Well having set out on a 50 different walk challenge in July 2021 in order to raise funds for http://www.batemans.org.uk, of which I am a trustee , here I am a year later.
My original idea was that walks had to be at least 5km, not a high aspiration but one I felt reasonable having had both hips replaced. Anyone who read the first 50 will know that these gradually became longer and I became more and more comfortable with going off an exploring by myself. Once I started writing I realised that this was something I missed since retirement where much of my day would have be centred around communication in one form or another.
I gave myself a tight challenge for the first 50- start 21/07 and finish by 30/9 – I did it and realised I wanted more. Not to raise funds but for the joy of walking and exploring, meeting new walking companions but also developing my own confidence.30 years ago I had been training guiders from all over UK to be able to take their Guides and Brownies out of doors in different situations. I’d lost many of those skills due to work and family but slowly the navigational skills, the understanding of the weather and your own capabilities were creeping back.
So the next 50, completed by the end of February and yet another 50! came about. I had wondered if I might manage to complete this last group by 1st July so I could say I had done it all in my 70th year but too many other commitments got in the way. However I did manage just before 21st July – completing in the heat on 19th!
What have I enjoyed most – probably exploring new places- Orkney and Madeira – quite a contrast. Good to walk by the sea in Devon, feeling fit enough to really explore in the Balkans. Going to places with SPR that I certainly wouldn’t drive to for a day! Really finding out about my local area, feeling quite ashamed that I hadn’t explored it more, loving the Ridgeway. Very much enjoying the Sussex / Surrey border with names from my childhood and beginning to feel very comfortable exploring that area. Perhaps lastly that I can still challenge myself – The Yorkshire Three Peaks is testament to this – 13 and half hours of walking, 26 miles and as the name says three peaks – which are very stretched out.
So what next – I don’t think I can stop. Whilst I have been slow to write up the last walks, I have enjoyed this process as well.
So ‘A further 50!’ Is about to to start, with a aim of the end of 2022.
Not very local walks unless it is very different or the group/ circumstances make it special but all being well some interesting challenges and places to come. Still trying to think ahead – South Downs Way has an appeal.
Thank you if you have been following all my blogs- some I’m sure are better than others but that’s the way of the world! Look out for where I’m going next!
Marion's 50 Walk Challenge 