Monday April 23rd – Mirfield to Ravensthorpe – 7 miles (3 Hrs)

With Ramblers. A friendly group of 18 people trudged through a great deal of mud praying for the rain to hold off, climbing up to a well known vantage point Black Dick’s Tower to enjoy the views over Mirfield. Black Dick’s Tower, also known ‘The Temple’ on maps was the summer house of the now demolished Whitley Hall, dating back to 1560. The original owner Sir Richard Beaumont was reputed to have turned to criminal activities to pay off his debts, becoming know as Black Dick the highwayman, who died in 1631.

Black Dick's Tower

Meet Gavin Wood of Esteem Personal Training

My personal trainer since my Peru trek preparation. He is amazing and even when I doubt myself he has no doubts that I will achieve my goal – even on the days when he can hear my knees creaking above the sound of the studio music!

Sat 3rd March – Brimham Rocks - 5.5 miles

The first walk in preparation for my China Trek with James Hannah and Bear. A dull overcast day and very muddy underfoot. We walked through the weird shaped rocks being clambered on by excited children out onto the moorland and through the woods enjoying great views over Nidderdale.

Sunday 8th April – Studley Royal Deerpark and Fountains Abbey, Ripon – 10 miles (5 hrs)

A fairly easy walk with James & Hannah through fields and on through the deerpark, enjoying the bluebells in the woods on the return leg.  (Our planned 3.1/2 hr walk turned into 5 hrs when we took a wrong turn!)

March 5th – The Trossachs, Scotland

Spent a week’s holiday with Derek and Bear enjoying daily walks, warming up for what is to come. Could do with taking Bear with me to China the way he pulled me up those hills!