Wednesday 30th May - 160 Steps today

Whenever I meet anyone who has any knowledge of the Great Wall of China they comment on the STEPS and when I receive updates from the trek organisers they remind me that there are ‘steps, steps and more steps’. I have just found 32 steps in our local woods and am walking up and down them to Bear’s bemusement, as you can see in the picture! It is my intention to increase the number of reps to strengthen my poor old knees.

Thursday 24th May – Shatton Moor, Hope Valley – 6 miles (3 Hrs)

With Bernard – ‘Find me a hilly walk’ was my request and the beginning of this walk was certainly that with a long gradual ascent, which was not easy in the searing heat. The first part of the walk is through limestone country before reaching the Hope Valley and gritstone country but we were rewarded for our efforts with magnificent views over the Hope Valley and Win Hill and Ladybower in the distance before descending over Bradwell Edge to Bradwell.

May 1st - 15th La Gomera

3 separate walks with on the second smallest of the 7 main Canarian Islands with Derek. Walks included the central plateau area with its dramatic gorges spectacular scenery, a trip through the luxuriant forest and a cliff top walk where sadly the promised  spectacular views of the island of La Palma were spoiled by a mist created  by a Calima, a fog associated with hot and humid weather. This is an ideal location for relaxing and hiking – but shush don’t tell anyone else about this beautiful unspoiled island. 

View of Valle Gran Rey from Cesar Manrique's restaraunt

Mount Tidi

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!)