In a bigger pictures sense, I harbour dreams of doing a long-distance walk, the type where you either camp out overnight or find accommodation along your route.
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| Medway Valley Walk, a few miles out from Tonbridge |
I have never done a truly long distance walk and my only experience of walking, camping out, and walking some more was as a 14-year-old working towards the Duke of Edinburgh award. I have done a variety of long single day walks but even those have been fairly rare since we had Mini Bite two years ago.
Last week I managed to rekindle my walking enthusiasm by covering half of the Medway Valley Walk. This is a 28.5 mile route from Tonbridge to Rochester in Kent. Maidstone is roughly half way and I did the 16 mile stretch (25.5km) from Tonbridge to Maidstone.
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| Locks over the Medway River |
Having run half a dozen half marathons and one full marathon, 16 miles on foot is not completely alien to me. However, it was the longest walk I have done and the last few miles felt looong. At the same time, it was the most wonderful way to spend a day - particularly one when I would usually be off work (I took a day of annual leave). I did the walk solo but the time went by quickly as my thoughts meandered and my mind relaxed.
I am definitely motivated to plan more walks of this type and I hope I may inspire others to do the same. Here are some photo highlights to whet your interest.
Are you an outdoor walker? Have you done any long distance walks (inspire me!)?
I haven't done many walks but I would like to do more too - I love the sound of lands end to john o'groats or camino de santiago but struggle to even organise myself to go out for a small walk. Your photos looks wonderful.
ReplyDeleteThanks Johanna. Organising even small walks is hard with small children! A solo day was definitely needed for this.
DeleteWe haven't been anywhere in a few months as every w/e when we are off for work, its piddling down with rain. As for walks - we do lots of walking and can walk for miles, but not necessarily in green places, its not something I do that much - wish I did as we are surrounded by some pretty places. The 7th photo - is that horse coming towards you because it thinks you have a sugar lump or perhaps even an apple :)
ReplyDeleteI suspect the horse was hoping for either but sadly I had nothing for it! I hope your weather allows for more weekend outdoor time soon.
DeleteBelieve it or not, I come from Medway, and I've never done this walk! I was never a fan of my home region, but when I look at it through your eyes, I can see it in a new light. Do you reckon you'll do the other half of the walk one day?
ReplyDeleteWow, that is a long walk. Looks beautiful though.
ReplyDeleteGreat post
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