Off to play squash tonight to try and improve my general fitness.
I went to play for the first time last friday and enjoyed it loads. I have also joined the gym at Cresswell so I can try and get some basic fitness when I can't get out to do any walking. I've been a few times since moving to the village and have been doing between 30 and 40 minutes on the bike or treadmill before doing a few weights. Generally feeling good at the minute about my fitness levels.
Let's hope it keeps improving.
Charlotte.
Tuesday 25 October 2011
Monday 24 October 2011
Kinder Scout
Length - 5.1 miles Height ascended - 353 metres Start time Midday Finish time 15:05 Duration 3hr 05 mins
This one was so much fun!! Just a quick note though to say don't attempt this route up Kinder Scout if you are not experienced/confident on rocks and scrambling up them! It was slippy in places and I was with a qualified mountain leader.
I did this route with Darren Ellis and Tony Draper (both previous LSW walkers). We started at Upper Booth and made our way up the relatively gentle start up towards Crowden Clough. The fun started when we began a gorge scramble up the river towards the top. This was a mixture of picking my way through rocks and climbing small sections of waterfalls! This was loads of fun and also distracted me from how far I had gone and how high I had climbed. After walking, climbing and scrambling for quite some time we reached a small pool of water with a waterfall coming down into it which was very beautiful. After having some lunch and Tony and Darren had finished messing around on the closest rock face we tackled the final longer scramble to finish our route.
I was nervous at first as I am not great with heights but I had come a long way up to that point and there was no way I was going back!! In the end it was much easier than it looked and I shot up it leaving Tony (who was behind me to make sure I was safe) far behind me. We could have left the river at this point and continued on to the summit of Kinder but Tony insisted we follow the river all the way up. This lead to a spot of weaselling - I did choose the easiest gap to get through but it was still quite hard work as the rocks to push yourself out with were quite high (sore arms!)
At this point we had reached the plateau of Kinder and it was extremely windy! So much so some of the waterfalls were going upwards. Walking along the top in that wind would have been hard work if it hadn't been pushing me along in the right direction. Must have been a sign!
The worst part of this walk was tackling the peat bogs. Walking through them was tough. Just like walking through snow or sand, but much dirtier! There was a treat on the plateau though. There is a group of rocks which have formed very strange shapes up there, including one which resembles a giant mushroom. The largest concentration of these rocks is called The Woolpacks and is really quite something to see. We paused for a couple of minutes to have a bit of a play on them and have a bit of a climb.
Then came the long trudge to the trig point. It was a little disheartening as I could see the trig point for ages before I got to it and there was a large area of peat to walk through just has I got to it. But it was worth it.
There were a lot of people up on the top and we had a quick chat to a couple who were doing the Edale Skyline, which Darren has told me I'll be doing in the spring as one of my last training walks. We wished them luck and started our walk down. We followed part of the skyline route and then broke off towards Jacob's Ladder. This was a long steep staircase type path which made my knees ache going down it. I turned round about half way down to take a look back up and it made me glad we didn't go up that way. At the bottom of the ladder it was a simple flat ramble back to the start point.
I thoroughly enjoyed this walk and, combined with the inspiration I got from the presentation night, I feel more motivated then ever! I even agreed to tackle Snowdon some time soon.
I'm feeling really positive about my training at the minute and can't wait for my next walk. I'm planning on taking on more distance next time as the walks I have done so far have been relatively short.
Charlotte.
I did this route with Darren Ellis and Tony Draper (both previous LSW walkers). We started at Upper Booth and made our way up the relatively gentle start up towards Crowden Clough. The fun started when we began a gorge scramble up the river towards the top. This was a mixture of picking my way through rocks and climbing small sections of waterfalls! This was loads of fun and also distracted me from how far I had gone and how high I had climbed. After walking, climbing and scrambling for quite some time we reached a small pool of water with a waterfall coming down into it which was very beautiful. After having some lunch and Tony and Darren had finished messing around on the closest rock face we tackled the final longer scramble to finish our route.
I was nervous at first as I am not great with heights but I had come a long way up to that point and there was no way I was going back!! In the end it was much easier than it looked and I shot up it leaving Tony (who was behind me to make sure I was safe) far behind me. We could have left the river at this point and continued on to the summit of Kinder but Tony insisted we follow the river all the way up. This lead to a spot of weaselling - I did choose the easiest gap to get through but it was still quite hard work as the rocks to push yourself out with were quite high (sore arms!)At this point we had reached the plateau of Kinder and it was extremely windy! So much so some of the waterfalls were going upwards. Walking along the top in that wind would have been hard work if it hadn't been pushing me along in the right direction. Must have been a sign!
The worst part of this walk was tackling the peat bogs. Walking through them was tough. Just like walking through snow or sand, but much dirtier! There was a treat on the plateau though. There is a group of rocks which have formed very strange shapes up there, including one which resembles a giant mushroom. The largest concentration of these rocks is called The Woolpacks and is really quite something to see. We paused for a couple of minutes to have a bit of a play on them and have a bit of a climb.
Then came the long trudge to the trig point. It was a little disheartening as I could see the trig point for ages before I got to it and there was a large area of peat to walk through just has I got to it. But it was worth it.There were a lot of people up on the top and we had a quick chat to a couple who were doing the Edale Skyline, which Darren has told me I'll be doing in the spring as one of my last training walks. We wished them luck and started our walk down. We followed part of the skyline route and then broke off towards Jacob's Ladder. This was a long steep staircase type path which made my knees ache going down it. I turned round about half way down to take a look back up and it made me glad we didn't go up that way. At the bottom of the ladder it was a simple flat ramble back to the start point.
I thoroughly enjoyed this walk and, combined with the inspiration I got from the presentation night, I feel more motivated then ever! I even agreed to tackle Snowdon some time soon.
I'm feeling really positive about my training at the minute and can't wait for my next walk. I'm planning on taking on more distance next time as the walks I have done so far have been relatively short.
Charlotte.
Sunday 23 October 2011
LSW Presentation night.
I'm back!! All moved in and settled in the village.
Last night was the presentation night for the 2011 Louise Smalley walk. All the support teams were thanked and given badges for helping the walkers. I was in support team 1 so I got my very own badge (proud!!) I was amazed how much thanks is given to the support teams. I didn't really think twice about volunteering this year for it but I was made to feel so valued and appreciated.
The walkers all received certificates and well deserved they all were! And most importantly a cheque for £10,000 was handed over to Landmarks in Cresswell which will go a massive way to help them out. They were thrilled to receive that amount of money and there were even tears!!
It was good to be reminded about why I am doing this walk. Joe and Trev both spoke about how much they appreciate how many people do the walk and how much help is given. Trev also spoke about Louise and how this walk keeps her memory alive. I was moved by the emotions shown by both of them and clearly I wasn't the only one as Trev's son made a speech (apparently the first time he has) and took the opportunity to propose to his girlfriend!! Making everyone in the Smalley family even more emotional!!
It was a great evening and I felt inspired by the attitudes of all those who have been involved in this walk from the start. There is so much emotion and pride in this event and hearing these conveyed last night only spurred me on and motivated me even more.
I am still a bit of an outsider in Whitwell but I have loved this event ever since I first heard about it. It makes a wonderful contribution to local charities in the name of a very brave little girl. What better way to honour her memory? I can't wait to be a part of this event next year. I know it will hurt and no doubt they'll be tears but I am now more determined than ever to finish it!
Hopefully I'll do Louise proud!!
Charlotte
Last night was the presentation night for the 2011 Louise Smalley walk. All the support teams were thanked and given badges for helping the walkers. I was in support team 1 so I got my very own badge (proud!!) I was amazed how much thanks is given to the support teams. I didn't really think twice about volunteering this year for it but I was made to feel so valued and appreciated.
The walkers all received certificates and well deserved they all were! And most importantly a cheque for £10,000 was handed over to Landmarks in Cresswell which will go a massive way to help them out. They were thrilled to receive that amount of money and there were even tears!!
It was good to be reminded about why I am doing this walk. Joe and Trev both spoke about how much they appreciate how many people do the walk and how much help is given. Trev also spoke about Louise and how this walk keeps her memory alive. I was moved by the emotions shown by both of them and clearly I wasn't the only one as Trev's son made a speech (apparently the first time he has) and took the opportunity to propose to his girlfriend!! Making everyone in the Smalley family even more emotional!!
It was a great evening and I felt inspired by the attitudes of all those who have been involved in this walk from the start. There is so much emotion and pride in this event and hearing these conveyed last night only spurred me on and motivated me even more.
I am still a bit of an outsider in Whitwell but I have loved this event ever since I first heard about it. It makes a wonderful contribution to local charities in the name of a very brave little girl. What better way to honour her memory? I can't wait to be a part of this event next year. I know it will hurt and no doubt they'll be tears but I am now more determined than ever to finish it!
Hopefully I'll do Louise proud!!
Charlotte
Wednesday 6 July 2011
Plans changed
No walk took place on Monday as planned as me and Darren are in the middle of moving house and could not fit it on around house viewings.
Sometimes life gets in the way.
Hopefully get going again soon, although I am glad to have missed out on walking in this heat!
Charlotte
Sometimes life gets in the way.
Hopefully get going again soon, although I am glad to have missed out on walking in this heat!
Charlotte
Thursday 30 June 2011
First walk completed.
Length - 4.6 miles Height ascended - 360 metres Start time 7.40 Finish time 9.30 Duration 1hr 50 mins
Today me and Darren went to Derwent Edge and Back Tor to start our first training walk starting at Strines Inn. It was a short one to get me eased in. It started with quite a sharp ascent which was pretty tough, especially for that time in the morning. The path itself was, at this point, a road leading to an old quarry on the edge of the moor. Eventually it levelled out and the track turned to a mud track which was still pretty easy to walk on. We saw some grouse which I have never seen up close before. They sound a bit like they are laughing when they fly up out of nowhere and fly off. One or two made me jump!
Once at the top there was a path made from flagstones from the flooring of old mills which occasionally had a bit of iron sticking out of it which formerly may have held large machinery in place in the mill. When we got to the trig point there was a bit of playing on rocks to be done and of course, for those who know me and Darren, Extreme Yoga
Then we walked to another outcrop of rocks, Dovestones atop Derwent Edge for some more playing!
For the walk back to the car we decided to cut the corner back to the path past another outcrop called Cakes of Bread, which involved trudging through the heather and boggy patches. From now on in the blog this will be referred to as taking a 'Darren Path'!
It was quite hard work to get through and my ankles took a few twists etc but I made it back to the path without falling down or hurting myself!
The walk took less than 2 hours which I am happy with as a starter. We also got a view of Edale Skyline which is a 20+ mile walk Darren intends to take me on next spring.
Darren asked me how my boots felt at the end as it is important to make sure you choose exactly the right footwear for LSW. They felt really good as it happens and I think they will be fine for the 42 miles. My only concern is I will wear them out before I get to next June!
Fingers crossed the next walk will be taking place on Monday.
Charlotte
Today me and Darren went to Derwent Edge and Back Tor to start our first training walk starting at Strines Inn. It was a short one to get me eased in. It started with quite a sharp ascent which was pretty tough, especially for that time in the morning. The path itself was, at this point, a road leading to an old quarry on the edge of the moor. Eventually it levelled out and the track turned to a mud track which was still pretty easy to walk on. We saw some grouse which I have never seen up close before. They sound a bit like they are laughing when they fly up out of nowhere and fly off. One or two made me jump!
Once at the top there was a path made from flagstones from the flooring of old mills which occasionally had a bit of iron sticking out of it which formerly may have held large machinery in place in the mill. When we got to the trig point there was a bit of playing on rocks to be done and of course, for those who know me and Darren, Extreme Yoga
Then we walked to another outcrop of rocks, Dovestones atop Derwent Edge for some more playing!
For the walk back to the car we decided to cut the corner back to the path past another outcrop called Cakes of Bread, which involved trudging through the heather and boggy patches. From now on in the blog this will be referred to as taking a 'Darren Path'!
It was quite hard work to get through and my ankles took a few twists etc but I made it back to the path without falling down or hurting myself!
The walk took less than 2 hours which I am happy with as a starter. We also got a view of Edale Skyline which is a 20+ mile walk Darren intends to take me on next spring.
Darren asked me how my boots felt at the end as it is important to make sure you choose exactly the right footwear for LSW. They felt really good as it happens and I think they will be fine for the 42 miles. My only concern is I will wear them out before I get to next June!
Fingers crossed the next walk will be taking place on Monday.
Charlotte
My plan for the next year.
The Louise Smalley Walk is a 42 (approx) mile charity walk which is in aid of charities local to the Whitwell area. It changes charities every year so the money gets shared out where it is needed.
Its going to be hard work and I know its going to hurt, mostly because that is what everyone keeps telling me! But I am determind to do it! I think the thing which has inspired me to do it next year is seeing everyone take part this year.
I have seen how hard everyone works to get to the end. From the hard core walkers to the guys who only do one long walk a year and make it this one. I want to be a part of the challenge of the walk and although this may seem like a selfish motivation I want to put myself to the test and see if I can do it!
The charity which gets the money from the walk is chosen by the walkers of the previous year and there have been several recipients who have walked the following year. This means more and more people join in and support each others' charities.
You need to be fit to take part and although I am not entirely unfit I would like to be fitter and better prepared so I will be training for the event from now until the walk takes place in June next year.
I am planning on undertaking several walks of increasing length over the year. I will be posting my comments about them and also what I have learnt about myself and walking in general.
I will also be training in the gym to build fitness but I will keep posts about this to a minimum as it is not as interesting as the countryside walks!
I will be taking a camera with me on my travels so expect pictures of the Great British countryside and probably some of the wildlife as well.
No doubt there will be lots of ups and downs but please bare with me and let's hope by this time next year I have completed the walk and collected lots of sponser money for charity.
Charlotte.
Its going to be hard work and I know its going to hurt, mostly because that is what everyone keeps telling me! But I am determind to do it! I think the thing which has inspired me to do it next year is seeing everyone take part this year.
I have seen how hard everyone works to get to the end. From the hard core walkers to the guys who only do one long walk a year and make it this one. I want to be a part of the challenge of the walk and although this may seem like a selfish motivation I want to put myself to the test and see if I can do it!
The charity which gets the money from the walk is chosen by the walkers of the previous year and there have been several recipients who have walked the following year. This means more and more people join in and support each others' charities.
You need to be fit to take part and although I am not entirely unfit I would like to be fitter and better prepared so I will be training for the event from now until the walk takes place in June next year.
I am planning on undertaking several walks of increasing length over the year. I will be posting my comments about them and also what I have learnt about myself and walking in general.
I will also be training in the gym to build fitness but I will keep posts about this to a minimum as it is not as interesting as the countryside walks!
I will be taking a camera with me on my travels so expect pictures of the Great British countryside and probably some of the wildlife as well.
No doubt there will be lots of ups and downs but please bare with me and let's hope by this time next year I have completed the walk and collected lots of sponser money for charity.
Charlotte.
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