My blog
Hikes and other stuff
Misplaced lamb
Years ago, when Kian was little, maybe about 5 years old, I lost him in Marks and Spencer. In the post mortem I got most of the blame but he did play his part. He ran off, cut underneath a clothes rail full of clothes, and then disappeared. I’m not sure of the time...
Near disaster
If you look carefully on the plate of food you can see a gap between the sausage and the hash browns. When the breakfast arrived that gap was filled with a little bowl of baked beans. It was my fault as I didn’t read the menu properly so, although slightly shocked by...
That sinking feeling
I’d just got past Bude and was now walking the last couple of miles on the coastal path before I would turn inland to get to a campsite. I’d been wild camping now for three nights in a row, which wasn’t as high as my record on this trip of four, but I was definitely...
Past demons
It’s been really nice retracing my steps from 2023. I’ve been thinking about how I felt at each stage and comparing it to now. How I was making some of the same mistakes but how, in other areas, I had improved.It’s so easy to focus on what you’re doing wrong and not...
Wish upon a star
I saw a shooting star. I’ve never seen one before and this was so clear. It was amazing. My birthday gift maybe?I’d just finished setting up my tent after a hectic couple of hours in the dark and was putting my backpack in. I happened to look up and notice how clear...
Up, down and repeat
So much to learn from today. First thing, never, ever, show off about a brilliant new system you’re employing. Last trip I was boasting about my three pairs of socks system and literally the next day lost one pair. Well today I was declaring how good my water system...
Some lessons learned
When planning this trip I did look at how far I might try to get on my first day. I initially thought I could make it to Osmington where I know of a nice campsite, but when I started looking at the distance I realised it would be over 30 miles. I continued my stupid...
Indecisive
I’m going to be honest up front on this post and tell you the end at the start, just not to give the wrong impression, but I eventually made the decision to leave the trail early. I’m very disappointed and still, even when writing this, thinking I maybe should have...
The low path
Next to Loch Lomond, for some of the path, there is a choice between a low route and a high route. Now, this isn’t the same as the choice you have in the Lake District during the Coast to Coast where the high route takes you high into the hills. No, in this case the...