Week 14 - To The Woods in South Yorkshire - My first Ramble

My first walk with The Ramblers - 10 miles and 4.1/2 hrs with Carole, Tony & Mick who were very friendly and welcoming. We set off from High Hoyland on a circular walk through Clayton West, Deffer Woods , Cannon Hall Country Park and Margery Woods taking in some lovely views all the way.

Week 14 - Boxing, Pampering and a Walk in the Rain - A Funny sort of week!

Gavin introduced boxing into my training - another exciting new experience for me and I apparently have a very strong upper cut - so beware!.

My chiropodist friend Eileen gave me a pedicure in preparation for my trek and I am walking on air.....

None of my walking buddies are available this week - its the high holiday season and there is a house move and an imminent baby so I am left to my own devices - I decided to take a local walk -from Woolley to Wakefield and pay a couple of calls before returning home -15 miles and 5 hrs as it turned out! I walked in the relentless pouring rain to Horbury Road and had a very nice light lunch with my good friend Margaret - then on to Sandal where I had a short break and a cup of tea with my daughter and borrowed her dog to keep me company on my last leg home. All of the walk was on pavements and will I'm sure help in the preparation for the rocky trails in Peru, but I did miss having company and someone to talk to!

Week 13 - Ingleborough, Yorkshire Dales

5 Hrs and 11 miles with Ann & Patrick - a new 'toughest walk yet' ! Starting out from Clapham and the Ingleborough Estate nature trail over Little Ingleborough and climbing to 2,732 ft. Ingleborough is the second highest mountain in the Yorkshire Dales and one of the three Yorkshire Peaks. It was as challenging coming down as it was going up but very enjoyable with almost perfect weather, although it clouded over when we reached the top we could still see the other two Peaks Whernside and Pen-y-ghent - a challenge for another day maybe?

Week 12 - Scarborough to Robin Hood's Bay

7 hrs with James & Hannah - the toughest walk yet! - 15 miles. This walk is part of the Cleveland Way, one of the national trails of Britain (the second one established after the Penine Way) that begins in Helmsley onto Saltburn and down the coast to Filey, 110 miles in total. A roller coaster walk of sea cliff path hills with some steep climbing (shown left) - challenging but absolutely beautiful. We managed to avoid the forecast showers and actually had quite a bit of sunshine but were plagued with flies for quite a stretch!

Week 12 - Derwent & Howden Reservoirs Derbyshire

A 2.1.2 Hr walk again with Bernard. Setting off from Ladybower Dam with a steady climb up and over the moorland with superb views over Derwent and Howden reservoirs and dropping back down to walk back along the cycle path past Howden Dam (pictured).

Week 12 - Bretton Country Park

A 1.1/2 Hr walk with Sarah and Oscar. Again I am very fortunate to live so close to Bretton Country Park (just off junction 38 on theM1) where I love to walk regularly and always enjoy the views over the countryside from the different vantage points around the park. There is always something to enjoy at Bretton with its famous and fascinating sculptures.

Week 11 - Newmillerdam Country Park, Wakefield

A 2 Hr walk with Anne & Oscar. I am very lucky to live so close to Newmillerdam covering 237 acres of woodland and water with several very pleasant walks - just perfect for fitting into a busy schedule and one of Oscar's favourite spots.

Week 11 - Fulwood to Stanage Edge and Hathersage

An early start on a 5.1/2 Hr walk with Daniel from Fulwood to Stanage Pole, which marks the border between Derbyshire and South Yorkshire on Hallam Moors to Stanage Edge a famous location for rock climbers who were out in force! where we turned left over a craggy outcrop overlooking Burbage Valley. Dropping down through Burbage and across the sometimes boggy valley to our final destination - Hathersage. For the first time I am nursing a blister! Altogether very enjoyable exhilarating walk (despite the blister).