I want to say a big big thank you at this point to my training buddies Paula Caroline and Sarah. Their motivation technique of completely ignoring my whimpers and filing my already overloaded rucksack with their stuff has definitely paid dividends. In return I have provided minutes of pleasure whilst they watch my dinosaur egg shape of body negotiate turn styles. So far since the beginning of April I have walked almost 200 miles. I am now the proud owner of one...

The training is going well. I'd like to re assure those who have sponsored me so far, that the rucksack has become a permanent feature of my walks. I have turned into a human snail. Not because of the speed at which Im walking I hasten to add, but because now the rucksack feels like an extension of the rest of my body, apart from when I try to bend down that is; when it feels like an elephant has stopped across my spine. Also, for the first time now, the grazing ...

Up on the Malverns early yesterday morning. I forgot the dogs lead but had the option of using either a blanket or a set of ties instead. The ties worked a treat. I also had no change for the parking but some kind soul took pity and presented me with his ticket for the day.When i reached the hills It was blowing what seemed like a 10 force gale straight into my right ear hole but I managed to make it to the highest peak Worcester Beacon and back again to Brit...

Meet my new boots Lenny and Reindle that's Lenny on the left [your right) and Reindle on the right (your left). Decided to start using them even though its still quite muddy on the footpaths. Started following the path to Tirley and back that's 7 and a half miles in the morning every other day followed by a 4 and half mile round Ashleworth in the late afternoon or early eve. Planning to swap the Tirley walk with the Malvern Hills when weather improves and walks t...

Thinking about my trip in June, also amazed by this new blog site. Got my new boots and back pack, now have to start doing some training for the 500mile walk across northern Spain. Just waiting for the mud to clear!