Walking

The weekend was the big walk weekend. I had a quick run out to collect the trailer and do a few errands. H and I were to walk 26 miles from Avebury, click HERE for the website, to Stonehenge in aid the Alzheimer's Society. We had a very early start and the B&B owner was not going to get up at 4.30 to make us a breakfast so we had a cold breakfast. We got to the start point with the 300 other walkers, registered, picked up our packed lunch and was given a pep talk. We were then send on our way. The first leg was over the White Horse way which was not designed for lots of people. Too many stiles and narrow paths. The land rose in long undulating hills. Once clear of the farm land the hills were given over to grazing and the paths were wider. We were in good order at he first check point at seven miles. At the half way point we found a spot for lunch. we had been told there was a pub on the route. We walked past it not five minutes after the lunch stop. From pub there was a stiff climb up to one of the many downs we were walk up. Here's a question - why are the hills in the south of England called "downs" when they are definitely up.

The third check point at 20 miles. We were very pleased to see it. The walking between the second and third check points was over Ministry of Defence land. Open rolling countryside, featureless, under a blue sky with the sun beating down. It was tough. Things were starting to hurt. The last six miles were a slog. Our packs were getting heavier even though we had eaten our food. We replenished our water bottles at each check point so the weight of water never really reduced. In the end we came upon the finish banner. The organisers cheered and clapped everyone in. We were given our medals and had a well earned sit down.

We had a celebratory dinner in Salisbury a the New Inn. I recommend it very highly. Then back to the the B&B for a well deserved rest. And that was that. Another epic.