Category: 2021 LDWA 100

A few days ago I posted about the experiences that Andy and his team had with a murder of cows (I know that it’s a murder of crows, but I like using the word for cows too) charging and galloping towards them, and he’s been kind enough to send more details about his team’s adventure (Andy mentions with many thanks for Dawn for much of the text!).

I like the line “Dawn thought she’d test the water and questioned why were they doing it” and that rings some bells for me on our 100 walk a few weeks ago. I suspect that Nathan and I didn’t talk enough about why we were doing it, perhaps as secretly neither of us knew the answer other than it seems a good idea when drinking in the pub. The phrase of “testing the water” is an excellent one though here, very brave of Dawn  🙂

On another point, this whole thing with trackers is interesting. The LDWA are looking into various forms of trackers for future 100s and there’s clearly lots of work needed here to establishing what will work best and be the most reliable. But, back to the main point, congratulations to the bravery of everyone involved in this walk!

Anyway, the story of Team Barandaw in Andy’s words:

The journey began back in October 2019 when Andy Gordon, Barbara Hutton and Dawn Jones met on a White Cliffs Ramblers walking holiday to Majorca. Andy had recently completed the Sussex Stride and was looking forward to taking on Y Sir Fynwy 100-mile challenge to be held in 2020. Barbara and Dawn were full of admiration and a little disappointed that they would be unable to tackle such an adventure without a qualifying 50 under their belts. Barbara, Dawn (and Andy for good measure) hastily signed up for the Spring into Lakeland challenge event for April 2020 in the hope that if there were still places available, they may be able to squeeze in to do the hundred.

But the pandemic struck and both events were put off until 2021. Oh well, undeterred the plan was to still try for a 50 event and the Bullock Smithy was pencilled into the diaries as indeed was The Tour de Trigs, an event not taking place until December so surely that would go ahead, surely the pandemic would not still be playing havoc with these events? As history unfolded one challenge after another was postponed or cancelled. But out of the disappointments came the chance to tackle the Y Sir Fynwy Virtual challenge without a qualifying 50, what a result. The Tour de Trigs had needed them to form a team and have a name and that is how Team Barandaw came into being. Later they referred to themselves as the Barandaw Goats when they noticed they were all sporting Hoka One One Speedgoat footwear.

Taking on a 100-mile challenge as novices meant planning and training. Dawn’s husband, Steve, was enlisted to support them around the route at various checkpoints. It did not take long to realise that an elongated or linear route would be a lot harder from a logistical basis and so the decision was made to walk the Canterbury Outer Ring modified to 26 miles and do 4 loops, with the 4th loop being a bit shorter which helped psychologically. Covid-19 restrictions meant the Team couldn’t all walk together in the early training preparations. The route was recce’d and modified around areas considered dangerous to tackle in darkness or when tired. Various day and a night lap were walked, finally culminating in a 60 mile day and night combination which was the furthest any of the Team had walked before and all came up against a bit of a wall with sleep deprivation. 4 main checkpoints were identified where supporters could park. The Team were offered more support from Keith, Barbara’s husband, who took on the role of supporting Steve and keeping an eye on the trackers that were hired to see the Team’s location and John Gilbert, who has undertaken various LDWA 100-mile challenges over the years and nobly manned a couple of checkpoints at very unsociable hours. It should be mentioned here that Sarah Turner also with a few 100-milers under her belt made contact and offered valuable advice.

The day arrived and Team Barandaw was well prepared. They set off at 8am as planned and the first loop went without any hitches. Jacket potatoes at the lunch stop and a coffee and cake mid-afternoon. Barbara had already started to be aware her feet were uncomfortable. The second loop included having a very pleasant meal at the Golden Lion, Broadoak, where the accommodating landlady was ready to put the food on the table as they arrived with thanks to Steve and Keith in giving her the heads up when the Team were 10 minutes away and the food choices already made. So far, so good, the Team set off to walk through the night but with a welcome hot drink and plenty of snacks provided by John Gilbert around 11.30pm. The night walk brought the extra challenge of long wet grass and soggy feet, this will be addressed with different footwear for any future 100 milers! The Team in their planning had walked the route at night but they had dealt with sub-zero temperature and next to no grass – what a difference 4 weeks can make.

6am, an hour later than planned, Steve and Keith met the team and disappeared off to walk the dog with instructions to not return for one hour but to make sure the team were awake after an hour. This gave the team a chance to sleep in the van – in their planning this was considered necessary – in reality Andy snores which fortunately both Dawn and Barbara saw the funny side of. The sun was shining, and the Team were ready for another day. 56 miles completed, over halfway and only at 23 hours. The Team were doing OK. Barbara’s feet were giving her some problems, but she soldiered on. The next stop, only 4 miles along the route was a superb breakfast, cooked in the field expertly by Steve and Keith. The rest of loop 3 went without complications, but as loop 3 was ending and with less than a whole loop to go, Dawn thought she’d test the water and questioned why were they doing it? – what was making them carry on? – did they need to? After all, they had clearly done enough to qualify for next year’s 100 and it was only a badge! Well, even with Barbara’s poorly feet Dawn was put right in her place with a very emphatic chorus of ‘we’re not stopping now’. She hadn’t meant to sound so serious – it was only posed as a question, but it was good to know they all still wanted to complete this challenge. A decision was made at this point, as they were running later than their original schedule, that they would have dinner in the next pub, so Keith and Steve were called to meet them.

The Team were now about to start lap 4 – it was going to get dark again and head torches were sorted out, yet another change of socks – Gortex lined footwear this time to deal with the wet grass for Dawn and waterproof socks for Barbara who’d had to resort to sandals to cope with the blisters. Andy’s feet were doing remarkably well, and he swears it was down to the constant sock changing and the ‘Udderly Smooth’ cream he was using. The Team knew they had to dig deep now to get through the last 22 miles. Some family members who had been following the trackers and realised the team were stationary at a pub close to where they were driving paid a very welcome timely visit to cheer the team on. Dawn also took a phone call from her daughter who said ‘Mum, we (me and the children) are going to meet you at your next checkpoint – what time will you be there?’ After a quick calculation the Team set off with an extra bit of excitement knowing that Dawn’s family were travelling from over an hour away to be at the next checkpoint. Little did the Team know what awaited.

Just before the checkpoint was a series of 4 fields. The 2nd of these had cattle in which the Team had walked past 3 times already. The account of the stampeding cattle has already been written about but for anyone who has not seen the article it’s probably worth a read. This was a freaking scary experience, possibly made somewhat more heart wrenching for Dawn who had her daughter and grandchildren attempting to enter the field from the other end of the footpath whilst the cattle charged across the field. Thankfully with modern technology and a mobile signal the Team established that the family had made it safely out the field their end, but the Team were in the middle of the field being stared at by angry cattle looking ready to charge again. The Team turned around and Dawn and Barbara found enough energy to run …. Andy was more controlled with his exit from the field and thankfully they all got out in one piece. Now, with family that had travelled for an hour to see them and a field of dangerous cattle between them some quick rerouting had to happen. A permissive footpath leading to another footpath (albeit not well used) was followed and eventually the meeting with the family took place.

The Team now needed to get to one more important checkpoint, the last at 91 miles. Here the Team were met, along with Steve and Keith and hot drinks etc, by two very good friends, Jan Hartopp and Jim Cheney, who at the unearthly hour of midnight were willing to walk the last 10 miles and keep the spirits up. There was a surprising amount of chatting and good humour, and it was only as the Team approached the last couple of miles that they realised the trackers they had hired had not managed to record the walked distance. This knocked the team for 6. Whilst they had planned the route meticulously and knew the mileage they had walked; the trackers had been unable to deal with the altered last loop and had not recorded the actual distance. It also transpires that because a tracker only sends a signal every two minutes, it takes a straight line between each of these points and because this route involved lots of twists and turns the route recorded by the tracker missed sections actually walked.

Each team member also used a Garmin watch, and they had a separate GPS device. As anyone who has used them will know, keeping these gadgets going over a long period takes some doing as the battery does not support recording for 48 hours without needing to be recharged several times. Fortunately, Dawn was meticulous with her battery management, setting alarms to remind her when to recharge, and her Garmin watch kept running for the entire event and at the end recorded 103.17 miles.

The Team reached its destination to find John had turned out at about 4:30 am to greet them. As soon as they stopped walking Barbara and Andy’s body temperature plummeted and they demanded to sit in John’s van with the heater full on. Soon the Team were whisked off to get a shower and some sleep before reconvening for a celebratory Champagne brunch later in the day.

As this account is being written Team Barandaw have had their evidence validated and are in the planning stages for their next adventure. Bring it on.

Along with other tales from the LDWA 100, this encounter came in from Andrew Gordon who along with two friends was walking multiple loops of the Canterbury Outer Ring as part of his 100 effort.

I would add here that I hate cows in fields. Well, I don’t mind them in fields so much, just not ideally in the same fields as me. I will walk miles around a field full of cows rather than have to confront the damn things, I’ve heard too many stories of how they’ve hassled and scared walkers. And, let’s be honest, I’m not the bravest walker….

However, enough about me, I will let Andrew tell the story in his words  🙂   (and I love the Jurassic Park parallel!)

Imagine the scene, it’s dark, the three of us (Barbara, Andy and Dawn) are pretty tired at about the 90-mile mark on the final of four loops of the Canterbury Outer Ring on our 100 mile epic walk. We are hoping to meet family (including grandchildren) for a motivational boost at St Cosmus & St Damian Church on the Crab and Winkle Way. Just three small fields to cross on a public footpath to get to the church, the first with cattle in it. We’d been through there three times already with absolutely no problems…

Our support party had decided to walk towards us and had in fact entered the field with the cattle in it before us. We could see their head torches in the distance as we entered the field. Suddenly there was commotion as a 30-40 strong herd of calves, cows and two bulls started stampeding at great speed up and down the field at 90 degrees to our path across it! Our head torches caught the bright eyes, flaring noses, and flicking tails in all their terrifying glory.

If you’ve seen the stampede scene in Jurassic Park, you’ll be on the same page as us with what was happening. Our loved ones had the common sense to retreat thankfully to safety. Bravely, Andy refused to give in and continued forward in the hope of a parting of the waves, so to speak. However, the herd had a different idea and continued to stampede up and down. At the point they looked like turning and running at us, Barbara and Dawn did a complete U turn and started running back to the safety of the fence line (hearing Andy’s voice fading in the background saying ‘it’s not a good idea to run’). Andy retreated with more dignity than the girls that’s for sure.

We don’t know what had caused the cattle’s distress; maybe it was our head torches or perhaps we looked and smelt like cattle rustlers!

Much studying of OS Maps on a phone and we found a work around via a permissive way and footpath back onto the Crab and Winkle Way, eventually to meet up with our relieved supporters.

It was very scary at the time and, whilst none of us would describe it as a highlight, it will be a lasting memory for all of us. Perhaps our risk assessment skills need a bit of brushing up?

As I’ve mentioned on previous updates, I’m so pleased to read the accounts of entrants to the LDWA 100 last week. It’s a reminder of just how many people took part in the event in so many delightful parts of the UK and how different people took to walking their 100 miles.

This is the walk of Jenni Coelho, who is from the very exciting North of Scotland group (formerly the North West Grampian group) which is also the home group of LDWA chair Julie Cribb. I love the distractions of food and drink in this account, and I suspect I would have stopped for an ice cream if the opportunity had arisen later on during the walk. Although Jenni didn’t quite finish this one, I’m sure she’ll be back for more and I’m impressed she went out running the next day. How very brave  🙂

Anyway, before I get distracted with food again (Julie does that to me), here’s Jenni’s account of the Moray Meander in her own words.

I was a relatively late sign up to the Virtual 100. My original plans for the Bank Holiday Weekend were taking part in the Cairngorm to Coast Challenge (a hike and bike event). Unfortunately, due to covid restrictions this had been postponed.

Since the end of January I had been putting in plenty of miles doing another virtual event, the GB Ultras Race Across the Alps, which was finishing on the Bank Holiday Weekend. So I needed to find something else for a grand finish. My mind had already started ticking away on possibly doing the LDWA 100 and whilst out for a run mid April I came across Bea from my local group (North of Scotland) who encouraged me to enter, as she, Julie, Rikky and a couple of others were planning on doing the Loch Ness 360. Duly persuaded, I entered that evening!

Covid of course, had to throw a spanner in the works. In the week before the whole of Scotland was supposed to be moving down a level, there was a spike in cases in Moray and we remained in Level 3. This meant that I potentially wouldn’t be able to travel to do the Loch Ness 360 (and neither importantly would my Other Half be able to support us).

So, back to the drawing board for Plan B, a route within Moray.

First choice, the obvious one, was two laps of our own 50 mile Challenge walk, the Laich o’Moray 50. The route almost passes my front door, so chance for a middle of the walk shower and snooze. The danger with this one was I might not easily awake from the snooze. Bea decided on an out and back along the Dava Way, a rest at her house and then a loop of the Laich o’Moray.

I eventually decided on a route taking me from my home in Elgin, out to Lossie Woods, leading to the coastal path taking me all the way along to Cullen (for an ice-cream!) then back to Buckie. From here I would come inland, over the hill to Keith following the Fisherwives Trail, then from Keith picking up the Isla Way to Dufftown. Then I would join the Speyside Way, passing through Craigellachie, up over Ben Aigen for a lovely sunrise, up to Spey Bay, where I would rejoin the Coastal Path heading west to Hopeman, then finishing inland at the historic Duffus Castle. A fabulous route (if I do say so myself!).

I decided to make virtual checkpoints around every five miles, ensuring that I would eat and drink at regular intervals and have five minutes with the weight off my feet. I would be mostly self supported, with my OH meeting me at three points: 47 miles for a change of clothes and coffee; 72 miles, again for a change of clothes and a flask of coffee and of course 100 miles at the finish. And so, the Moray Meander 100 was born.

The following weeks were spent recceing parts of the route which I hadn’t done before and with a warm and dry forecast for the Bank Holiday weekend everything was looking positive. I was loving all the pre-event chat on the Facebook page with all the people all over the country preparing for the weekend. It was suggested to post updates on the day to the Facebook page, so I decided to do this.

The actual day arrived.  I was up nice and early, my plan was to leave about 5am and I left at 5.30 am (very good for the Queen of Faff).  The weather was perfect for walking, the haar was hanging about and didn’t lift properly until it was nearly lunchtime.  This meant a lot of the coastal walking which could have been quite brutal in the heat was undertaken in cool conditions.

The coastal path into Cullen involves a wee section over rocks, which when I arrived was a little challenging due to an incoming and high tide.  I decided to take the alternative route back to Portknockie along the old railway line.  However, the route onto the iconic viaduct was not obvious  to someone who had been on the go for ten hours.  So I lost an additional 15 minutes or so getting myself onto the viaduct (without going through someone’s garden!!).

Progress was pretty good, with my overall timings only slipping about 15 minutes – but with the 30 minutes added on for late departure, I possibly shouldn’t have sat down for quite so long in Cullen eating a very large and very delicious rum and raisin ice-cream.

Coming down into Findochty, clouds were beginning to darken and it began to rain. Humph. Fortunately, there was a public convenience, so I took advantage of it and when I came back out, the rain was easing off. Looking at my timings I realised I wasn’t going to make it to my first support visit without my headtorch, so I phoned my long suffering OH to meet me in Buckie. I definitely lost some pace on this section and I was aware of some pain on my right heel. On arrival in Strathlene, which was my teatime stop, I arranged for my OH to come to me there instead.  After I’d had something to eat, I braved having a look under my sock and found a fairly large double bubbly blister lurking there. So, it had to be dealt with and then some plasters stuck on top.  Paracetamols popped and off I went again with my next meeting with the OH to be in Keith for a change of clothes before the proper night-time section.

As I arrived into Buckie I sensed that I needed to go to a proper toilet, so kept my fingers crossed that the harbour toilets might still be open as it was after 8pm. Hooray, Brucie Bonus, the door was open. Hallelujah.

Job done, and I strode up through Buckie, a new woman.

On my way out of Buckie, I was aware of a large group of boozy teenagers gathered in a park I had to walk past – fortunately, they were all having far too good a time to be bothered about the crazy walking lady. However, it did strike a note of unease into my mind.

I headed up the hill after Drybridge looking back to the absolutely stunning sunset over the Moray Firth. There were deer in the field beside me. These are moments that make these challenges all worth it.

The weird noises in the hills and woods I was heading into mind you were making my mind ever more uneasy and after about another ten minutes of hearing sounds like people were being murdered, I stopped and considered my situation. The next section was remote and I had hoped to be over it before dusk, which was not now going to happen. The following section after my support stop was not an area I wanted to be walking through in the dark either.

So, I made the decision to call it a day and retraced my footsteps back to where I could be rescued.

A smidgeon over 40 miles in the end in 16¾ hours.

Had I had a companion for the dark hours I definitely would have kept going, but I just didn’t feel safe, so I don’t regret the decision. I don’t know if I would have completed the 100, but I reckon I could’ve gotten 60-70 miles before my feet would’ve stopped in protest. If I’d realised how distracting the Facebook posts would have been, I wouldn’t have done them either, it seemed like a good idea at the time, but I definitely lost five minutes here and there which all added up.

Next time..… well, I don’t know if there will be a next time. Our local group are holding the Speyside 100 in a couple of years’ time so maybe I’ll do the marshals walk. Or I might try doing my Moray Meander later in the summer, perhaps with company …

What I did have to do was finish off my Race Across the Alps challenge – by only walking 40 miles, this still left me with another 15 miles required by close of play on the Sunday. Aaaargh.

On the Sunday, off I went (with my running shoes on this time) and covered what would have been the end of my Moray Meander, finishing at the Duffus Castle with a smile and a well-deserved Moretti.

All’s well that ends well.

I’m really pleased to have been receiving so many stories of how LDWA members took part in the 100 mile walk last weekend, and I’m still very impressed at the bravery shown by so many entrants!

Below is the adventure that Caroline Tennant got herself into and I think that terminology is appropriate, as I often wonder how people get themselves into these situations. In my case it seemed a good idea in the pub last year, but as Caroline mentions, I think many entrants did take to moments of introspection during the walk to discover why they were taking part. My initial plan was just to walk as far as I can, as Caroline aims to do in future walks, and reaching 60 miles is still a huge achievement. And I really like how members from East Lancs LDWA group came together to walk the 100, our wonderful LDWA community in action   🙂

This is Caroline’s story (I like #sausagerollgate, I’ve had overstocking incidents too…..).

Well, what happened was…my feet got me at 59 miles. All the planning in the world and it was my feet that defeated me. No blisters or injuries that I could do anything about, just plain old pain. I thought I would be gutted not to finish and at the time I really wasn’t. I was more than happy (putting aside the foot pain, swollen knees, aching, minor chaffing and general tiredness) I had walked further than I had ever walked before and qualified for 2022.

As the pain eased, I got a little introspective and pondered whether 100s are even for me…could I have gone further? Could I have walked through the pain? Then I looked at my blotchy feet, in sandals because I can’t get my feet in shoes, and realise it was the right decision. It’s annoying, yes, but I am safe and have done no permanent damage. I will take great pleasure in entering future 50s, which I love doing and yes, I will have a bash at another 100, but aiming to walk further than I have and seeing how I get on rather than aiming straight at the 100. It will be far easier on a ‘real’ 100. Having the checkpoints, support and company will remove a huge chunk of the preparations, lists and charts involved in a virtual event. Whilst I loved doing all of that (possibly more than the event itself!) concentrating on the walking will be a bonus.

As for the walk itself, the first 56 miles were brilliant and I loved every minute, until the cobbles on the renamed ‘Rocky Road’ got me…

The 8 of us East Lancs members met up for a 07.30 start from Pauline’s in Standish. Chomping at the bit, we set off at 07.22, all hoping to complete our first 100. Up the canal to Chorley, via Yarrow Valley (bacon butties!) and Astley Park, where I ended up in the stocks. Back to the canal and River Darwen to Cherry tree where we met the lovely Jane, who accompanied us through the night to Horden Stoops. Through Hoghton to the main evening meal stop, 19.30 and 32.4 miles in, at my house.

Mr Tennant did a marvellous job feeding and watering us in the back garden. Pasta and brews all round. Nearly all round, he forgot about my brew! Anyhow, refuelled, repacked, bottles topped up, homemade Lancashire parkin in hand, we set off leaving a chaos of washing up and dirty socks behind us. And sausage rolls. When I had asked for some sausage rolls, I had not specified they were only for me. 28 were purchased. There are still a load in the freezer.

Cuerden Park saw us cheered on by Karen & Ian Wardle from West Lancs. Proper dark was upon us by the first break at Withnell. We were in near silence as the seating was by houses. Disappointed by the lack of village stocks here, but they were off being repainted. Across to Tockholes to use the benches and toilets for another break before the main climbs of our 100.

A pitstop for pictures by the East Lancs PNFS sponsored sign and then a boggy ascent of Great Hill. Down to Horden Stoops at 04.00 and 49.7 miles in. Jane left us here for home. Walking with someone fresher than the rest of us, I think, was a huge help, especially with it being overnight. Many thanks to Jane for the good company and the orange loaf.

Then began my downfall on ‘Rocky Road’ with its evil cobbles. Issues were made worse as my water spout decided it was going to leak, wherever I positioned it. So, either a wet tshirt, or wet trousers, as it slowly dripped on me. Normally no big deal, but hugely frustrating when you have miles to go. Also, when we reached Pike Cottage, it being not even 5am, it was closed, so we could not consume pies. Pies are necessary for all significant walks. I should have planned them in earlier, not into the second day. We ascended Winter Hill with the sunrise and I began to slow on the descent, but made it to Hilary’s house for the breakfast stop. At 08.00 and 59 miles in, Nick and myself decided to call it a day, tired but happy.

Pauline, Suzanne & Paul opted to not snooze and so set off once reorganised and full of lovely breakfast, sausage butties in hand. Dave, Alma and Hilary setting off slightly later, after a brief rest. Huge thanks to Hilary’s son, Craig, for feeding and cleaning up after us and Mr Scott for the good cheer, despite recovering from knee surgery, and not calling us crazy to our faces.

Off into the beautiful, and unfortunately, scorching day for the remaining 6. Back to Pike Cottage for refreshments, Rivington and then White Coppice. At 14.30 and 71 miles the heat took its toll and Hilary, Dave & Alma decided to stop having also walked further than they ever had before.

Pauline, Suzanne and Paul altered the planned route. Partly on purpose, partly tired accident. They missed White Coppice, but returned to the canal where they, eventually, found themselves at Frederick’s for very well deserved ice cream. The second evening meal stop at Pauline’s saw Suzanne retire at 81 miles. Pauline and Paul battled on, taking local circuits, steadily clocking up the miles. Determination saw them through as the miles slowly increased and finally reached 100. They did our group proud and we are all over the moon for them both!

Between the 8 of us, we clocked in 612 miles. I don’t know if this would have been the case had we walked individually. I, for one, think having the group and the support that bought, was a huge factor. From encouragement and distraction on the event itself, to having people to bounce ideas off in the run up to it, I couldn’t have done it alone. And now after 5 months planning, what do I do with myself now? Thank you to Suzanne Corlett, Nick Halford, Paul Kielty, Pauline Melia, Hilary Scott and Dave & Alma Walsh, for putting up with my over organising and sharing this adventure…When do entries open for the TP100?!

Well done to all those that took part, supported, organised and made the event possible and the wonderful thing that the 100 is. See you all next year where we will all either be walking or back helping out at the East Lancs breakfast stop.

Over the last weekend there were hundreds of entrants in the LDWA 100, all brave attempts to walk 100 miles in 48 hours. Every one of those walks comes with its own story, with some being successful in their aims and some not, but that doesn’t take away from the achievements that were still reached. One of the little interviews I did before the event was with Rory Bennett, and although I’m collecting up other stories to post a selection of experiences, I felt that this one warranted its own post.

We had a Facebook group and WhatsApp group for entrants and I was aware that Rory was retiring as he posted briefly about his decision at the time. I noted Dave tried to offer him encouragement to keep going, as this completing 100 miles is very much a mental challenge, but sometimes it’s best to concede defeat and try again another day (or learn from the experience and not try again another day, which is usually my strategy).

In Rory’s account below, I thought that the issue with the battery pack is interesting, sometimes these things can seem like it’s life’s way of telling you to stop, although a lack of power is in itself potentially a huge problem (I mean that in terms of navigation really, although some of us have a need to check social media feeds as well).

And so, this is Rory’s story of his walk, one which I found a very honest and interesting account of his adventure.

In the months prior to this 100 I had been focusing on pushing myself mentally as I knew physically I could take on the 100 having completed one with huge support last year. There were 2 aspects that I would follow through to make this a greater challenge to myself.

Firstly, I would be walking the majority of the route alone relying on shops to refuel and the huge effort put in by the LDWA into the social media channels and the WhatsApp group to keep my mind sane. I would only be joined at 2 points on my walk by friends and family totalling around 25 miles, and at the half way point (The Skirrid near Abergavenny) for a ‘checkpoint’ with my half way bag and pre planned change of boots for the night section.

Secondly I had planned to set off at the earliest point possible (midnight on the Friday night). This was initially to make sure I caught the food shops on my return leg so I could stock up for the night walk, but I also had this desire to see how my mind and body would cope walking through 2 nights having not experienced it fully before.

I had managed to grab just under 2 hours sleep Friday evening before the alarm went off at 11pm. After some last minute preparations and an impromptu ‘first baby kicking’ special moment for me & my partner I was out through the door just after midnight and starting on my next 100 journey.

It was a beautifully warm night and over the first 16 miles I had plenty of hills, encounters with bats, deer, worms and sheep before rolling down into Kington with my first view of daylight which was a welcome sight.

The next 15 miles into Hay flew by and I was making good progress and feeling fine, only hampered by soaking wet feet. After a quick refuel and a change of socks I headed out of Hay, up Hay Bluff and down the Black Mountains onto Hatterall Ridge.

It had all been going a bit too well up until this point and the monotonous ridge line of the Black Mountains soon hit home. Thinking I was making serious progress, all excitement soon past when I realised I had only covered a mile or two. With the heat increasing I really began to feel the pain in my feet having not properly dried them out in 12 hours and the constant pounding on hot ground.

The pain was all worth it when I hit Hatterall Hill and descended down into Llanvihangel Crucorney where, most importantly, a well stocked checkpoint, fresh boots and family awaited. After a 20 minute sit down (my first break up until this point) we were back up and running and onto the halfway mark – up and over Skirrid.

Maybe not my finest choice to push myself over halfway, but a beautiful mountain and one of my favourites.

Unfortunately that was the end of my good run. What I hadn’t realised is that spilt liquid from a bottle had knocked out my battery pack which I was relying on for the night section to keep me on track and in touch with fellow walkers and family. Not a problem for the daylight though as I was using paper maps. Queue the next issue – I hadn’t had chance to recce the next section as it was mostly lanes with a couple of linking footpaths and I thought it best to concentrate on the night section. On paper it looked simple but in reality it was an absolute killer. Firstly I had a nightmare of a time trying to navigate a footpath that was on the map but classically didn’t exist. After hopping over ditches, hedges and fences I made it back to signs of normality and back onto the lanes.

The next problem was the mileage – I was expecting to cover this section in 3 hours, be in Ewyas Harold by around 7:30pm where fish and chips and my partner and puppy would be waiting. In reality this section took over 4 hours, was five miles longer than I was expecting and meant I had to really push to make it to the stop and the ever crucial food restock. By this point I’d been thinking for a while about stopping and slowly the thoughts had come clearer and clearer.

With the prospect of being nearing 2 hours behind schedule, 65 miles in on 2 hours sleep and 21 hours walking, completely exhausted and no way of keeping in touch with family and fellow walkers through the night section I decided to bow out and catch a lift home. It was a really tough call to make but at the time I just couldn’t face heading back out into the dark alone. Especially as parts of the next section had some particularly difficult navigation in.

In reality I should have taken an hour out and reconsidered my options, but I don’t regret my decision. It’s funny how much of an impact exhaustion can have on your body and mind. Physically I felt great and the next 40 miles didn’t seem a problem. Mentally I was in a bad place, had tears in my eyes and couldn’t face taking another step. Really the scenarios leading up to this moment were all small and manageable but together and combined with lack of sleep pushed me over the edge. I should have mentioned it sooner to fellow walkers who are always full to the brim of constructive advice that maybe would had got me through the night but i’m certainly not thinking of what ifs.

However that was all the point – I wanted to push my body and mind to the limit. To see what I was capable of in that situation. On Saturday I found my limits, for now. Now I just have to find a way around them and extend them, to push them further. To say I was gutted to withdraw is an understatement. It really hurt for a while after knowing I failed to achieve what I had set out to do, especially as I’d never pulled out of a challenge walk before. That being said, I’m certainly more determined for the next one with a huge amount of lessons learnt along the way. I’ve never felt this good after walking a strong 65 miles and I’ve also never before planned 3 x 100+ mile walks within 24 hours of a challenge walk – bring on the next one & the Trans Pennine 100!

PS. if you’re ever passing Ewyas Harold, The Old Stables fish and chip shop is seriously on point. I would probably recommend driving there though…

[I’d add that I think Rory’s suggestion on this fish and chip shop is a marvellous one!]

When I started planning this walk it felt like a potentially very lonely 100. What it turned out to be was a nationwide walk with friends. The constant support prior to and over the weekend was a huge bonus and completely unexpected. A huge thanks goes out to all the organising team behind this event for making it happen and for being on call with constant support, banter and congratulations for what seemed to be every minute of the weekend (did you even sleep??) And a massive congratulations to everyone who got up and stepped out of their door. No matter how far you walked you achieved something seriously impressive. It certainly was a 100 with a difference!

[I did sleep a little, but the excitement of the whole event meant I had to keep checking what was happening (as did Dave Morgan and Alan Warrington who were ever present], I didn’t want to miss any gossip! Also, people sacrificed time to help me with my 100, so it was a delight to help others with theirs]

This is a follow-on from the April update, where I asked a number of entrants how their plans were progressing. Since then, I’ve completed my 100 effort, so that’s that out of the way (and I’ve mentioned that more than enough times now). So, how are some of the others getting on?

Rory Bennett seems full of enthusiasm (more than I ever had!) and is also starting very early on the Saturday. The above photo is when Rory was on his last push over Rushock Hill on a training walk.

“It always feel like you have to wait an age for a challenge walk to arrive, then suddenly its upon you! I’ve loved having this 100 to look forward to and to focus on.

Over the past month my training has been up and down. I’ve managed to get in some fairly long runs alongside 2 good sessions recceing the route which has really helped my mental preparation. Particularly tackling the night section and realising I’m definitely going to need my boots for that bit (and not to be confused when you stumble across a field of pigs…) I always try and scale back my training from 2 weeks to go. I tend to find this the hardest part as I’m usually just getting into it properly and seeing results. Alongside that the event is closer and I’m a lot more psyched up mentally which makes it a struggle to taper down, but taper we must.

I’ve now spent the last week enjoying being able to buy excessive amounts of sweets, M&S Pork crackling (you’ve got to try it…) and all manner of treats. I also try and run through the route in my head, visualising my stops, where I’ll change my socks, where I might be brave enough to try a pint, etc… It can also take a while to lay everything out, plan how I’m going to pack my bag and sort out my half way bag. All crucial things, as one thing I have learnt from walking is, if you pack something deep down in your bag, you likely won’t reach for it. Keep the snacks, painkillers and water close to hand!

From here on in my mind has been wandering more towards how I’m going tackle the mental impact of walking 75 miles on my own and through 2 nights (I’m starting at 00:01, the earliest point so I catch the shops on my return loop). Only time will tell for that, but let’s be honest, like everyone else, I’ve mostly been watching the weather! Bring on the 100, it’s going to be a corker!!”

I asked Kevin Marshall whether he was excited or nervous about his weekend’s walk with Sara:

“We are both feeling a mixture of excitement and nervousness! Having completed 22 LDWA 100 before I have a big slice of ‘can I drag my body around again…’ I am also very excited as this will be my better half’s first attempt at the distance and it is a real privilege to be going all the way with her so to speak!

Today is the day we are checking and rechecking plans (at the same time still working…), have we got everything, have we got spares… I was reminiscing to Sara this morning about the time I lost my head torch and didn’t have a spare. Someone kindly lent me their spare, the only problem was it was a wind up torch, great fun for six hours! I also recall my 20th as I left my map on the kitchen table at home! Again someone kindly came to my rescue and lent me the one off the wall at the start!”

As for this being a very different 100, Kevin added:

“This year will be very different none of the usual checkpoints to look forward to. We are largely self sufficient carrying stove and meals. However the founders of the Millennium Way have taken us under their wing and will be popping up along the route with water, coffee and any supplies we need. The kindness of ‘strangers’ is one of the things that never ceases to amaze me. Even our B&B host is cooking us a meal on Sunday evening when we hope to finish. She says this is something she has never offered to do before. Such kindness. So yes a mix of nerves and excitement, bring it on.”

It’s less good news for Chelle, who won’t be able to walk the event, but she is still excited to be part of the event by helping some members from Norfolk and Suffolk LDWA. She says “I will be marshalling for friends all weekend so will regularly post their progress and lots of pictures of food.” I’m already excited for the food photos   🙂

Tim Ryan is positive about his walk:

“I will be walking the Exe 100 from my house in Devon as planned. There will be 5 Cornwall and Devon members starting on the Exe 100, 3 completing up to the 50 miles checkpoint. Then hopefully along with Linda McCarthy the two of us shall be pushing on to complete the 100. A momentous occasion, as it shall be Linda’s 20th Hundred completion! My personal preparation has been going quite well, although I have allowed myself 3 weeks of rest days and just short walks since building the mileage up. I have provided a few pictures of places taken along the route: Exe Bridge about 13 miles in, Washford Pyne on the Two Moors Way after around 75 miles and what will be a welcome site, crossing the Exe at Bickleigh Bridge after 95 miles. Great to see the enthusiasm of so many members getting out there around the country. The best of luck to everybody.”

Caroline Tennant mentioned that it’s all suddenly happening, which is what I thought, it does come about very quickly…..

“From sitting at my dad’s dining table on Boxing Day, idly looking at maps…we are nearly there! After 5 months of walking, mapping and maniacal list writing, it all seems strangely calm at the moment. Yes, I am still running about, packing bags and sorting supplies, but without any stress or panic about the weekend. We have all said from the start, we have no idea what is going to happen on the day, so it’s just a case of setting off now and seeing how it all goes. We are so lucky to have our little group, I think that is going to be the biggest help, having each other for support. Either that or we will end up killing each other! Whatever happens I have the worlds biggest packet of chocolate digestives ready for Monday. Whether celebrating or not, I am eating the whole lot! Wishing everyone else lots of luck, lovely weather and tasty treats on the way!”

Shirley Hume sent the above photos a few weeks ago of her training efforts and said at the time:

“Training is not going as well as I would like, needless to say. Although I have done over 1,000 miles since the start of the year I have only managed 2 walks of 31 miles and nothing longer. I seem to have got stuck on around 25 – 28 miles. The lockdown easing last week gave me my first opportunity to travel the 50 miles to Winchcombe for a couple of days recce (not staying over), which has led to a rethink on the route. The warmer weather made me realise that without mobile support I needed to go for shorter loops to allow for filling up.”

The news this week isn’t entirely positive…..

“In truth Julian it is all going amazingly badly.”

As an aside, that’s how I felt about my training at times”

“After walking the last couple of sections of Dave’s 100 with him, I came down with a bad flare up of diverticulitis (first for 8 months), a non-eating week taking industrial strength antibiotics was followed by a week of side effects from the ABs – by which time I should have been starting to ease back. Furthest walked in 4 weeks is 18 miles. Anyway we (myself and the HQ +CP manager) are now established at base camp and hoping for the best. Sadly my prayers for cool weather look as if they are being ignored.”

All I can say is good luck to Shirley, but what a brave effort this will be with that background.

“Try not to be too smug over the weekend!!!”

I must admit for Dave Morgan and myself, this having already completed the walk really makes this weekend rather more enjoyable!

Simon Hodgin from Norfolk & Suffolk group hasn’t got back to me yet, but that’s fine as I know what he will say. It’ll be about me being heroic with my 100 and he’s very inspired by my bravery and doubting whether he can possibly match my time. I’ll be seeing Simon and many others from the N&S group who are taking part this weekend. As I mentioned on Twitter, to quote Norfolk’s own Alan Partridge, they’re all so ruddy, bloody brave.

Everyone on the NEC and involved in this whole event wishes every entrant the very best for this weekend. It’s the taking part that counts, enjoy what you can and see what happens!