The first and only?

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

Note on Route Planning

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

Appologies for inactivity

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

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

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

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

Cheers.

Walking Nutrition

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

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

Principle diet per day:

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

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

Extended Route

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

A chance meeting

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

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

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

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

Ahead of schedule

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

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

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

Any comments or questions much appreciated.

Many thanks to my mother Judy who helped me further decrease bag weight for next year. 16 to 12 kilo.
It is surprisingly difficult when you have to have everything to keep yourself alive for 4 months and limit the weight in order that it can be carried 1200 miles.

Thanks for the advice.

One of the difficult things regarding doing such a long walk is taking into account everything else that needs to be considered. Especially doing the walk solo and unsupported means that all the logistics and planning need to be accounted for early on.

Everyone wishing to undertake a similar trip should be warned that you must be selective about the advise you accept as some will gladly give suggestions when they in fact don't know too much. Similar to someone I will keep anonymous has suggested taking a can opener. Nice idea however a can of food will way approximately 400g where as packet foods of similar calorie values will weigh only 100g. Their main understanding coming from a Bronze Award in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme where the greatest challenge is planning a 2 day, 1 night trip with full support.

Best source of information will usually be from people who have tried and failed as well as those who have tried and succeeded. It is however difficult to get information from those who failed maybe due to shame or embarrassment.

I forgot to mention...

If anyone has any genuine questions regarding route planning, trail weights, health and safety, nutrition etc, I will do my best to answer though it must be stated that most of my information will come from other sources. I will always do my utmost to accredited those sources so as to not be caught stepping on any toes.

Intro

From the start of April 2014 a walk of some 1200 miles will be undertaken for the purpose of raising money for charity. The charities being supported by this will include the British Heart Foundation, Macmillan Cancer Support and mind.

During the last 3 months, research has been carried out to minimise pack weights and start planning the route from John O'Groats, Scotland to Lands End, England. Training has also started with carrying trail weights for the expected 4 month duration.

Further information will be coming soon...