As preperation for long distance walks i would not recommend the following:-

* busting your ankle ligaments in football matches or falling off fences (1 each for Dave and I)

* getting tonsilitus the week before departure

* having all 4 jabs at the same time because of a course of antibiotics

* leaving in the winter (especially beforre there's been a cold snap)

* failing to arrange sherpas

But if you do, make sure you take a flask of rum and a good friend . . . . what's the worst that can happen?

Well, we'll see!