the narrative. Lee Child books are a very slightly more gritty American James Bond style novels, a lot more violent but equally unrealistic. The books were well read but nothing to write home, just good empty entertainment.

Slow Worm Sunbathing on the path

  At Barnstable I found a post office, posted home my guide book for the coastal path and made my way up to the campsite. It was the only climb I was required to do all day and while steep the campsite was a nice reward and I had plenty of time to settle in and wash before Joanna and Roger arrived.
  They drove in at 630 and whisked me away to a local pub a few miles down the road. Barnstable is not a wealthy town and it was reflected in the pub but the service was pleasant and the food was good. Plus I got to know two lovely people, and talk all night which is something there's been very little of the last week. Roger probably had more tales of hiking than I did, his old job seeming to have thought up wonderful challenges for them to overcome. From what Roger said Joanna was a key part in running Wilmslow Wells for Africa for 13 years, which is no mean feat, and although she modestly refuted how big a part she played the success of the charity must owe a lot to her hard work. Wilmslow Wells for Africa seems to have a lovely family of people who give so much to it, its the first time I've played an active role in a charity and I feel very fortunate to have picked this one.
  I was dropped off at 9, full to bursting and sleepy. Wishing them farewell and crawling back in my tent to sleep. Tomorrow was going to be a tough one and I was eager to, now that I'd been well fed, to be well rested as well.

Joanna and Me at Brightly Campsite after the meal

Day 5- Holywell to Treyarnon 18 miles

  I woke at five and conceived a cunning plan. For the last five days I'd packed up my tent covered in either rain or condensation. This morning I'd take the top off and hang it to dry while packing up the rest of my things. The clouds didn't deter me since they'd held off during the night. I peeled the top off and began to pack. What a mistake... the rain was obviously waiting for me. It took me two hours to pack my things. It would have taken me less but the heavens had decided to fall. By the time the tent was shoved in the bag it was a very long way from dry.
  I lifted the backpack onto my shoulders and the rain stopped, the sun came out and skies cleared. This did not improve my mood. Grumbling and thoroughly put out I began the walk. I crossed over Holywell Bay Campsite, and a few field paths inland to Newquay. Here I found a lovely hippy style cafe where I bought a bacon sandwich and cup of tea for £3.  Sat outside enjoying the sun I discovered my water proof boots were not exactly waterproof. It turns out a wet field is enough to leave them dripping. Since they were giving me blisters I decided to try wearing my sandals for the actual walk. Worried for my ankles I'd not tried them till now for any actual walking. It was an incredible discovery. My feet stopped aching. They didn't get damp so the soles didn't soften, and the occasional puddles are refreshing, even the mud seemed to cool them off pleasantly.

Looking back at Newquay

Newquay fading into the horizon

  Once I got my rhythm back and finally escaped the towns perimeters I enjoyed easy high cliff tops all the way to Treyarnon. It must have been one of the prettier days so far, if slightly crowded with Saturday walkers. Nearer Treyarnon I past five groups of Duke of Edinburgh students, all bent studiously over their maps, but few other hikers.

  Treyarnon Campsite was rather pricey at £8, and nearly half a bloody mile in length, but it had its good points- power sockets been one of them. I ended up washing my clothes in the shower and drying them in the laundry room.  While I waited for the machine to complete its cycle I hung around watching Castaway on my phone. Tom Hanks seemed to be having a much harder time than me and I, once the washing was complete and I retired,  enjoyed it throughout curled up in my sleeping bag.

Day 4- Elm Campsite to Holywell 16 miles

  A good day today, started out about half six and enjoyed a considerably quicker pace than before. The first mile or so is on roads, no pavement and on sections quite narrow. Once on the coast, however, it was back to the countryside and my novel (both earphones in). I woke expecting rain and dressed in all my rain gear, wrapping my backpack and pulling on my rain trousers. Yet, as normal, fears were not realised and no rain came. Showers overnight and a few light sprays here and there but that's it. The wind was weaker and the temperature was perfect for walking, though the sky looked bleak.

  My original destination today was Perranporth but since I'd made such good progress yesterday I checked online and set my sites on Holywell instead, a few miles further down the beach. I joined the coastal path at Porthtowan and was greeted with a nice steap climb to Wheal Charlotte Moor Tip before decending down soon after into Chapel Cove. I'm still not good at the climbs but they are affecting me less afterwards. I do feel my fitness growing and leaving camp so early gives me so much time to play with.

Tubby's Head

  The path was easy walking in the end with pleasant sites and I reached Perranporth with aching legs and back but relatively fresh legs. Perranporth is a seaside town aimed to attract tourists, something which almost the entirety of Cornwall seems to be, and stands a little empty without the summer hords. I was tempted by a greasy spoons but shied away since there was little space for me and my bag. I ended up wondering round for too long and giving up, settling for a ice scream parlour with lots of plug sockets. My iPod had run out of power and the characters were in a tight spot. I wanted to know what was going to happen to them.

Perran Beach  from Logger Point

  The next stretch is two or so miles along Perran Beach and up into the hills around a military training base. Along this beach I met the first long distance female hiker walking by herself. I like her immediately for that alone. We had a quick talk and parted ways.
  Confusion at the campsite as reception was closed and there was no signal for the phone. I think I had the wrong site completely as when she turned up she informed that camping hadn't opened yet. She saw the dismay in my face and took mercy, letting my stay for £3 and use the public toilets round the corner.

  Once set up I took myself to the first pub I'd seen in the town, St Piran's Inn, which was fine but cast quickly into shade when I moved on to Treguth Inn, which had so much more character and  (even better at times) Wi-Fi.

Day 3 of 3 Crowden to Hadfield

Short walk today, campsite to the Didsbury Intake's disused quarry, then back down to the reservoir and along the path to Had field. It's a day with a stiff climb over the first mile and then easy walking with pretty views.

  The night was cold and I woke several times. In the end I slept in to enjoy the final warmth of the morning. Not eating breakfast I packed up and headed out determined to find a pretty view from which to eat.

View up in the quarry while having lunch

View from the reservoir back to the quarry

The climb was hard but the views were great from the top and the path along the quarry pretty. It's on this path that I stopped and cooked myself some cuscus. It's the first time I'd done this in such a deliberate manner. I should have taken my shoes off and let them breath but worried about time didn't bother. My soles had began to hurt like on the Pennine way, the third day seems to be the painful one.
  The walk along the reservoir is flat and easy although I felt quite tired at this point and was glad to reach the train station and head home for a bath.
  Next hike is the big one!

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.