People

'Only one way' says John

Walking to the max

I am a long distance walker.

To me it seems a waste of time to drive to the start of a walk and then just do a few miles. Walks of 20 miles or more make it worthwhile to travel, since they take at least five hours to do.

Also, one sees more of remote countryside, not available to those who limit their walks to a few miles.

Challenge walks

The Long Distance Walkers Association (LDWA) is the national body for long distance walking, and each week local groups arrange guided walks, usually over 20 miles, but when the daylight hours are shorter they may be less.

There are also so called 'challenge walks', most frequently at 26 miles, although a shorter alternative is usually available. These have check points every few miles, often with refreshments.

Good examples locally are the Belvoir Challenge and the Waltham Winder.

When I realised about ten years ago that I could walk 20 miles without problems it was natural that I wanted to try even longer walks. So I entered various challenge walks, gradually increasing the distances, 26, 29, 33, 36, 40, 50, and 62 (100 km).

John Gurnhill

Obviously night walking is involved with the longer ones, something I do not do very well. Usually a head torch is worn, but I find I need to go very slowly to avoid falling.

The 100 mile walk

The ultimate challenge walk in the LDWA calendar is its annual 100 mile walk, to be completed within 48 hours.

The events are not to be confused with races: the challenge is to complete the walk over the set route within the prescribed time. 

These 100s take place in different areas of the country each year.

I have completed six at the time of writing, visiting Derbyshire / Staffordshire, Durham Dales, Yorkshire, Kent, The Chilterns, and Exmoor. Two I did not complete were in the Lakes, and in Northumberland.

I do not do any special training for long walks, as taking part in them regularly is sufficient to maintain fitness at the required level.

A walker's satisfaction

There is a great feeling of satisfaction whenever a walk is completed, no matter how short.

At the finish line

Apart from doing the distance within the time limit, you have followed the route description without getting lost too much. That would give another challenge… getting back on to the correct route.

We are always being reminded of the benefits of walking, and I can truly say that my long distance walking is helping to keep me fit.

I would recommend it to anybody who can walk.

Try a longer walk. Have a look at the LDWA website mentioned above and find one being put on locally.

One for Nottinghamshire

I have developed a 27 miler based on the Robin Hood Way, our famous long distance trail. My walk starts from Edwinstowe, and visits some of the most scenic areas of Notts, including Clumber Park and Cresswell Crags.

For more information contact me via my website.

Happy walking.