Walking. Gossip. Travel.

Category: LDWA

  • 2021 LDWA 100 – Miles 31 to 40

    2021 LDWA 100 – Miles 31 to 40

    This is the story of my completing the LDWA 100, something which I didn’t actually always think I’d be able to do. Unlike the previous training walks, I’m going to tell this story in a different way, which is just my feelings about each section of the walk. I usually take hundreds of photos during walks, but when walking 100 miles there are different priorities. My friend Nathan also walked with me for the first 60 miles, but these are my experiences rather than his. These posts are more introspective than usual and there will be an index to these ten ‘stories’ on this page.

    This 31 to 40 mile section was all on the Wherryman’s Way, taking us from just past Berney Arms, onto the Reedham ferry and then into the town of Loddon.

    I can’t recall what I said to the sheep that upset them……

    We were pleased that the river bank was cut back and easy to walk on, this was a real problem for us last year on the first occasion that we walked along Wherryman’s Way. It was also positive to see a new stretch of the long distance trail had been opened up at Reedham, meaning that there’s no requirement to walk alongside a busy road down into Reedham ferry.

    Back to my thoughts during this stretch though. The section to Berney Arms had dragged a little bit, but this meant that the walk into Reedham was slightly shorter than I had anticipated given I’d gotten muddled up about distances. Reedham was always a bit of a high point, as it meant we got to go on Reedham Ferry (the only way to continue on the long distance path) and also got to enjoy a little BBQ kindly laid on by Liam.

    With this entire walk, we had split it into two distinct chunks, the first stretch which was 60 miles from Lowestoft to Norwich, and then the second stretch which was 40 miles from Norwich towards Aylsham. I had the treat of a one hour sleep between these two stretches to look forwards to, which was hardly ideal, but was still something of a treat to think about. This meant that reaching 40 miles was effectively two thirds of the way through the first day’s walking (we had decided we’d call the first 60 miles as day one, and the second 40 miles as day two), and that was a useful mini target. For anyone thinking of walking this distance, it’s essential to have these mini targets and to chalk them up as small victories.

    A mistake we’d made was not putting more food into our bags for the stretch into Reedham. Having support cars meant that we didn’t have to carry 48 hours worth of food, but I felt that I only needed a chicken bake and a Scotch egg for that section, and ultimately I felt I could have done with more. I’d say looking back now though that I was pleased with how much water I was drinking, and I ensured I always had enough throughout the walk. I was always hydrated and this is another key element of making the walk achievable, which is drinking water even when the body might not think that it needs it. For that matter, it’s important also to eat enough, to deal with the calorie burn and to keep the body sustained.

    We timed the Reedham ferry perfectly (although it’s hard to time it badly, the longest wait possible is probably about four minutes) and Liam had set up the BBQ in the car park opposite. This provided us with our first proper sit down and Richard had kindly ensured that he had brought some garden chairs for us to sit on, indeed, some of his best quality ones. I’m not sure that we were hugely hungry, but the sausages, burgers and chicken were all very welcome and I had one of my slightly decadent peppermint teas.

    We were met by Chelle (who is a proper 100 walker, there’s little that she doesn’t know about long distance walking) and Paul (another experienced 100 walker) who walked with us into Loddon. That marked the 40 mile stage, which meant it was time for the ten-mile checking of feet and reapplication of Sudocrem. I had feared that I might have had a blister forming, but that was just in my imagination, and I was starting to get confident that my footcare strategy was working. This is something I really haven’t given enough thought about before, often not being fully prepared, and it’s absolutely essential to get this right for something like the 100.

    I was quite hopeful at this stage, as we had been refreshed by the BBQ and Richard had kindly bought half of the Co-op to ensure that we had enough food and drink for the night-time sections. All we had to do was to get to 50 miles, and then walk the final stretch into Norwich. For the first time I started to worry though about the night-time section, this wasn’t something we’d done much of and there were some navigationally challenging moments ahead.

    I’d say that I left the 40 mile mark confident, but slightly nervous of how the next 20 miles would unfold.

  • 2021 LDWA 100 – Miles 21 to 30

    2021 LDWA 100 – Miles 21 to 30

    This is the story of my completing the LDWA 100, something which I didn’t actually always think I’d be able to do. Unlike the previous training walks, I’m going to tell this story in a different way, which is just my feelings about each section of the walk. I usually take hundreds of photos during walks, but when walking 100 miles there are different priorities. My friend Nathan also walked with me for the first 60 miles, but these are my experiences rather than his. These posts are more introspective than usual and there will be an index to these ten ‘stories’ on this page.

    Preparations at Breydon Water for the drone flying, which unfortunately didn’t quite work out due to the strong winds. But it was worth a try and at least Richard got his drone back safely.

    The bird hide on Wherryman’s Way that I’ve walked by many times and never gone in. I popped in to have a look this time, which probably explains the relatively steep ascent on this section of the route.

    I’m not sure that the younger members of the support team really comprehended my bravery despite my telling them several times.

    But, back to the walking. The stretch between 21 and 30 miles took us from the Outer Harbour in Great Yarmouth to Great Yarmouth Minster and the neighbouring cemetery area, before then leading us onto the Wherryman’s Way.

    It was quite a boost to get onto the Wherryman’s Way, which was at about 24 miles into the route, as this was the walk back home to Norwich and it’s a path that we’ve completed before. The first stretch is easy to navigate and we were looking forwards to seeing Richard and Liam for the drone flying section, all a little bit of a boost. The temperature conditions were perfect, a slight breeze and not too much sun, as this is an area where it wouldn’t be hard to get sun burnt and I didn’t want that to add to my list of worries.

    It was at about the 28 mile mark that I started to become a little disappointed, as Berney Arms was further down the route than I had remembered. It didn’t much matter, as the distances were the same, but I just wasn’t quite at the location I thought that I was. However, I was buoyed somewhat by knowing that we were about to hit 30% of the distance and that we could have a decent sit down at Berney Arms with our food.

    As for my thoughts during this stage, I remained upbeat because I wasn’t injured or hurting, and that meant confidence that I could at least keep going for some time yet. But the enormity of the whole walk started to hang a little at around the 28 mile mark, despite all the mental thoughts I had worked on about remembering that this was just a series of short walks and not to think about the big picture. I’m not sure that I had much time to think about the big picture for this stretch, as conversation took over and proved to be a useful distraction.

    Despite my comments earlier about liking cities, pubs and beer gardens, there was still something quite special about the peace and quiet of this path. We saw nearly no-one (other than for a party of five sitting having a picnic on a little bit of sand, and I admire how far they had carried their things with them to get there) along the path and the river was still and quiet, with the Norfolk big skies up above us. This stretch is perhaps one of the most beautiful on the walk and the reason that I’ve completed Wherryman’s Way twice before and still come back for more.

  • 2021 LDWA 100 – Miles 11 to 20

    2021 LDWA 100 – Miles 11 to 20

    This is the story of my completing the LDWA 100, something which I didn’t actually always think I’d be able to do. Unlike the previous training walks, I’m going to tell this story in a different way, which is just my feelings about each section of the walk. I usually take hundreds of photos during walks, but when walking 100 miles there are different priorities. My friend Nathan also walked with me for the first 60 miles, but these are my experiences rather than his. These posts are more introspective than usual and there will be an index to these ten ‘stories’ on this page.

    The section of the walk between 11 and 20 miles was from Great Yarmouth Greggs up to Caister and then back down again, although we went further south in the town and nearly reached the Great Yarmouth Outer Harbour. This wasn’t our intended route, we had planned to go a little further north to Scratby, but we decided against traipsing on too much sand, so we spent more time in Caister and made the lost mileage up in Great Yarmouth.

    There was just a little rain as we came back down into Great Yarmouth, although apparently the situation was rather more moist in Norwich. I wasn’t worried too much about the weather as I couldn’t control it and I had all of the possible clothing options that I might need. It did occur to me that I could use the weather as an excuse if I didn’t finish though…..

    I remember taking this photo thinking that we could have just spent the day in Great Yarmouth meandering down the seafront, whilst visiting a few pubs along the way instead of walking back out of the town at a storming pace en route to a destination much further ahead. But, after telling myself that quietly, I also knew that we were still in good shape physically and ahead of schedule. Completing 20% of the walk without incident was a real positive and we were just a few miles from starting off on Wherryman’s Way which was an important section of our route.

    Great Yarmouth had been quiet when we left it going up towards Caister, but it was much busier by the time we reappeared there as holiday makers and locals were taking advantage of the retail options that the town provides. I’ve always quite liked Great Yarmouth and although I admit it isn’t quite Las Vegas, there’s still something that excites many children about a visit to the jewel of Norfolk’s coast (or whatever the local tourist authority call it).

    I mentioned that these posts were more introspective, but on this stretch I had mostly (but not entirely) stopped questioning the why was I doing this and thinking of the strategies that we needed to follow to be able to complete the walk. That involved checking my feet every ten miles and carefully applying lots of Sudocrem to them, a tactic that I consider to have been enormously useful. Seal Skinz socks also helped me, so I felt comfortable which is essential at this stage of a long walk.

    It also put into perspective the 18 mile challenge walks that the LDWA put on, as we had already completed that distance by the time we came back down into Great Yarmouth. I’m a big fan of these LDWA events for those who want to dip their toes into challenge events, as they’re supported with food and drink, marshals and they’re very achievable. Richard was in the support car for this section and we were most grateful to him for his help, especially as he had managed to have had some quite exciting dramas that morning.

  • LDWA 100 – Training Walk 15 (Wells and Fakenham Railway and Shut Pubs Meander)

    LDWA 100 – Training Walk 15 (Wells and Fakenham Railway and Shut Pubs Meander)

    This was our fifteenth walk in preparation for the 2021 LDWA 100.

    WALK NUMBER: 15 (Wells and Fakenham Railway and Shut Pubs Meander)

    DISTANCE COVERED: 19 miles

    NUMBER OF NATHAN’S FRIENDS WE “ACCIDENTALLY” BUMP INTO: 0

    SUFFICIENT BEER CONSUMED: No (but better than previous visits)

    PUBS VISITED: 2 that were open, 3 that were closed

    WEATHER CONDITIONS: Warm and too sunny

    ATTACKED BY ANIMALS: No

    NUMBER OF SNAKES SEEN: 0

    This was our last longer walk before the LDWA 100, we’ve got just one short walk to recce part of our 100 route left now. It’s getting really quite close, but more about that on this progress update of LDWA entrants.

    I arrived at the bus stop at Anglia Square nice and early, giving me chance to have a Greggs, have a little sit down and then calmly wait for the bus. Nathan turned up about eight seconds before the bus arrived. I don’t know how people don’t get stressed doing that, my friend Liam is the same.

    We had decided that we’d have a Wetherspoons meal to start the day off, which is a traditional breakfast and refillable coffee in The Limes in Fakenham. I was very annoyed that the egg wasn’t particularly good on my breakfast, primarily as Nathan’s egg was far better. But, life’s too short to dwell on such things and I’d calmed down within three hours which shows just how I’m able to put these things into perspective (although I’ve got post-annoyed now writing about it).

    Nathan was keen to get going after we’d finished our meals (his with a delicious egg and mine with a less delicious egg) so I didn’t even get a second coffee, but I didn’t say anything. Nathan of course had more energy than I did as he had been given a very delicious egg for breakfast. Incidentally, and of relevance to nearly no-one, you don’t get a tomato (or half a tomato as Dave Morgan would point out) on the traditional breakfasts anymore, unless you order the vegetarian option.

    The walk started by going through Fakenham and this little arrangement didn’t seem ideal near to the church.

    Robins, which I decided were a sign of something. I was hoping they were a sign at the spirit world’s annoyance that Nathan got a better egg than me at breakfast, but I think they were guiding us in a different way. Nathan mentioned that ideally I’d only take five photographs, and I thought he meant in any one spot. But he meant all day. Anyway, I ignored that as I’ve got a blog to write.

    I’m not entirely sure what delights this once held.

    We had some good fortune here, and perhaps that’s related to the robins. Komoot had failed us and tried to send us down some paths that weren’t public rights of way, and indeed, which had big signs saying that they were private. We wondered whether we could sneak through this gate, but thought we probably shouldn’t as it appeared it might be the garden of this former railway crossing building. By good fortune though, the property owner shouted over that we could walk down there, which meant that we got to see the delights of the former Wells to Fakenham railway line.

    And here it is, the track has been lifted, but the route is clear.

    This is a map from the 1920s (ignore the cursor) and Fakenham is in the south and Wighton (where we were heading) is towards the top of the map. Wells is just to the north and that stretch of the line is still in place to Walsingham, which is used by a heritage railway. The line had opened in 1857 and was closed to passenger traffic in 1964, although remained open to freight until the 1980s. If it had remained open as freight just a few years longer, then it might perhaps have had a chance of being returned to passenger usage, but that ship has most definitely sailed now.

    Some rather major construction work has taken place here to plough the line through one of Norfolk’s hills, I have a lot of respect for the speed in which the Victorians built these lines.

    The line carried on and we saw pretty much no-one all day walking down here. I can’t think that this line would ever be reinstated, but there are very few technical obstructions that would prevent it.

    This is the ford that crosses over to North Barsham, fortunately with a little footbridge option. There’s a short stretch of railway line that is inaccessible here, as Nathan discovered on the way back when he tried to walk down it. I didn’t bother trying, it looked too thorny for me.

    All Saints Church at North Barsham, which I wrote about separately.

    Some of the bridges along the former railway line were still in place, but this one has been removed.

    The Catholic Basilica of Our Lady of Walsingham.

    As noted on this sign, part of the former railway line has now been turned into the Pilgrim Way, a permissive footpath.

    This is the location of Walsingham railway station, which was in use between 1857 and 1964. There’s another railway station in Walsingham now, used by the heritage railway.

    The railway station was purchased by the Russian Orthodox Church in the 1960s and they still use it today for services.

    I had hoped that we could walk down a footpath by the side of this narrow gauge heritage railway, but there isn’t a footpath and the railway has locked the gate. But, this is the start of the heritage line that goes from Walsingham to Wells. That meant the section of the walk to Wighton was on the road, which wasn’t the most exciting stretch of the expedition. We had anticipated that the walk might be a little colder as there would be some wind from the North Sea, but there wasn’t and I thought it was too hot.

    Nathan had planned our walk to end at Wighton, and although we had wanted to walk further, we were confined by the times of the buses. This gave us time to look at All Saints Church in the village, which I’ll write about separately as there’s a lot I want to say. There was a little incident here when the tower fell down in 1965 and collapsing towers seemed a common theme of the churches we saw on this walk. The cost of repair was simply too high for the church, so the tower (or what was left of it) was made safe and normally that would have been that. However, a man named Leeds Richardson in Canada noticed what had happened as he had traced his ancestors to the church, and he decided (with ridiculous generosity) to fund the repairs.

    The interior of the church.

    We then popped into the Carpenters Arms in Wighton, where the service was friendly and the beer was refreshing. There’s perhaps more that can be done with the beer options, but they proved sufficient for our purposes. We were tempted by the food options, as they looked delicious judging from other tables, but we decided we’d see what was available in other pubs. That wasn’t perhaps our greatest ever choice.

    This is something of a remarkable survivor as a pub, so many are lost because they’re turned into residential properties. Even more surprisingly, the village had three pubs in 1910, but for a period in the early 1980s it didn’t have any. The Carpenters Arms then re-opened in the mid 1980s as the Sandpiper, but was renamed back again in 1997. The pub has shut for another two periods since then, but has been transferred from being an Adnams pub to being free trade.

    We then walked back along the road and I’m not sure when I last visited Walsingham, but it’s not in recent years, and it’s an attractive place. It’s a place of pilgrimage and I can imagine that it gets much busier in the summer months.

    The well at the The Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham. I hadn’t particularly planned to go in here and I mentioned this to Nathan, who a little too sardonically for my liking said “but yet, here we are”. This doesn’t translate to text very well, but it was one of his better quotes if I’m being honest.

    The Bull Inn in Walsingham, which was closed.

    This was listed on the town’s map as a pump. It might well be a pump, but that’s a clearly lock-up for raucous locals (in the past, I think Walsingham is a bit too salubrious for that today).

    The Black Lion Hotel in Walsingham, which was closed.

    I didn’t say anything about Nathan’s sun protection device.

    This is the rather delightful, and entirely not understated, East Barsham Hall which is a Tudor mansion house that was ruined by the nineteenth century. Against the grain, as this was a period when country houses were being knocked down at a rate of one per week, this hall was fixed up again in the 1920s and has remained as a substantial residence since then. David Mitchell wrote a Guardian article about it, I can imagine it’s not the worst place to live, but the upkeep isn’t going to come cheap.

    This is the former Primitive Methodist chapel in East Barsham which opened in 1887 and I struggle to see how they managed to get enough people to attend given the limited number of people who lived in the village. The history of the Primitive Methodists, which I’ll drone on about another time, is intriguing and they did attract many agricultural workers, which is perhaps how this worked. Anyway, this chapel didn’t last into the second half of the twentieth century and it is being heavily reconstructed into what I assume is a residential property.

    The Barsham Arms, who decided not to open, but not update their web-site or correct their hours on Google as most other pubs have managed to do. I consider this a little unfortunate, it makes it hard for people to support the pub trade. Anyway, this caused a problem for our plans, although it gave us more time in Fakenham.

    The closure of the Barsham Arms also gave us more time to look around All Saints church in East Barsham, but more about that in another post as this was another church with some considerable history.

    Retracing our route along the former railway line, that meant we arrived back into Fakenham with a couple of hours to spare, and we wondered how busy the Wetherspoons would be on a Friday evening. Quite busy was the answer, but there were tables spare, so we decided that this was our best option. The fish & chips with a pint came in at £8 each, a price point that it’s hard to complain about and the food was perfectly acceptable. All rather lovely.

    Brewdog Punk IPA and this is quite a suitable drink after having walked 20 miles or so, refreshing and with some tropical fruit tastes.

    On another matter, there was then the exciting bus debacle on the way back, but I’m satisfied with First’s response on that so we won’t dwell on that.

    As mentioned earlier, this is the last long walk that Nathan and I are doing before our LDWA 100 effort on the first weekend in May. We’re trying not to think about it too much, but I wouldn’t say that we’re particularly excited about walking the bloody thing. We haven’t done any very long distances as training, as the lockdown made that too difficult to organise, so whether we can make the step up to 100 (excuse the pun) is perhaps unlikely. But we’ll try our best…..

  • LDWA 100 April Update

    LDWA 100 April Update

    It’s now just two weeks until Nathan and I undertake our really very brave, and indeed some might say (including us) foolhardy, LDWA 100 effort. This will involve walking 55 miles (it’s actually 100, but we might not finish as we’ve seen how far 100 miles is) and then having a lie down whilst thinking of credible reasons to explain to Dave Morgan why we haven’t finished. Please do message me with any good suggestions, I was thinking I’d say that Nathan got hit on the head with a golf ball. The only thing is that we don’t walk by any golf courses and I just know Dave would check. For those who want to read more about the LDWA 100 and our previous training walks, there’s a heap of stuff and other interviews available.

    Nathan and I walked 20 miles on Friday, more about that separately tomorrow, but we managed rather well we thought. We’ve been in training for the eating and drinking element of the LDWA 100, and also the complaining side of stuff. So we’re fully up to speed there and we feel that other than the physical challenge and the mental challenge of the 100, we’ve covered all bases. We don’t really feel ready at all, we just keep walking and drinking and hoping that it all comes together. We’ve sorted out in our minds the route, the food, the support team and we’re going to get as far as we can. We’ve promised that we won’t give up easily, we’ll always try and go the extra mile (literally, that isn’t some customer service thing) and see what happens. To be honest, we think we’ll know what will happen, but we’re open minded. We’re also both expecting to retire from walking after this walk, as even the thought of it is exhausting us.

    Anyway, enough motivational messages from me,  I’ve also wanted to get an update from those in training for the 100, and here are some of their stories.

    Chelle, for reasons she suggests I shouldn’t ask about, was walking 18 miles a day in March (there’s no reason to do that distance, but there’s no telling Chelle that), which is just what I expect from our brave members in Norfolk & Suffolk. Unfortunately, she’s had problems with plantar fasciitis and she says “I have insoles, compression socks, ice socks, night splints and a pharmacy of supplements”. I’d add that this isn’t a rare problem in long distance walking, although I’ll likely just retire from walks if I had that problem as I’m not quite as brave and determined as Chelle. She is still though planning to complete the event in May, and I’m entirely confident she’ll just breeze through.

    In the above photo is Chelle and an impromptu checkpoint she set up for four others in Norfolk & Suffolk group who were walking fifty miles as part of their training. As Alan Partridge says, so ruddy, bloody brave.

    That leads me neatly onto Simon, as he was one of those 50-mile walkers and here’s his photo of that checkpoint that Chelle kindly set-up. Simon didn’t say in so many words that I am his walking inspiration, but he’s sort of vaguely hinted at that. He’s really got into camping recently, so I look forwards to hearing about those expeditions into the countryside with his very brave dog and the lovely Jane. He notes that he has been doing regular 18 to 20 mile walks, in addition to the 50 mile walk around the Suffolk coast. He completed the 30-mile Boudicca Way walk this weekend and then with a few more training walks he’ll be ready to complete his St Edmunds Way 100 at the end of May.

    Look at that determination in Simon’s eyes…..

    Tim has the added excitement of not knowing where his walk will be as his second grand-daughter is arriving soon and so his walk might not be the Exe 100 route, but a replacement route in Thirsk. There are some nice pubs in Thirsk, so I can think of worse places. Tim’s training is going well and he’s been following the monthly challenges run by Nicky and Julie, so that’s helped get his mileage up, along with Annette from Cornwall & Devon group who has put on anytime events.

    Some of Tim’s photos above from his training efforts. Between you and me, Tim seems really competent and organised…..

    That leads me straight onto Dave Morgan who is definitely competent and organised. He writes:

    “I have been out on a few walks where I have walked more than 30 miles. I’ve also backpacked in the Brecon Beacons and Carneddau with a full backpack which has been good for my strength. But, overall, I haven’t done anything more than I normally do. I simply walk every day and try to do at least a 20 miler ever weekend as I know that if I do this it will be enough. 99% of the 100 is a mental challenge and not a physical challenge. I’ve done 850 miles since January 1st and I know that this should be enough (as long as I avoid injury) to get me around the route I’m doing.”

    Just as a comment on this, it’s mid-April and he’s walked 850 miles. That’s just attention seeking if you ask me, if to show what a walking professional he is. I hope he remains calm and collected on the weekend of the 100 when he phones me up half-way round and I explain my reason for why we had to retire at about 8 miles. I might not tell him directly, I might just message his wife Gill, she can break it to him gently.

    Kathy has had a bit more drama in her efforts, the sort of thing that would happen to us if I’m being honest:

    “My training was going well – regular long walks, increasing distance. But, on 3rd April I set off on a 26 mile round trip around the Thames with my friend Ginika. In the woods on the Thames Path between Goring and Whitchurch I tripped over a tree root and fell heavily. My right arm felt funny. We walked to the road at whitchurch and Ginika phoned a taxi to take me to A and E. I’ve broken my right arm in an awkward place and I’m due to have it operated on on Friday, which I am assured is the quickest and best way for it to heal.”

    It’s not ideal, but she’s bravely restarting training soon.

    Caroline has achieved something I’ve never done, which is to be escorted on a walk by firemen……

    “Training is progressing well, and much more cheerfully now we can meet up in sixes! Over the last 2 weekends all 8 of us have had a bash at a 50 miler. The first weekend was blighted by an unexpected blizzard in the night and the second weekend we nearly had to divert around a vehicle fire, but Lancashire Firemen ushered us through when it was safe. I don’t think they were expecting 5 walkers with headtorches to appear out of the darkness!

    Lessons were learnt from doing the longer distance. For me it was not to put my hand down on stinging nettles. Laughter was definitely a great motivator and distractor from any aches or niggles. Having the support of the group, looking out for each other really helped, as did well timed cake! With 6 weeks to go, a mild panic is setting in. We still don’t know whether we will make it on the day, but our training continues. Even if we don’t finish, we will all have given it a jolly good try. And had some fun and giggles, pies and cake whilst preparing.”

    And last, but not least of course, is Julie, the national chair.

    Some of the ploughing through the undergrowth in Julie’s training for the 100 and she can’t be far behind Dave Morgan with her brave efforts. She walked nearly 30 miles today and much of that alone, which shows great resilience as I get distracted and pop into a pub if I am left alone on a walk…

    For anyone else who wants to enter the LDWA 100, there’s still time and it’d be great to get to 400 entrants as we’re currently at 397. The walk takes place on 29 to 31 May 2021, but Nathan and I, plus Dave, are walking on the first May Bank Holiday. That’s because Dave’s making a video of our walks to show to the other 395 entrants. His will show how to walk the 100 professionally, with energy and with determination. Our bit of the video will be full of edited out swearing, complaining, lying down, binge eating KFC and sulking. But, what could possibly go wrong?   🙂

  • LDWA 100 – Training Walk 14 (Finding the Source of the River Wensum Part 2)

    LDWA 100 – Training Walk 14 (Finding the Source of the River Wensum Part 2)

    This was our fourteenth walk in preparation for the 2021 LDWA 100.

    WALK NUMBER: 14 (Finding the Source of the River Wensum Part 2)

    DISTANCE COVERED: 15.5 miles

    NUMBER OF NATHAN’S FRIENDS WE “ACCIDENTALLY” BUMP INTO: 0

    SUFFICIENT BEER CONSUMED: No (all the pubs are shut)

    PUBS VISITED: 0 (not through choice)

    WEATHER CONDITIONS: Warm and overcast

    ATTACKED BY ANIMALS: No

    NUMBER OF SNAKES SEEN: 0

    One of the projects that we started in early January was an attempt to find the source of the River Wensum. We sort of know where the source is, but it’s more exciting to actually walk to it. Our first effort was just over 15 miles and this effort was nearly the same distance, so all credit to Nathan for planning this route. He made relatively few mistakes and I was very impressed. Public transport planning was less impressive on his behalf, but I don’t intend to much mention that as I’m not one for negativity.

    We started this little expedition at 08:30, getting the bus to Costessey to begin the adventure. I say adventure, but I’ve just watched a video on YouTube of someone (Anton) climbing Reactor 4 in Chernobyl and it’s not exactly the same level of challenge as that I admit….

    This was our end point on the last walk, the heart of Costessey, the jewel of the Norwich suburbs.

    The former Red Lion pub in Costessey.

    I thought that this was an interesting tree, but Nathan muttered something about how I was faffing about taking photographs early on during the walk. I ignored him and took photos anyway, as I have a blog to write whilst he sits at home drinking beer in the evenings.

    A frog crossing, or maybe a toad crossing, I’m not entirely sure how they differ.

    And it was nice to see the Wensum River again, since that was the point of this walk.

    This bridge is just outside Taverham and it also makes a little appearance in a walk that Liam and I did a few weeks ago.

    We didn’t go into Taverham itself, but backed up a little bit and we started to walk alongside the river at Ringland Lane.

    Some lovely swans opposite Beehive Lodge.

    The Swan at Ringland, a pub which has been trading since the 1930s. This would have been a lovely spot to have a little drink whilst planning the next part of the walk, but it’s not long until pubs re-open. We thought this numerous times during the day, but it really isn’t too long now.

    We walked down to the river here to Ringland River Green and that’s the bridge over the Wensum on Ringland Road.

    There were lots of rope swings. I didn’t go on them, they didn’t look very secure and I didn’t want any incidents as I didn’t feel that Nathan would have taken my plight with sufficient seriousness.

    What looks like some very new signage for the Walsingham Way, and I now feel the need to walk that at some point. It seems to be a work in progress and there’s further information at https://walsinghamway.blog/.

    A beautiful little lamb. It’s a meat I try to avoid now as I feel guilty having seen too many cute lambs in fields. It’s all a bit hypocritical really since chickens are cute and I eat them, but I suppose it’s important to take a stand on a few things at least.

    This beautiful landscape is what Norfolk County Council are considering putting a road through, the Western Link Road. It’s not for me to get political (well, no more than normal), but it strikes me as rather a shame if that happens. Public transport really isn’t ideal in this area, much more needs to be done to improve it.

    We had to cut across a field near to Wensum Valley golf club here and I was a little concerned that we’d plunge into the marsh. Fortunately, it was just about all dry enough to walk over, but I suspect it might be out of bounds during the winter months when it’s all quite moist.

    The bridges are in a good state of repair though and there are a few here, connecting Ringland onto the Norwich to Fakenham Road.

    No need replacing the old sign, shove another one on top.

    The River Wensum is back, with a friendly farmer at the end of the bridge putting up his cows in field sign. I’m pleased that we avoided those, as it’s fair to say that Nathan and I don’t find cows in fields to be in the slightest bit pleasant. They’re big lumpy things which always look like they’re going to charge at me (the cows I mean, not Nathan).

    Standing on the bridge looking at the River Wensum in the Norwich direction.

    I thought that this was a thoughtful little sign as I had wondering what all the firing noises were.

    A little valley, although all of this land is private (despite Komoot trying to route us through it).

    This is the bridge on the A1067, which bypasses Attlebridge.

    The old road bridge at Attlebridge, there are two separate bridges which are both now closed to vehicles.

    The second of the bridges, from which the village takes its name. There has likely been a bridge here since the medieval period, but a stone bridge was constructed in 1668. This bridge was in turn replaced in 1913, with the new one being quite mundane, but apparently some of the stone from the older bridge is still underneath. I have to confess that I didn’t have a little look.

    When I was here a few weeks ago I didn’t come down to look at the bridges, so I was pleased to see them this time. It must have been quite a challenge for vehicles before a bypass was constructed, there doesn’t seem to be much space here to pass.

    Interesting place for such a sticker, on the old Attlebridge bridge.

    This is St. Andrew’s Church in Attlebridge and the stone in the niche on the left-hand side of this photo contains stonework found by the old Attlebridge crossing. It’s thought that this stone was once the plaque that sat on the parapet of the bridge, which suggested it was a much grander affair than what is there now.

    Another photo of the church as we walked by.

    From Attlebridge we walked a bit of Marriott’s Way (again), the former railway line from Norwich. This route is easy walking and that’s why we’re taking this path in for our 100 efforts in a few weeks. On that point, we’re still a little nervous of how far we’ll get, but we’ve rather stopped thinking about it now as we don’t want to get pre-annoyed before we’ve even starting walking.

    There are some really interesting art installations along Marriott’s Way, along with what I consider to be a few rather less impressive efforts such as this. But, everyone has different views on art.

    The River Wensum looking towards Norwich.

    And, on the other side of the bridge, the River Wensum looking towards its source. I liked how this tree has managed to get its roots bending around the wall.

    What I considered to be an intriguing tree arrangement.

    Some old rail and sleepers, a reminder of what this path used to be.

    The remains of Lenwade railway station platform which closed to passengers in 1959, but remained open to freight until 1983. If it could have lasted a few more years, it’s possible that the line might have been saved and returned to passenger usage. That is now highly unlikely ever to happen, but at least remnants survive to help bring the past back to life.

    We left the Marriott’s Way to join the Wensum Way, a conveniently named path for our expedition today. The LDWA have more information about the Wensum Way for those who fancy walking it.

    The former entrance to Lenwade railway station, which is now a private residential property.

    Walking along the Wensum Way, the river reappeared to our right.

    The quite impressive Lenwade mill, a large structure dating from the late eighteenth century.

    The Bridge Inn which has been trading since the late eighteenth century, and we were slightly saddened that we couldn’t go in it. Only a few weeks left until they open though as I may have already mentioned. Credit to the owners over the years for keeping this going, it must have been challenging in recent years.

    I was surprised to see one pub still trading in Lenwade (or Great Witchingham, they seem to run into each other), let alone two, this is the former King’s Head, now known as the Queen of Hearts. It’s been open since the 1830s and I think it operates as more of a restaurant now. I wasn’t taken by the imagery they’ve got on the signs, might need to take a photo of a more decadent roast. On which point, Nathan spent most of the day telling me how he was making a roast tomorrow and how talented he was at making them (he didn’t say that last bit, but I could tell that he was thinking it).

    We were considerably disappointed to see that this was shut. We hadn’t expected it to be there, so we hadn’t exactly been looking forwards to it all day, but there was a moment of excitement as I quite fancied some chips and a battered sausage. It should be a criminal offence to operate a fish and chip shop and not open it every lunchtime.

    We turned down Common Lane to go and find our river.

    Some of the signage by the cricket ground has seemingly been deliberately broken down and the path system here is a bit muddled. Nathan navigated this with some ease, and I’m sure he’ll be grateful that I’m throwing more glowing praise in his direction.

    Nathan bravely and nervously led us through a courtyard packed with cows, and we were protected only by the big metal gates…….

    Some form of sculpture. Nathan reassured me that it wasn’t real, which I ignored as he seemed to think that he had found the village idiot when telling me that.

    There was a warning on the gate that the boardwalk here was a bit broken and that didn’t seem ideal, but we saw other people walking in the area. We did have to navigate over this bit of wood in the water, whilst pondering how some of our more clumsy friends would have fallen in. We missed them quite a lot at that point and would have very much liked them to have been there.

    More not ideal boardwalk….

    This bit was better.

    This path took us near to Sparhamhill and this all felt quite remote, as Marriott’s Way had been a little busier.

    This is a really lovely area, somewhere that I’ve never been before (or if I have, I’ve promptly forgotten it), Sparham Pools. There were a few people walking around this area and it’s all quite nicely laid out with signage. It’s a nature reserve operated by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust and it was once a gravel pit. The trust’s web-site says that it’s a great place to see grey wagtails, although I struggle to identify a pigeon from a dove so I doubt that I’d recognise one.

    This is where we ended our walk today, at Lyng, but I’ll start the story of that village at the beginning of the next walk.

    I was very lucky to have Nathan who is a bus expert, which meant that he was able to skillfully guide us towards a bus stop where we would have a minimal wait to get the Fakenham to Norwich bus back home. What a relief I thought to be able to be whisked back home with no more walking or waiting. To cut a long story short, we walked for another two miles and then sat at Lenwade bus shelter for over half an hour. I didn’t say anything, I thought that might be impolite given Nathan’s efforts and I didn’t want to cause a scene.

    All in all, a rather lovely little adventure. I did forget about the river a bit today, since we were often separated from it, but I might get an emotional attachment back again when we get nearer to its source.

  • LDWA 100 Coming to Norfolk and Suffolk in 2025

    LDWA 100 Coming to Norfolk and Suffolk in 2025

    Exciting news today, the LDWA NEC confirmed that the 100 will be coming to Norfolk & Suffolk group in 2025. This is rather lovely as I’m the area chair for Norfolk & Suffolk group and this is the first time that we’ve ever held the event.

    The photo above is Beeston Bump in Sheringham, which is likely a bit too steep for our event, but what a beautiful coastline! I’m sure a fair chunk of Norfolk or Suffolk coastline will be included in the route and I’m very much looking forward to the marvellous food and drink that we can offer.

    Here’s to 2025. Although that feels quite a long way away at the moment…. I shall celebrate tomorrow night with a craft beer or three.

  • LDWA 100 – Training Walk 13 (The Marriott’s Way Meander)

    LDWA 100 – Training Walk 13 (The Marriott’s Way Meander)

    This was our thirteenth walk in preparation for the 2021 LDWA 100.

    WALK NUMBER: 13 (The Marriott’s Way Meander)

    DISTANCE COVERED: 29.8 miles

    NUMBER OF NATHAN’S FRIENDS WE “ACCIDENTALLY” BUMP INTO: 0

    SUFFICIENT BEER CONSUMED: No (all the pubs are shut)

    PUBS VISITED: 0 (not through choice)

    WEATHER CONDITIONS: Dry and surprisingly warm

    ATTACKED BY ANIMALS: No (but some dogs looked at us aggressively)

    NUMBER OF SNAKES SEEN: 0

    And on this rather lovely day, my first morning stop was at Pret for a coffee. Nathan was meant to meet me there, but was still asleep when I was bravely getting ready for the day’s walking. It’s not entirely obvious from the photo, but there were eight people queueing inside and a few outside, it was a popular place not long after it opened at 08:00.

    This is Barn Road, where Norwich City railway station used to end. It’s now a roundabout, and behind that is the start of the Marriott’s Way footpath.

    A reminder of the former track.

    And, we got going along the Marriott’s Way route, which we planned to walk as far as we could be bothered and then turn round to come back. The LDWA 100 is in a few weeks for us, so we’re running short on training time and Covid restrictions mean we have to stay local and can’t use public transport. Our aim was to get 30 miles in today, some other training walks and then also a 50 mile walk next month. If we’re being honest, we’re only looking to hit 60 miles on the actual LDWA 100, because we’re not entirely confident that we’ve done enough training. But, if we can go further then we will, so there’s always a slight chance we might actually finish. Doubt it, but positivity is the key.

    The newly reopened section of Marriott’s Way, which has been shut for the last few months. They’ve done a really good job on the new section, putting tarmac down and it’s nice and easy to walk on. There was a bridge here until it was blown up after the railway line closed.

    The former Hellesdon railway station (and the new tarmac visible on the right), which was in use for passengers between 1882 until 1952, closing before the rest of the line. This means that as of next year, it’s been closed for as long as it was ever in operation. This is also where Nathan had to stop to rest his broken foot on the walk back.

    Some work has been done recently to tidy the area up and there’s more information about the railway station at http://www.disused-stations.org.uk/h/hellesdon/index.shtml. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, but closing this line was a mistake.

    One of the restored distance markers.

    Plodding on towards Drayton. It’s fair to say that we made good progress during the morning and the miles fell away, one of the joys of walking along a former railway line.

    After Nathan got muddled up about where Taverham was and we had a dispute about whether One Stop was the same as Tesco (it is as far as I’m concerned) we decided to get lunch here. I went for a meal deal with Mini Cheddars and Dr. Pepper, whilst Nathan spent time looking at olives. He’s becoming quite decadent and middle class if you ask me, but I decided not to comment.

    Well, how lovely. I bought the last pack that Tesco/One Stop had. Surprisingly, I managed to make these last hours. Often they last about 140 seconds.

    A broken bench along Marriott’s Way, which is also where we had our second lunch on the way back to Norwich. Not on the broken bench obviously, but nearby.

    Trees and mud. The route isn’t too bad, but there are some moist patches along the way.

    It’s now a residential property, but this is Attlebridge railway station, in usage for passengers between 1882 and 1959. It’s not far from St. Andrew’s Church in Attlebridge (well, obviously, it’s the same village)…..

    A river.

    This pack of wolves was roaming in Lenwade, just a short distance from the Dinosaur Adventure Park. Nathan tried to outstare one of the wolves, whilst I judged the fence to be quite low so I rushed off to let him be savaged by them if they got out. I’m no hero.

    They have these markers every mile, there’s a description of them at https://www.marriottsway.info/assets/MW-Mile-Markers-I.pdf. That page also notes some other artistic things lining the route, which notes an ugly granite slab with the word ‘Kaah Kaah’ on it. Slightly embarrassingly, I thought someone had fly-tipped it there, so I was pleased to note that it was deliberate.

    This is a railway gate (I’m not sure it’s original, but I don’t suppose it much matters) where Marriott’s Way meets Porter’s Lane at Lenwade. I like these regular reminders that this was once a railway line, and I even got interested in some concrete posts along the route. Nathan was quite tolerant of my deciding to try and age the concrete posts, but I then realised I don’t know anything about the history of concrete. So I made a date up which satisfied me and then we moved on from that subject.

    Only another 14.5 miles to Aylsham, and we did think about going that far. We didn’t think that for long though to be honest. The sign also pointed towards Wensum Way, which we’ll cover when we complete the next instalment of our Wensum series.

    A willow tree thing. This blog will probably never be noted for its nature, I’ll have to accept that. Actually, I’m not sure it’ll be noted for anything, but that’s a different matter.

    More path with a few moist bits. As I understand, and I might be wrong, there wouldn’t have been anywhere near as many trees lining the route when it was a railway line.

    Some sheep and they didn’t look too aggressive (I seem to keep find sheep that stare at me angrily, which annoys me).

    This is really quite lovely, and I’ve never noticed it before (not least as I haven’t been here for years). At the bottom the text reads “the rail network was used for the mobilisation of troops joining their battalions that went onto fight on the battlefields of the First World War”, with many of these battlefields listed on the memorial. All very nicely done.

    The railway station at Whitwell, in use for passengers between 1882 and 1959. It was going to be sold a few years ago by the council for use as a travellers’ site, but instead it’s been turned into something of a tourist attraction, and they’ve done a good job. I’ve yet to go to one, but they have gala days and the like, it’s all quite innovative. I note they got a 1/5 review which read:

    “I am very concerned after my last visit after witnessing the driver of the train drink a pint of beer before then taking out a train full of passengers for a train ride.”

    The train only goes about 75 metres, I’m not sure what exactly could really go wrong, but there we go….

    The end of the line, and the start is at the other end of the railway station, so this isn’t exactly HS2 for people to be worried about a drunk train driver.

    One of the trains at the railway station. I don’t know much about trains, but it’s quite old. I’m not sure that helps much.

    As a little negative amidst my sea of positivity, this pre-annoyed me after I was initially delighted and excited that the shop was open. It sells various food and drink options, but it’s a slight secret what they have as there’s no signage. They sell hot food items, but there’s no price list so it’s all a bit random. I don’t like set-ups like that, because I’m not sufficiently clever to work the whole arrangement out. I managed to be more annoyed to discover later on from reviews that they had burger and chips which are quite reasonably priced, as I would have had that. Instead, I didn’t have anything.

    Nathan is less prone to get pre-annoyed than I am (although it’s a close call if I’m being honest), so he bought a can of lemonade for £1.50. It transpired that it was two months out of date, which meant that he was post-annoyed instead. Perhaps, all things considered, it was best I didn’t have anything. Anyway, the staff member was friendly and I’m sure that it’s all very lovely, but I do struggle to understand places that make things as difficult for customers as they can. But, I applaud the work they’re doing tidying up the railway station, it’s all quite lovely, so I’m glad that they’re there doing good work.

    Ending this little moan on a positive, look at http://www.disused-stations.org.uk/w/whitwell_and_reepham/index.shtml to see how much things have improved here. I wonder if Greggs could open something up here…. Anyway, I digress.

    I rather like this, an alternative way to travel on the rails.

    Anyway, this is the point that we stopped walking along Marriott’s Way and turned back since we were getting on for 15 miles away from Norwich. We could have perhaps gone a little further, but a 30 mile walk was all that we were intending to do, which is longer than many LDWA challenge walks.

    I didn’t take many photos on the way back as I thought I’d get confused given that we took the same route. This situation isn’t ideal, but we were just trying to get the distance in without needing to walk through fields and the like.

    It was at this point Nathan hurt his foot. This was caused by not very artfully avoiding a muddy patch, but it’s important to be sympathetic, so I was. Well, to a point. He bravely carried on walking, although he did mention getting the bus home which I ignored. Fortunately, Nathan’s broken foot managed to be much better as we got into Norwich, so he was able to hobble home. But, I’d say he was brave during this incident and did keep going, which is very notable indeed. I asked regularly how his foot was, to show how caring I was. I’m not sure I bothered to listen to the answer half the time, but it was a nice gesture on my behalf anyway.

    The sun setting…. We were fortunate with the weather, it was warm all day and there was no rain. But, I know that chat about the weather isn’t very exciting, so that’s enough comment about that.

    And back in Norwich, with the bright lights of Halfords still shining to guide adventurers home. I was planning my bacon sandwiches when I got home after remembering that although I had no sweets in my flat, I did have bacon.

    Really, this was quite a lovely day, and other than Nathan’s broken foot which had healed by the time he got home, we didn’t really have any issues during the day. There are some minor footcare issues that we’ll have to look at, but that was really the point of today’s walk. As a final positive note, Nathan is quite good walking company really, which meant that the miles started to eat away. That is perhaps the only way that we’ll finish the 100, by gossiping about people so much that we get distracted and walk further than we’ve realised.

  • LDWA – 2021 LDWA 100 (Interview with Caroline Tennant)

    LDWA – 2021 LDWA 100 (Interview with Caroline Tennant)

    On the 29 to 31 May 2021, the LDWA’s 100 mile event will be taking place. Unfortunately, national restrictions mean that the Y 100 Sir Fynwy won’t be taking place as hoped, when in more normal times the South Wales group would have welcomed hundreds of walkers. Instead, there is the chance for entrants to walk a 100-mile route of their choice anywhere in the country, so the event has more of a national feel this year. And it’s fine to enter to do a shorter distance, with anyone walking 50 miles in 24 hours qualifying for the 2022 Trans-Pennine 100.

    I’m taking part in the 100 and I’ve been compiling some resources relating to that. When the new LDWA web-site is launched, this and lots more other material relating to the event will be copied there. Over the next few weeks, I’m speaking (well, writing) to entrants on the 100 and following their efforts up to, and after, the big day. We’ll be using the text from these interviews and updates on social media and also perhaps in Strider, the LDWA’s rather excellent magazine which is sent to our 10,000 members. Hopefully it’ll help inform, educate and inspire others to take part or become involved with the LDWA in other ways.

    For anyone who wants to take part in the event, have a look at the SI Entries page, or further information at the LDWA’s web-site.

    This interview is with Caroline Tennant from East Lancs group and it’s her first go at the 100, and I’m in a similar situation, as 55 miles will all be new territory to me as well. Not that this is all about food of course, but I like the mention of pies.

    How many 100s have you completed in the past?

    None, this is my first attempt. I started thinking about 100s a few years ago, looking at 2022 to be my first try. Then I decided I wanted to recce the Y 100 Sir Fynwy, just in case. When the virtual event opened, I jumped at the opportunity.

    If Covid rules allow, you are walking as a group of eight from East Lancs group. Are you hoping this plan keeps you sane and encouraged?

    There are a number of East Lancs members walking various routes for the virtual 100. Our little group is, currently, made up of eight of us that have all walked and entered various events together, none of us have ever completed a 100 before and we are mostly at the slower end of the walking scale. We plan to walk together, as a team, rather than at our own individual paces.

    Being of a wide range of backgrounds, ages and experience, we always have something to talk about. And a sense of humour is essential. I’m not sure anyone else would tolerate my listing, charts, maps and incessant organising. I’m hoping we all keep each other entertained to pass the time and get through the miles. I don’t think any of us are sane to begin with, so that’s not an issue.

    What has appealed is the chance to give it a go, even if we don’t succeed. Not having a limit on entries gives people an opportunity to give it a go, on their own terms. We might not all get to 100 miles, but we will go as far as we can, which I think together might be further than we all think.

    What route are you planning to take?

    We are doing a route connecting three of our homes/gardens, allowing us to have 3 checkpoints with good facilities and food. We tried to have a range of terrain to keep it interesting. Canals, parks, moorland, riverbanks, hills and few sights to keep both our feet and our heads entertained. The route is centred at Rivington, extending out to Hoghton Tower, Tockholes, Smithills, Haigh Hall, Yarrow Valley and Cuerden Valley.

    What other support are you hoping to have on the route?

    Between our three home checkpoints, the route has been planned to go via various shops, cafes and even a motorway service station. Whilst we will have to carry a certain amount, we have plenty of opportunity to resupply on the way. There will be a couple of people on standby for emergency rescues, which hopefully we won’t need. And two long suffering husbands, who are cooking dinner and breakfast for us.

    Are you following a GPX route, a map, or do you already know your route well?

    Hopefully, between us, we should know the route well as it is all very local to us. We will have the GPX, maps and a brief description to refer to. What we think we know well may be very different on the day, depending on the conditions, and more so once we are tired.

    What training are you undertaking at the moment?

    Planning and recceing the route has been a great opportunity to up the mileage. My plan is to just keep walking and get the miles in.

    Do you think this will be easier or harder than the actual 100 that is traditionally held?

    Being able to choose our route and having been able to recce is a huge advantage. I think what will make it harder is not having the support of marshals and competitors on the day. Whilst we will have each other to cheer ourselves on, there is nothing more encouraging than being met by a cheerful marshal, brandishing crumpets, at 2am.

    What food treats are you taking with you?

    Salt and vinegar crisps, cheese and jam sandwiches, custard. But not together.

    What tactics do you think you’ll use if you feel like giving up on the walk?

    Stubbornness and possibly some general shouting (with my hands on my hips). A few years ago, I tore a quote out of a walking magazine and stuck it to my fridge. The gist being, “Pain and tiredness are temporary, just keep going. But always stop for a cup of tea when you can”. I spent much of my first 50 repeating that to myself and drinking tea. I suspect this 100 may be the same. Either that or singing Monty Pythons “I’ve got two legs” to myself. It’s the only song I know all the words to. Hopefully the 8 of us will pull each other through and I won’t have to resort to singing.

    Are there any wildlife that you’re concerned about meeting on the walk? Sheep, cows, snakes, pigs, or anything else?!

    Having been whacked in the face with the poop covered tail of a bull and survived, I’m not too worried. Though it does freak me out when my head torch reflects of sheep eyes in the dark. Are they really just sheep, or something more sinister?

    Do you have any foot care tips?

    Keep toenails short and use Vaseline and taping, if needed. Wear decent socks, there is nothing worse than a lumpy or threadbare sock for causing problems. On the event, see to any issues as soon as they arise.

    Would you say you’re looking forward to it?

    Yes. I don’t know what will happen, it’s all new territory after about 55 miles. But I’m really looking forward to giving it a bash, in very good company. We will get each other through. And there are pies to be had at Pike Cottage.

    Do you have a time in mind of how long it’ll take you to finish?

    In theory I think we will be looking at about 42-44 hours. Who knows in reality?

    Do you have any advice for others, one top tip about long distance walking?

    Keep eating and drinking throughout, even when you don’t want to. And take a few photos because you won’t remember half of it properly afterwards.

    What would you say to anyone thinking about entering the 100, or thinking about doing a 50 mile challenge event, who might be a bit nervous?

    Go for it. You can walk further than you think you can. Build up from shorter events. And if you don’t finish, you can always try again. At the very least, you will have met some lovely LDWA people and been well fed. I can’t wait for LDWA events to start again properly!

  • LDWA – 2021 LDWA 100 (Interview with Julie Cribb)

    LDWA – 2021 LDWA 100 (Interview with Julie Cribb)

    On the 29 to 31 May 2021, the LDWA’s 100 mile event will be taking place. Unfortunately, national restrictions mean that the Y 100 Sir Fynwy won’t be taking place as hoped, when in more normal times the South Wales group would have welcomed hundreds of walkers. Instead, there is the chance for entrants to walk a 100-mile route of their choice anywhere in the country, so the event has more of a national feel this year. And it’s fine to enter to do a shorter distance, with anyone walking 50 miles in 24 hours qualifying for the 2022 Trans-Pennine 100.

    I’m taking part in the 100 and I’ve been compiling some resources relating to that. When the new LDWA web-site is launched, this and lots more other material relating to the event will be copied there. Over the next few weeks, I’m speaking (well, writing) to entrants on the 100 and following their efforts up to, and after, the big day. We’ll be using the text from these interviews and updates on social media and also perhaps in Strider, the LDWA’s rather excellent magazine which is sent to our 10,000 members. Hopefully it’ll help inform, educate and inspire others to take part or become involved with the LDWA in other ways.

    For anyone who wants to take part in the event, have a look at the SI Entries page, or further information at the LDWA’s web-site.

    And this interview is with Julie Cribb, the new national chair of the LDWA, and she’s on top form (I have already received Twixes, she’s world class at her role)! I’m pleased to say that the crowds of mourners wailing and crying following the departure of Dave Morgan as national chair have now dispersed from the streets of Norwich, they’ve now been energised with hope for the future. Julie has been the rather excellent, and I won’t say formidable (as that makes her sound scary, and she’s not!) groups’ secretary for the last few years and will be much missed in that role. Anyway, that’s enough praise, I don’t want to look fawning.

    Incidentally, Julie must also have a better support team than Nathan and I are planning for our walk, because there’s no way ours is good enough to stop us giving up….. I’m very excited about the shortbread in 2024, although a little less excited about the haggis (unless it comes in some form of pastry covering, which improves most food, even vegetables).

    This photo is of Julie during the Lyke Wake Walk, which she very bravely did in all black, with a little hat and black lace veil, black lace gloves and black nail varnish and make up and big black feathery earrings – as she notes definitely befits the Coffin Walk. And Julie admits to getting some strange looks. And before Nathan asks, no, we’re not.

    Is this your first 100?

    No – I started the Dorset 100 but withdrew just before the breakfast stop – don’t ask – that’s another (long) story! [don’t worry, I’ll get the gossip on that in due course] I have done non-LDWA long distance events in the past though and have really enjoyed those.

    What route are you planning to take?

    I live in Inverness, about 10 miles from Loch Ness. There are three trails that now make up the Loch Ness 360 route – The Trail of the 7 Lochs, the South Loch Ness Trail and the Great Glen Way. By joining these I can make up around 90 miles and by adding on around 10 miles at the end by finishing over the Iron Age Hill Fort and going along to the end of the Caledonian Canal it should be 100+ miles by the time I get back home. It also means I pass a really good cafe and a McDonalds just before the end! Don’t know if I’m allowed to name names? [well, I do, quite frequently, and perhaps even obsessively]

    Are you following a GPX route, a map, or do you already know your route well?

    All 3. I have all the maps and we are recceing the whole route over 7 sections, getting the gpx plots as we do the recces. I have walked all of these trails many times, but usually in the opposite direction to that which I’ll be doing on the event.

    What training are you undertaking at the moment?

    We are recceing a section every other weekend and doing longer walks or hill walks in the weekends in between. I’d like to build up to 30 mile walks during March and April before tapering in May, when I plan to do a long distance path covering around 10-15 miles a day for 14 days. We are also recceing the probable night sections at night.

    Do you think this will be easier or harder than the actual 100 that is traditionally held?

    Much easier. Travelling from Inverness to anywhere else usually means leaving at least two days beforehand and a long drive or train journey, then a couple of nights in a strange bed and getting up at an unearthly time to get to the start and register. Unless you carry all your food you need to depend on what the checkpoints offer – which is usually great – but often not what I would choose myself. Doing it this way I can sleep in my own bed, get up and start when I want, not be stiff from travelling, eat and drink what I want more or less when I want and give instructions to my support team to not let me give in!

    Your group, North West Grampian, is organising the 100 event in 2024 (the Speyside 100), how much work is that entailing so far? Any suggestions at this stage about what food treats the entrants might expect?

    We suspended planning in 2020 due to Covid and the deferment of the YSF100, so at the moment we have an Organising Group, a route, an HQ and most of the checkpoints covered. We are about to get started again with planning meetings. As far as tasty treats go – Haggis of course (only kidding). Lots of shortbread and tablet (like fudge but different) and depending on catering regulations in 2024 we will have our Dream Team back in the kitchen at event HQ.

    As an aside, will your route in 2024 be really hilly?

    It’s on the border of the northern Cairngorm – nuff said! [hmmmm, it’s not selling it to me as someone from Norfolk, so I’ll focus on the food side of things….]

    What food treats are you taking with you?

    Cheese straws, rice pudding, hot cross buns with cheese and jam, mini-melton pork pies and Percy Pigs. My back up team will hopefully be able to provide burgers, pizza and other hot food by order for the main meal stops. We are hoping the cafes in Fort Augustus will be open for breakfast on the day. [some nice choices there! Although there’s arguably more to doing an event than just thinking about the food]

    Will there be any whisky consumed en route?

    I don’t take alcohol during a walk but there will be several cans of draught Guinness in the fridge for the finish and if I make the 100 there will even be a bottle of bubbly on ice.

    What tactics do you think you’ll use if you feel like giving up on the walk?

    I have an A4 laminated sheet with inspirational and motivational sayings that my daughter has strict instructions to wave under my nose at every checkpoint! My main technique though is to walk to the next end of section. Never look too far ahead and then you can always make it. I like doing complicated planning and calculations in my head while I walk to pass the time too. And there may be others around – it’s a popular time on popular trails.

    Are there any wildlife that you’re concerned about meeting on the walk? Sheep, cows, snakes, Loch Ness monsters, pigs, or anything else?!

    Nessie is our friend and I’ll be joining her for a swim at the end to ease my tired legs :-). Not really concerned about meeting anything though the eyes in the night can be a bit startling at times. I try to avoid frogs – but that’s another story too!

    Do you have any foot care tips?

    I am definitely not the one to give out foot care tips – my feet have been in a terrible state since a very wet walk on the Lairig Ghru several years ago and they never recovered (at least I didn’t try hard enough to let them mend before trashing them again and again!)

    Will you have anyone cheering you on and giving encouragement during the walk?

    Our ‘bubble’ walk and swim buddy is planning on doing two sections with us (one of my daughters is going to try the 100 but will be happy to get to over 50), perhaps going into the first night and then the last 20 miles. My eldest daughter will be main car back up, catering manager and chief cheerleader. My husband will also support when he can. Youngest daughter will deliver and collect our canine walking companion from time to time on sections he will be safe on. He is always fun to walk with.

    Would you say you’re looking forward to it?

    Tremendously. It’s a walk – who wouldn’t be? [I’m dreading the damn thing, but I’m sure I’ll enjoy it when I get going]

    Do you have a time in mind of how long it’ll take you to finish?

    I’d like it to be 37-40 hours but we have agreed we will try and stay together through the first night if possible – so timing may be different to planned.

    Do you have any advice for others, one top tip about long distance walking?

    Set out to enjoy it and take it stage by stage but don’t stop too long at any point as it’s amazing how time can add up over a number of checkpoint stops.

    What would you say to anyone thinking about entering the 100, or thinking about doing a 50 mile challenge event, who might be a bit nervous?

    It’s a walk – don’t overthink it and you may even enjoy it. After all you have nothing to lose – what else would you be doing that weekend that you can’t do another time?

    Finally, congratulations on becoming LDWA chair, how have you enjoyed your first few days?

    Thank you. I’ve focussed on two main things – taking over the social media accounts from David and getting to grips with those and getting to know the NEC members and their roles better on a one-to-one basis. I have thoroughly enjoyed doing both but will probably have to get on with some real work soon!