Friday 20 September 2013

The first and only?

As always I can only appoligise for my lack of blogging activity though as no one tends to read this blog I think I should be fine. Much time has been spent micromanaging and planning the route across Easter Kinross which is remarkably tricky. No wonder the references mention that no one has ever walked across the region on either a JOGLE or LEJOG. Still, in future providing Scotland achieves independance, I will take great comfort to be the first, and possibly only person to traverse Easter Kinross on a JOGLE while Scotland was part of the UK. Although anyone sticking to the East coast from John O'Groats to Inverness may say the same, my route is further westerly and avoiding roads and populated areas as much as possible. And fording inumerable burns, hopefully not in a state of flood when I get there. Please check out a wonderful chap called Mark Moxon. Available on all half decent search engines.

Wednesday 4 September 2013

Note on Route Planning

I have noticed how some books covering the end to end trail have had mixed reviews ranging from useless to too heavy to carry up to brilliant help. I just wanted to say that no book should ever be taken as gospel. If you are planning to walk or cycle the route or however, you should aim to plan the full route yourself in my own opinion. This means that you will invariably learn the route and help you find any changes before you go. A book published in 1980 will not be as accurate as your own map drawn in 2013.

Wednesday 7 August 2013

Appologies for inactivity

I am still very much preparing for the walk next year with as intensive as I can get route planning. Even though I have a principle guide, I am essentially having to read it backwards as most people for some reason tend to walk south to north and the book is written for that purpose.

A CICERONE GUIDE
by Andy Robinson
THE END TO END TRAIL
LAND'S END TO JOHN O'GROATS ON FOOT.

Very difficult to find it in the shops so probably have to buy it online if you intend to do something similar. Very good guidance generally and typically £15. Conversion rates to other national currencies may apply :-)

As a note, I hope to make this blog more fun filled and exciting...... well.... fun filled..... boring updates, as I travel south next year. Depending on battery levels, this may be daily or weekly though not sure at present. Thanks to all who read this and please remember to try and donate.

Cheers.

Thursday 27 June 2013

Walking Nutrition

For anyone planning to do a similar thing, it is important to understand that such an undertaking is more than just walking even though it is the main point.

Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) suggests 2000 kcal per day for an average adult though walking for 10 hours predicted may force this up to maybe 2800 kcal required. Problem is the weight of carrying food along with all other equipment.

Principle diet per day:

80 g Porridge Oats
110 g Cous cous
120 g Pasta
265 g Peanuts

This just about works sitting doing nothing but will be walking again next week after a nice holiday which involved some walking bare foot on tarmac to harden my feet for next year. As always, anything to ask ? please do.

Tuesday 28 May 2013

Extended Route

In order to make the journey a bit more interesting I am going to be including a 15 stretch at the start so as to walk from Dunnet Head. (The most northerly point of mainland Britain). With Lizard being included in the far south this will cover 2 of the main compass points. Heading to the west would force several days of wilderness walking to which as I will be traveling by myself am not to happy about. East would involve walking through London most likely so not many safe places to pitch a tent.

Thursday 16 May 2013

A chance meeting

Was thrilled to finally meet another long distance walker or at the very least someone else who appreciates the challenge of carrying a full pack more than to the car. Some good advice on trying to reduce wear and tear on the feet as well as the psychology of walking a distance.

Accidentally walked a bit farther than intended and ended up covering 34 km or 21.25 miles. Towards half distance an old gentleman asked if I was doing my Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme due to the heavy laden backpack. I think he was quite shocked when I said I was too old for it and I was in training for my 1200 mile walk. I find it quite funny when strangers ask if I am okay as though I am about to collapse.

Managed to walk the following day to make up the total distance thus far this week to 52.5 km which will be 2.5 km over my intended average next year for the same time period.

Anyway, thanks to the gentleman I met at the Staffordshire, Worcesteshire border for the seat and the advice and back to walking regardless.

Tuesday 30 April 2013

Ahead of schedule

It was my intention at the start of the year to be able to walk 30 km in a day by the end of this year. From only being able to cover 1 km originally it is quite easy to understand the scepticism I originally received.

With full rucksack including fluids and food... about 13 kg, I have already managed 30.5 km. So my next plan is to ramp up the distance to 35 km though adding the bit on the end is more difficult when such a distance is being covered in total.

If anyone in internet land has ideas on how to convert OS map coordinates to GPS coordinates I would be very thankful. Though sorry to say no moneys will be coming from me as the cost of the gear is already making quite a dent. Plus this is for charity so you can be happy in the comfort that "YOU" have helped make the trip possible.

Any comments or questions much appreciated.