Training for Pilgrimage

New Year 2012

2012-01-01T11:01:00.000-08:00

A happy new year to you all.

At last we can say 'This year we will walk the Camino Primitivo again (DV).' Walking practise continues, although not today as it was raining. Packs are being checked, what to take is being considered and weighed (yet again!!). Basically we expect to use the same kit as last year but we'll list it later once we have decided. All we hope and pray for is better weather than in 2010, especially as we feel that this will be our last time on the Camino as pilgrims (although not our last visit to Spain).

Photos

2011-11-30T11:14:00.000-08:00

There is a poem on wikipaedia about the common cormorant or shag which lays its eggs in paper bags. Once considered a rare bird there are many near where we live.

A young cormorant on a nearby lake.

One of the hills near our home with lovely autumn colours.

A Victorian letterbox with an interesting note about the posting of coins in letters.

Autumn sights

2011-11-25T08:12:00.000-08:00

We continue to make plans for a return to the Camino Primitivo in 2012. We now have our tickets to Spain and our Credenciales, to start in Tineo, and we are planning a rough guide to each day. This helps to work out how long we will need to reach Santiago as well as where we can find accomodation, food etc along the route. We are using the CSJ (Confraternity of St James) guide, as Terry did in 2009. There are updates, more accomodation in some places, less in others.
We intend to use the ferry and the FEVE again and finally the ALSA bus to reach Tineo before setting off to walk. It is over 200km from Tineo to Santiago through the mountains. Hopefully we will reach Santiago with time to see some more of western Galicia, maybe Padron or Coruña before heading for home again.

Meanwhile we have been walking as much as possible locally, while the weather has been good, to keep ourselves in practise. Walks are varying between 7km and 15km, up and down hills, but chiefly on the road now as the paths are very wet. On the shorter walks we have been carrying full weight packs and lighter on the longer ones.

The highly poisonous Fly Agaric toadstools are a bright splash of colour.

The heron was waiting and watching for his dinner.

Walks around Clumber

2011-11-09T12:06:00.000-08:00

Our preparations for next year continue with a variety of walks. In Clumber we found a beautiful walk; down the lime tree avenue, past the house, right around the lake, through the woods and back to the lime tree avenue. A total of 12kms. There are no steep hills but we can find them elsewhere.

The weather has been kind to us until this week - although we did manage a 12km walk, with hills, before the rain set in. We tend to carry about 3/4 of our Camino pack weight at present, partly as we are using our small packs which hold less. We'll put the weight up early in the New Year. We are also checking out our gear, for wear etc. New mid layer socks as they are the ones which wear most but otherwise we'll take the same basic kit that we took last year.

View across the lake

The lime tree avenue

Autumn Views

2011-10-02T08:40:00.000-07:00

Some unusual sights on a couple of our latest walks. One could be tagged ' well I left my tractor here some time ago'. The other could be called 'disdain' as the alpaca was definitely not talking to us!
More normal sightings for this time of year were the spiders' webs along the hedges, with the dew still on them as the early mist was just beginning to lift.
There have been mushrooms in the fields, picked and eaten, as well as the last of the good brambles in the hedges to go with our apples.
Our latest walks have varied between 7km and 12kms with some fairly steep hills for added interest and practise.

The tractor wheel has been there for so long that the tree has grown right through it.

Alpaca are still an unusual sight in the English countryside. The other one hid behind the tree.

Spiders webs are more common. These were along the hedge sides earlier this week

September walking

2011-09-19T08:49:00.000-07:00

The weather has not been very good lately. However we have managed some walking, chiefly around Dulverton. Steep hills, streams, wooded tracks. Very like the Camino. We even found a granary (hórreo) when we visited Arlington Court
We are aiming to walk 7-10kms on an average walk with one 15km per week for the next few weeks. This is really to keep us fit and then we'll build up the distance again in the New Year. We are carrying 2/3 of the Camino weight in our rucksacs, again with the idea of building up to full weight later on.

The hill from the workhouse, at river level

The old packhorse bridge with the 'new' road bridge in the trees

The view forward and back along the track

A green 'speckled bush cricket' sitting on Terry's hand

The old granary in the grounds of Arlington Court

Preparing for 2012

2011-08-23T08:42:00.000-07:00

Rather than hanging up our boots and taking life easy we are, as previously posted, training for a return to the Camino in 2012.

So far we are walking locally between 8 and 10 kms with fairly light packs. We will build this up again as time goes by, both distance and also weights.

There is also the discussion over the proposed length of the stages each day and the time needed to complete the walk. This worked well for us this year giving us an aim for each day. We would not be tied to a strict timetable as much will depend on the weather, places we pass through and want to explore more fully as well as physical fitness etc. Making outline plans however will keep us happily occupied during the coming months.

Future planning

2011-07-19T12:18:00.000-07:00

All our preparation and training was well worth the effort. There are some very steep hills on the Camino Inglés, as we were told before going. However, apart from the hill out of Pontedeume we did not find them too difficult as we had trained in a hilly area.
Now we are thinking of returning again to the Camino Primitivo and picking up where we left off last year, at Tineo. However that will not be until some time next year. For now it is back to 'keeping in training' walks so we will be adding to this blog from time to time.

The full record of our time on the Camino Inglés, from leaving Plymouth until our return, is in the May entries on Return to the Camino

Waymark, Santiago de Compostela

Final preparations for 2011

2011-04-20T12:13:00.000-07:00

We are as prepared as we can be, apart from a few more practise walks. Our tickets for the ferry have arrived and we have some euros. All we need now is to re-check our bags and to have a good journey to Ferrol, via Santander, Oviedo and Ribadeo.
This is the last post needed here we think, so our travel blog will be found on Return to the Camino. Apart from an introductory post for 2011 this will be added to only occasionally along the way, and then more fully when we return home.
The family, as usual, get left to 'hold the fort'!

Sun and warmth

2011-04-08T11:34:00.000-07:00

A 9km walk today, again carrying our full packs and about 2/3 full water bottles as it was warm. Walking with our sleeves rolled up and enjoying the sun. We walked along the river valley, under the dual carriage-way and then up a steep hill. We stopped for a drink and snack bar and to take photos looking back downhill and across to Dartmoor. There are bumble bees and butterflies as well as primroses and violets. The orange tip butterfly is well camouglaged on the garlic mustard, its main food plant

View across to Dartmoor

Orange Tip butterfly

Guide book, walks and rain

2011-04-03T11:12:00.000-07:00

Our CSJ guide book to the Camino Inglés has come and we are busy studying the route we plan to take. During the week we have managed several walks, all with our packs. These are settled at around 8kg (Terry) and 6kg (Valerie) including some water each. Today we thought we would have a short walk, minus packs, around town only. It rained after about 5 minutes, we had no waterproofs, so spent 10 minutes under the bridge on the stream side until it dried up a bit. A very short walk as we went home to get dry!

Breaking the 15km barrier

2011-03-23T10:22:00.000-07:00

After two walks of 9km each this week we went for a long walk today. A total of 15.6km on a mix of roads and forest tracks. There were a number of hills, one very steep at 1 in 10 for 1km. We had a lunch stop about halfway round. The weather was just right for walking, sunny and warm much of the time although there was a chilly wind in places.

The photos are from our various walks this week

The roe deer print was seen in the woods.

The sea wall walk is alongside the railway

Tiny fish in the lake.

The cows watching the walkers going past.

Terry's Packing List

2011-03-18T12:27:00.000-07:00

Terry is carrying the full kit he expects to carry on the Camino:-
T-shirt x 2 = 300gm
Shirt x 240gm
Trousers x 400gm
Long johns x 120gm
Underwear x 160gm
Socks x 200gm
Waterproof trousers x 350gm
Poncho x 340gm
Towels x 480gm
Sleeping bags 850 x 2 =1kg 700gm
Crocs x 220gm
Fleece x 350gm
First Aid/toothpaste/Tel charger/cable/sporks etc x 470gm
Rucksac x 1kg 67gm

Total weight 7kg excluding water. Terry has 2x 1lt bottles which could add a further 2kg when full. If it is very hot then the extra fleece weighing 300gm will go in the rucksac too. If we do need to carry full bottles we will drink Terry's first to get the weight down quickly.

Valerie's Packing list

2011-03-14T12:43:00.000-07:00

I am walking with the following in my pack as practise:-
2 shirts 340gm
3 T shirts/vests 345gm
Terry's shirt x 175gm
Trousers x 400gm
2 Long sleeved T shirts 300gm
Longjohns 240gm
Underwear 150gm
Socks 200gm
Dress/nightwear 160gm
2 Fleeces x350gm = 700gm
Poncho 340gm
Waterproof trousers 200gm
Wash bag and medical:- shampoo, soap, pegs and elastic line etc 340gm
Towel 100gm
Rucksack 1.06kg
Water bottles 2x 500ml =1kg when full
Total weight = 6kg 250gm

This is the maximum I would have to carry if the weather was hot and I was wearing shirt and trousers without needing the T-shirts or a fleece. In reality I would expect to be wearing some of the 'extra' items at present in my pack bringing the weight down to around 5.5kg including water. This would enable me to carry our snack bars or food for the day without being overloaded. (The 7kg was a bit too much I decided)

Spring is coming

2011-03-12T06:47:00.000-08:00

We walked for about 7km this morning carrying our full packs. Valerie's weighs 7kg and Terry's 8kg. This included water, snack bars, extra fleece each and all our cool weather clothes. (We would expect to be wearing some of these unless the weather is so hot that we only need shirt and trousers without T-shirt/vest layer or a thin fleece.)
When we have time we'll make full list with weights like we did last year. (October 2009 posts if anyone wants to look back) It will be interesting to compare what we took then and what we plan to take this time.

At last it is possible to use the footpaths across the fields again and we started off with a steep uphill climb before settling down to the main part of the walk. On our way we saw an old chaffinch nest from last year which had fallen out of the hedge and also white violets growing on the bank side.

Roads and tracks

2011-02-13T11:32:00.000-08:00

Most of our recent walking has been on the roads because of the weather. However it is getting warmer and there are crocuses and cyclamen out. The oak tree is an almost perfect shape.

After a number of very wet days we finally had a training walk 'off road' yesterday, on a well made track. One of the highlights were the deer we saw running through the woods and across the path. A shorter walk than normal but carrying our full packs, apart from water. We averaged an easy 4km per hour over fairly easy terrain.

After one sunny day we are back to rain again!!!!!!!!

Sun and Catkins

2011-01-19T11:44:00.000-08:00

We have been for several walks now that the weather is dryer. The tracks are still very wet underfoot so much of the time we have been on side roads or made up paths.
With a little more warmth in the sun the catkins are coming out and we have seen a few early crocuses.
Our new boots fit well and have been put away again until nearer the time for walking the Camino and we are using our older boots for training. We filled our rucksacks with all our Camino gear as for a hot day (ie we packed fleeces etc) to be sure that we could carry the maximum we expect to take. My pack weighs approx 6kg and Terry's 7kg without water. If we are wearing our T-shirt/vests and/or fleeces the weight will go down. We'll post a full list and weights later.
So far we have only been walking about 9km, but we average about 4km an hour including brief stops for photos. We have found a coffee stop which also serves lunches. Useful when we want to do a longer walk later on.

Sunshine after the rain

2011-01-08T08:14:00.000-08:00

After a cold and then very wet week we finally had sunshine today. A walk, starting off uphill for about 2½km, led us along the hilltop. The wind was cold, but between the hedges was warmer especially in the sun. The road then drops into the valley before rising again. Total distance today was nearly 8km.
At the ford there is a raised walkway, not visible in the photo, so the water wasn't a problem. There is usually water running here with the small stream running under the walkway into the nearby brook.

The road across the valley can be seen in the centre of the photo

Track, stream and ford

First walk of 2011

2011-01-01T08:49:00.000-08:00

Another short walk today, about 5km, to start the new year. It was too grey and cloudy to take any photos. There is still just a little snow around, like yesterday, but it has nearly gone. The snowmen have all melted away. Now we hope for some winter sunshine and good walking weather for 2011.

Last walk of 2010

2010-12-31T13:37:00.000-08:00

The end of the year and the snow has gone, except in few places behind the hedges. The temperature yesterday, at 9.5C, was nearly 20C higher than it was last weekend and today was 12C higher than on our last walk, when it was -6C. We can walk the roads, but not the tracks which are now very muddy. Just before Christmas the roads were too slippery to walk at all as there was frozen packed snow all around and no snow plough or gritting on the side roads.
So we enjoyed the freedom to walk again. Now we need some good dry weather and time to walk for longer carrying our full weight rucksacks.

Trees on the skyline
and
snow on the road side

Snowed in

2010-12-21T11:55:00.000-08:00

This past week we have had snow and ice so walking is not possible until conditions improve. It is a struggle to walk even as far as the shops since we had 8" (20cms) the other night; deeper where it had drifted. There are compensations however, such as roasting chestnuts on our open fire and building a snowman.

With too much snow for walking the best excercise was to build the snowman

More Winter Walking

2010-12-09T06:24:00.000-08:00

It has remained bitterly cold with hoar frost looking like snow. The fields were white and the ground like iron. An hour's walk across the fields and back round the lanes was far enough. It helps to keep our legs moving but without getting too cold. Home for a café con leche, as we didn't pass any cafés, and to warm up by a log fire.

The frost on the moss and the granite stones of the bridge was beautiful

Winter Walking

2010-12-04T07:31:00.000-08:00

We managed a walk earlier this week, before the snow came. It was bitterly cold, but at least the mud was frozen. We had a steep uphill climb, including a very rough piece of track under the trees, then along the hilltop before working our way back down to the stream and the road.
Our path can just be seen from the lower right hand side of the photo, uphill past the first trees, then disappears into the wood to reach the top near the white wall - top left.
Snow and ice then stopped our walking for a few days, but we hope to be 'back on track' this coming week.

The track leads up through the woods to stile.

The view across to the moors from the hilltop, with snow in the distance.

Advent Sunday

2010-11-28T08:46:00.000-08:00

Walks this past week have been very chilly, but bright and sunny. So far we have not had any snow here, we wait to see what next week brings.
Meanwhile the hard frost has enabled us to walk across the fields again, although even then some places were very boggy. We will be mostly walking round the lanes for the next few weeks until the footpaths and tracks dry out more.

Sun and Dragonflies

2010-11-15T11:20:00.000-08:00

Walking round the local nature reserve this afternoon we enjoyed the sunshine and its warmth. The ponds were all very full after the recent heavy rains and the paths were a little muddy. We were not the only ones taking advantage of a lovely day.
Sitting on one of the notice boards, also enjoying the sun was this dragonfly.

Research shows it is a male Red-Veined Darter. You can read more about it at
Wikipedia - Red-Veined Darter Dragonfly.

With the weather getting colder, especially at night, this was probably the last chance to see a dragonfly this year.

Autumn walking

2010-11-07T08:57:00.000-08:00

We have spent the weekend trying out our new boots. Our walks have been local, in case there were unforeseen problems with them. No problems, they are as comfortable as the old ones. This is good as it means that we can put them away again until the Spring and use the old boots for winter walking. Then we will make sure that the new boots are 'worn in' before setting off for Spain.
The autumn colours are beautiful and the sun was shining. It is getting colder even in the sun, just a bit of chill in the wind to remind us that winter is coming. There are gales forecast for tonight so this may have been the last chance to take photos of the autumn leaves on the trees.

Berries:-
Black Bryony (left)
and Gladdon (right)

Across the fields

Sunshine through the trees on the roadside

The local stream under the trees

Clumber Park and Sherwood Forest

2010-10-29T12:06:00.000-07:00

We have just spent 10 days in Clumber walking round the woodland paths, an average of 8kms on each walk. The National Trust café has good 'café con leche' (latte) as does the Costa coffee shop in Worksop.

The avenue of lime trees,planted in 1840, is 2 miles (3.2kms) long and the longest in Europe. There are 1,296 common limes in a double avenue each side of the main road through Clumber Park.
We also had a short walk from Edwinstowe to the Major Oak. This is the oldest oak tree in Britain at 1,000 years old, already mature when Robin Hood was living in Sherwood Forest.

The lime tree avenue

and

The Major Oak

The Templer Way

2010-10-11T10:51:00.000-07:00

We walked part of the Templer Way near Stover in glorious sunshine. (The name commemorates a local family.) There were views across to Dartmoor, and an intriguing village link sign! An 8km walk in 2 hours, including the stops for photos and a coffee break at Sampson's Farm.

Dartmoor:- From left to right; Rippon Tor, Saddle Tor and Haytor.

The hand painted village link sign near Teigngrace. Naiads are water nymphs, dryads are wood nymphs and napaeads are satyrs!!

Short walks

2010-10-06T11:22:00.000-07:00

Other committments have left less time for walking than normal. Most walks recently have been of around 5km, but up and down hill and over some rough ground. However short walks are better than no walks and we have enjoyed ourselves. It will soon be time to try out our new boots. Terry does not think that his will do another Camino and although mine are not as well worn a new pair seemed sensible. Same style, so hopefully we'll have no problems. Then we'll finish most of our training in the older pairs.

New rucksack

2010-09-26T11:02:00.000-07:00

In May Valerie used a 20lt Berghaus rucksack, with an added podsack to carry her fleece. This worked very well, even when we had bought an extra fleece each. As we plan for next year, and look at the equipment we are taking, a slightly different system seems a good idea. So we have invested in a 25+5lt Berghaus woman's rucksack. It is comfortable for either of us to carry, unlike the 20lt which didn't suit Terry.
This means we can share carrying it on 'rest' days when we are exploring churches, ancient sites etc and need our waterproofs, food and drink etc with us.

Terry will use the same rucksack as for both his 2009 Pilgrimage and this year. The 20lt will still be good for practise walks.

So the 25+5 is packed and everything
goes in easily. Total weight without
water is just under 6kg.
Really comfortable and easy to carry
on yesterday's walk.

My fleece fits under the top compartment and my bottles will
go in the side pockets, where the badges are sewn on.
The side expansion pockets hold my waterproof trousers,
undies toiletries etc.
My waterproof poncho is in the top section.
The small clips hanging at the back are actually tea-towel
holders and are very useful for hanging small still damp items.
They are attached to the new style elasticated pole holders,
which I have clipped back as they flap and annoy me.

Walking on Exmoor

2010-09-16T11:21:00.000-07:00

We have just spent some time on Exmoor, staying near Dulverton and walking in the area.

Our first walk was through the woods above Dulverton itself. A steep climb up the track behind the church, then back downhill to the river.
The track passes over the little old bridge over the stream, then turns left over the longer bridge over the river.

Next day we visited Dunster with its ancient church.

Behind it is the old dovecot which was part of the Abbey.The walls are over 2ft thick and the roosts are built into the thickness of the walls.

The Two Moors Way near Tarr Steps.

We walked over Tarr Steps and then a circular route to Hawkridge, crossing the steps again on our return.

Our final walk was to Dunkery Beacon. A stony track leads from the road to the Beacon itself - about 1.5 miles. The black clouds in the distance meant we made a swift descent back to the car.

On the way back we stopped the car above the road to Tarr Steps and walked to the nearby Caractacus Stone, now protected by a stone arch.

Moorland view

2010-08-31T11:38:00.001-07:00

Another walk and brambling session, with views across Dartmoor. The wet and miserable weather of the last few weeks has gone and we have had warm sunny days. Good for walking and hopefully more to come.

August walking

2010-08-16T10:49:00.000-07:00

We have been entertaining family so walks have been few, and short, so far this month.
We are just getting going again, with plans for a time on Exmoor shortly.
One of the joys of walking in August is that the brambles are begining to ripen in the hedgerows. We had a small plastic bag filled after a walk round locally. One of our apples added made a good apple and blackberry crumble. The first this year.

Cornwall in July

2010-07-17T08:50:00.000-07:00

We have just come back from Cornwall, where we walked parts of the coast path. The weather was good, apart from the last day when we were walking near Portreath in heavy rain. The path is all 'ups and downs' so good camino practise.

The Air-Sea Rescue helicopter on cliff manoeuvres

Training for 2011

2010-06-21T11:20:00.000-07:00

After our time on the Camino Primitivo and the Camino del Norte we are back home. There were some places where a causeway, like the one below (Hills and Woods), would have been useful. We balanced on the track side, leaning on our sticks so as not to slip into the deep mud and water. The Camino del Norte was dryer and the weather warmer after the very wet and cold Primitivo. Now we are back training gently for next year and the Camino Inglés.

A grass track

Large skipper butterfly enjoying the sun

Return to the Camino 2010

2010-04-29T02:08:00.000-07:00

Our training is done, our rucksacks are packed, we are ready to go, and it is raining!! However we are not planning any-more long walks before we go. Expecting the weather to improve again by the time the ferry reaches Santander.
So the family are left at home to 'hold the fort' and this blog is 'on hold'.
A record of our time on the Camino this year will be posted at Return to the Camino

Hills and woods

2010-04-26T08:47:00.000-07:00

The final long walk of our training - 10km over fairly strenuous terrain. Harder than the Camino according to Terry, with steeper hills and rougher underfoot in places. He says I can be pleased with myself and should be able to manage the chosen stretch of the Camino from Oviedo easily now. We only plan short walks for the rest of the week, just enough to keep us from seizing up.
While we are on the Camino we (or the family) will be posting on Return to the Camino so that you can follow our progress.

Photos:-

The causeway shows how muddy/wet this track can be. It is still needed in spite of a long dry spell.

The view across the valley to where we need to walk

Early purple orchids

A Violet Oil Beetle

Bluebells

2010-04-25T11:08:00.000-07:00

Having been to church this morning we only had time for a short walk (5km) today. Down the road, across the fields, up the hill and through the woods. The first bluebells are just begining to flower. A sharp shower gave me the chance to actually put my poncho on for the first time while walking. Fine, I really like it. We just made it home before it really rained!

Dartmoor

2010-04-24T12:22:00.000-07:00

We set off from Dartmeet at 10.30 to walk first along the Dart, then over the moorland to Bellever for lunch. The first hour was very slow over rough ground but then improved. We saw ponies, one with a very new wobbly foal suckling. Clapper bridges, stepping stones and hills were all in the morning's walk - 9km in two hours.

Dartmoor - more photos

2010-04-24T12:21:00.000-07:00

After a picnic lunch at Bellever we continued our walk up a steep track, then downhill on another steep path. Parts again were very rough - plus a set of stepping stones for giants. More a case of 'jump' not step. Then more 'uphill-downhill' across moorland. We came back near the river on a wide grass track, finally completing 15.5km at 3.30 with a café con leche at the restaurant by the car park.

Through the woods

2010-04-23T08:51:00.000-07:00

This morning's walk was mainly through the woods. The final hill up to the road was steeper than it looks here, especially just at the top. A beautiful day, but a chilly wind. Lovely in the woods with wood anenomes coming into flower.

Across the fields

2010-04-20T10:48:00.000-07:00

Out again today, walking across the fields this time and over the old canal bridge. Again Terry says this reminds him of the Primitivo, including the view of the moors in the distance. We also had a café con leche at a farm's cafe near the canal and watched the Sand Martins nest building in the river bank

Bridleway

2010-04-19T11:17:00.001-07:00

The paths and bridleways have finally dried up enough to be walkable again. Parts are rough and stony, like some of the Camino Primitivo. There are some useful gates on this stretch rather than stiles to climb over. A welcome change!

Back in training

2010-04-17T10:52:00.000-07:00

We have been up and about early for the past 10 days, but not walking far. However today we did 7km round the village lanes, to get back into practice, without any problem.
We are just so glad that we are travelling by ferry to Spain and do not have the worry that others have over postponed/cancelled flights.

Return to the Camino

2010-04-05T11:28:00.000-07:00

The time for our departure for Spain is drawing near and we will record our time there on a new blog Return to the Camino. We will continue to write about our training and preparations here too, so 'watch both spaces'.

We have continued to walk over Easter, averaging nicely over 4km per hour when on the lanes. Looking after our grandchildren during the school holidays means we will be walking less for a couple of weeks, but will be good practise for early mornings!

Getting quicker!

2010-03-31T11:51:00.001-07:00

In spite of snow flurries and water underfoot we walked the roads again today. We have a number of steep hills near here and were pleased that we have speeded up. We walked 8.1 km in 1hr 45mins, including tackling the steep hills and stopping for about 10mins to remove a fleece each once we had warmed up. We must be achieving 5km an hour on the flat. The rather gritty snow bounced off us and we made it home before the next really heavy sleet shower.

Mud and water

2010-03-27T07:10:00.000-07:00

After a wet week and some road walking we ventured out this morning along the river side where there were daffodils and primroses in the woods. The paths through the woods were muddy and slippery and mud, wet stones and running water on the track back up to the road made for real Camino style walking. Picking out the best way forward led to a slow start and an uphill plod. However our timing picked up once we were over the worst of the mud and running water.

A drink and energy biscuit at the top of the track spurred us on and we completed a 9.2km circuit in 2½ hours. Not bad as we took nearly an hour to cover the first 2½km.

Finally in the lanes on the sheltered banks we found not only primroses but wild violets flowering. Spring is coming at last.

Food!

2010-03-22T13:23:00.000-07:00

Preparation is not just about walking but also about anticipating the gastronomic pleasures of the Way. Anyone who followed Terry's blog last year,
http://walktocompostela.blogspot.com, will know that, as well as recording the days walking, he also posted about the food he was eating.
Paella and Sopa Gallego, the latter made by Terry, are regulars on our menu. Having found several recipes, including one in our old Argentine cookery book (where it is caled Tarta de Compostela), Valerie has made a Tarta Santiago. The flaky pastry type of base came from the Argentine recipe and the filling from a Spanish website. Very good - must make another. Then back to walking or we will be putting on weight!!

Mothering Sunday

2010-03-14T12:15:00.000-07:00

A walk across the fields and along the lanes. We finally found some primroses out in a sheltered place. Spring is coming. Further along and back on the road we passed a farm gate and the chickens running free along the bank side. 'The girls' as the farmer called them. The others were camera shy and ran home, and even these two turned their backs.

Longer walks

2010-03-11T11:47:00.000-08:00

At last we have broken the 7km barrier and walked nearly 9km with full packs, including water. Some of the hills across the fields were quite steep and in one we came across a sheep with its head stuck in the wire fence. Terry's good deed for the day was to free it which was not easy even though it stopped struggling and let him work. It is still too cold to sit out and eat a picnic so it is morning or afternoon walking for a little longer.

Footpath walking

2010-03-03T08:52:00.000-08:00

We have finally been able to walk 'off road' today. There are patches of mud, but the ground is no longer water-logged. Hopefully the footpaths will continue to dry out so that we can walk almost completely round our village without going on the road. It is still very cold in the wind so warm hats and jackets are a necessity.
There are snowdrops on the river bank. The primroses are just waiting for a few warmer days before they flower on the more sheltered roadside banks. Further along the path and back onto the road there are crocuses growing under the trees.

Flood post

2010-02-05T11:13:00.001-08:00

On a walk near the river we came across this flood marker post.
Coming round the corner we think you would be in the water before
you saw the post!

Snow - again

2010-01-31T09:09:00.000-08:00

Most walks this past week have been on the road and only about 5.5km.
Despite snow again yesterday and today we have been able to walk on both days.
Today's walk was back up to 7km and I was carrying my full weight rucksack.

Back on 'track'

2010-01-18T12:40:00.000-08:00

We have finally been able to go 'off road' and walk one of the local tracks. Although very wet it was not too muddy. Part of the track follows the ancient sunken road past an old longhouse site near the river, now a ruin.

Photos:

The sunken road

Low cloud drifting up the valley, along the river.

January 2010

2010-01-17T11:36:00.000-08:00

Half way through January and we have finally been able to start walking again, although having to use the side roads rather than the paths. There was still some snow around earlier this week on the hilltops.

The snow and ice have now gone and it was pleasant walking yesterday (4km)and today (7.5km). Now we need some fine weather to allow for longer walks, preferably along the local tracks.

Cotswolds at Christmas

2009-12-29T08:08:00.000-08:00

The freezing weather conditions meant that our walking was very limited. We walked from the caravan site into the village each day, including Christmas morning for Family Communion. This was a round trip of about 5km on very icy ground, walking sticks essential. Now back home we are waiting to see what the New Year brings, drier weather hopefully and the opportunity to lengthen the distance walked carrying our packs.

Winter Walking

2009-12-05T07:01:00.000-08:00

The very wet weather has left the local footpaths very boggy, especially where the cattle have been standing in the gateways.
Most of our walking recently has been on the country roads nearby. We walk about 7km, taking just over an hour and a half to do so. Ultimately it should be possible to walk about 15km as a circular tour once some of the paths have dried out - probably next spring!!

Meanwhile our ferry tickets are booked and we have the excitement of planning our route in Spain.

Walking in the Peak District

2009-11-21T03:25:00.000-08:00

Mam Tor and Losehill are both near Castleton, famous for its caves and Blue John (fluospar), unique to this area.
Mam Tor itself has a well marked path from the National Trust car park, Losehill has footpaths from Castleton itself and from Hope with access also along the road between the two.
There are a number of walks in the area of varying lengths such as Mam Tor and Cavedale.

Photos:
from Mam Tor

Mam Tor from Losehill

Walking in the Cotswolds

2009-11-07T07:16:00.000-08:00

Broadway Tower is the second highest point on the Cotswold Ridge at 312mt/1024ft above sea level. There are well signed footpaths out of Broadway village, but to take the correct route to the tower a guide or map is advisable. (Downloadable guide) The paths link to the Cotswold Way with most following a route round below the tower. There are stone stiles and the path is steep in places but it is well worth the climb. On a clear day the view from the top would be marvellous. We walked about 10km/6miles including walking into Broadway, up to the Tower and back again. From Broadway itself the distance is about 8km/5miles.

Photo:

Broadway Tower through the trees

Medical/First Aid Kit

2009-10-16T12:16:00.001-07:00

Terry is carrying our first aid kit as listed in his equipment list.
Disposable razor
Universal plug
Nail clippers with integral nail file
Sheep's wool

In addition Valerie is carrying
50ml Hand gel
Hay fever remedy (spray and eye drops)

(in box)
Needle and thread
Eye ointment
Savlon (15mg)
Latex gloves
Ear plugs
Toothbrushes, small pot toothpaste
Water purification tablets
Emergency dental kit
Safety pin
Loperamide tablets
Dioralyte sachets

(in red bag) Sticking plasters, small bandage + wipes (cleansing and anti-mosquito)

Winter Kit

2009-10-13T07:04:00.000-07:00

With the coming of colder weather Valerie has added a pair of Trekmate longjohns (120gms) and a Trekmate long sleeved T-shirt (110gms) to the kit. The top was bought large enough to go over my short sleeve T and walking shirt, giving 4 layers if needed including a fleece. The Trekmate top and bottom together would also make ideal pyjamas. Technical polyester, lightweight, quick drying etc.

Water, Boots and Trekking Trousers

2009-10-05T11:38:00.001-07:00

Terry has two 1 litre bottles and Valerie has two half litre bottles: 1 litre = 1kg
In addition we are wearing one full set of clothing, excluding fleeces, and have Hi-Tec Altitude IV WP (waterproof) boots. Our 'trekking trousers' are shower-proof and have zip-off bottoms below the knee.

Terry's Packing and Weights

2009-10-05T11:24:00.000-07:00

Here is Terry's list of equipment and weights, also not in order of importance! His rucksack too is a good personal fit.

Terry's rucksack, Berghaus Freeflow IV 40+10:-
Towel (large - microfibre) - 300gms;
Valerie's towel (large - softfibre) 190gms
Small towel 110gms
Our sheet sleeping bags -(375gmsx2) - 750gms (insect proofed)
First Aid/Medical - 450gms;
Soap/toothpaste etc - 300gms;
2 'sporks', tel charger+cable -120gms;
trousers(1), shirt(1), vest(1), pants(3), T-shirt(1) - 1k 100gms;
Socks - 200gms
Fleece - 350gms;
Camera and case - 250gms;
Waterproofs:- poncho - 340gms and trousers - 350 gms
Crocs - 220gms; .
Plus weight of my rucksack (1.67kg) and 'snack bars'.
Total weight 7.1k (without water in my bottles).

This always reminds me of Brian the snail - carrying everything around on my back! Seriously though, the fit of the rucksack is all important. If it fits correctly you can pack it full and, with practice, carry it all day. Mine has already been from Santander to Oviedo on the Camino del Norte, and then on to Santiago over the Camino Primitivo, 600 km with no problems.

I am looking forward to taking things a bit slower and having time to visit places I just walked through before.

Valerie's Packing and Weights

2009-10-02T12:20:00.000-07:00

Here is Valerie's list of equipment and weights, not in order of importance! The rucksack was chosen because it is a good personal fit.

Valerie's rucksack, Freeflow IV 20:-
Trousers (1), shirts (2), T-shirts (2), underwear (3 sets) -1kg 200gm
Socks -200gms (Corrymoor mohair - 1pr cushion sole, 1pr plain knit; 3prs Rohan liners )
Long sleeved zip-T shirt - 150gms
Trekmate lightweight longjohns and long sleeved T - 230gms
Rohan dress - 185gms
Fleece (in Pod-sac)- 350gms
Waterproof poncho -340gms
Waterproof leggings 200gms
Crocs (in Pod-sac) -220gms
Glasses & case -100gms
Soap/shower gel, toothpaste & t-brush,comb -300gms
Rucksack - 1.07kg and snack bars
Total weight 4.6kg (without water in my bottles)

Small camera in case (round neck). Terry is carrying my towels and sheet sleeping bag to keep weight down and enable me to use the 20lt rather than the 25lt rucksack.

Photos:
Clothes, waterproof poncho in bag, sheet and towels

Clothes and poncho folded/rolled and ready to pack. The socks tuck in the bottom corners of the pack

How much can I carry?

2009-09-27T09:28:00.000-07:00

Part of the preparation is about planning the essentials. A good rucksack, what should go into it and how much it weighs. Ideal aim is 10% of body weight. Last year Terry was carrying about 7kg plus water. My aim is for less than this, about 4 - 4.5kg, plus water, if possible. That is the weight I think I can manage and Terry will not take a sleeping bag so will help by carrying some items for me. We will be weighing the pack contents and listing it here, so watch this space................

Photo:
Both rucksacks fully packed for a practise walk in Stover Park.
My fleece and Crocs are in the Pod-Sac fastened to the back of my pack.
Terry's has a top pocket with buckles which holds his fleece in place.

Godolphin; Cornwall

2009-09-14T08:36:00.000-07:00

The Godolphin Estate in Cornwall is owned by the National Trust. There are well waymarked paths through the estate and some very interesting cattle grids. We walked about 10km in total with a break for a picnic lunch. No blisters; the 3 pairs of socks trick works well. (Very thin liner, lightweight mohair middle layer and cushion-sole mohair outer layer).

Photo:
Granite cattle grid

Cornish Holiday

2009-09-12T11:13:00.000-07:00

During a week in Cornwall we were able to walk part of the cliff path near Hayle. There is one cove where the seals breed and can be seen from the cliffs above. We counted over 50 on the beach below us, from very large adults down to young pups.
Nearby is Godrevy lighthouse. It is also possible to walk along the cliffs nearer to Hayle and back along the beach, after calling in at the Jampot Cafe.
Further along the path is "Hell's Mouth" cove, where there is also a very welcome cafe serving Fairtrade coffee.
Distances varied but it was all good practise - particularly the climb up the cliff, using the steps, back to our campsite.

Photos:
Seal colony

Godrevy Lighthouse
Coast path

Templer Way - 2

2009-08-27T08:10:00.000-07:00

Today we both walked part of the Templer Way, 7.6km in 2 hours including a coffee break. Terry keeps shortening my stick, by a few millimetres a time, until we get it right. Nearly there I think.
Next week sees us aiming for some longer or more strenuous walks. I also need to get used to carrying my new rucksack regularly. At present it weighs around 3.5k without water and includes a complete change of clothes, my waterproof poncho, fleece and a few 'odds and ends'. I need to add in a towel and liner-sheet for weight. As the bag is only 20 litre my Crocs will have to tie on the outside when needed. However this was the most comfortable fit for me and Terry has said he will have room for some of our shared items - First Aid kit etc. We are not expecting to take sleeping bags so that will be space saved.

Photos:
The footbridge is over a stream near Teigngrace.

The railway from the Heathfield Industrial Estate to Newton Abbot only gets occasional use!

Templer Way

2009-08-21T08:20:00.000-07:00

A longish walk today: 12 kilometres on the Templer Way, local footpaths and by-roads. Valerie went off to meet with a friend and dropped me at Stover park. The Templer Way runs from Hay Tor quarries on Dartmoor to the river Teign near Teignmouth. The first part follows the line of the granite tramway down from Dartmoor to Stover near Bovey Tracey. It then picks up the line of the Stover canal which it follows to Newton Abbot. Part of my walk today was along the old canal, now totally derelict and overgrown. It is well 'way marked' (a railway truck wheel with a barge tiller) and easy to follow.
After walking the Camino I do miss the coffee stops! In the U.K. there are very few 'bars' and the traditional English pubs are getting fewer every day! Today though, I called in at a local hotel/restaurant and had a black coffee. Black because another thing the English don't do very well is 'cafe con leche'!

Photos:
The path near the canal. The Templer Way marker can be seen on the post.

"Light and Shade" The footbridge over the River Teign. (The green box is part of the flow-meter system.)

On Dartmoor

2009-08-19T04:40:00.000-07:00

A lack of posts over the past weeks was due to time spent with small grand-daughters; on holiday on their own from Sheffield! We had the joy of introducing them to 'The Moor' which is only 8 miles from our home. They enjoyed finding and taking imprints of the stamps from 'Letterboxes'. Looking under rocks for the plastic containers and scrambling up and down. Needless to say they loved it.

Pictures of Saddle Tor and Widecombe from Bonehill rocks.

Glastonbury - cradle of English Christianity

2009-08-07T07:02:00.000-07:00

The tower is all that remains of the chapel of St. Michael on the top of Glastonbury Tor. In traditional folk tales the Tor was one of the entrances to the 'Underworld'. The Wisht Hounds also called the Wild Hunt were reputed to come out and hunt the wicked across the sky. Remember the American song "Ghost Riders in the Sky"? It may be that the early church wanted to put them to rest so a chapel was built, dedicated to St. Michael, conqueror of the Devil.

The view is across the levels to that other ancient site of Brent Knoll.

Introduction

2009-08-04T04:48:00.000-07:00

As Valerie and I hope to go back to Spain next year to walk some parts of the Camino del Norte, it seemed like a good idea to start a new blog and detail some of our preparation.
These 'training walks' take us to all kinds of places of interest - England has its own pilgrimage sites some of which we already know, others we hope to visit in the future.
To begin, here is a photo of Glastonbury Tor taken from Brent Knoll across the Somerset Levels.

See http://walktocompostela.blogspot.com/ for photos and details of my Pilgrimage from Exeter to Santiago de Compostela; a walk of 411 miles.

Training for Pilgrimage

New Year 2012

Photos

Autumn sights

Walks around Clumber

Autumn Views

September walking

Preparing for 2012

Future planning

Final preparations for 2011

Sun and warmth

Guide book, walks and rain

Breaking the 15km barrier

Terry's Packing List

Valerie's Packing list

Spring is coming

Roads and tracks

Sun and Catkins

Sunshine after the rain

First walk of 2011

Last walk of 2010

Snowed in

More Winter Walking

Winter Walking

Advent Sunday

Sun and Dragonflies

Autumn walking

Clumber Park and Sherwood Forest

The Templer Way

Short walks

New rucksack

Walking on Exmoor

Moorland view

August walking

Cornwall in July

Training for 2011

Return to the Camino 2010

Hills and woods

Bluebells

Dartmoor

Dartmoor - more photos

Through the woods

Across the fields

Bridleway

Back in training

Return to the Camino

Getting quicker!

Mud and water

Food!

Mothering Sunday

Longer walks

Footpath walking

Flood post

Snow - again

Back on 'track'

January 2010

Cotswolds at Christmas

Winter Walking

Walking in the Peak District

Walking in the Cotswolds

Medical/First Aid Kit

Winter Kit

Water, Boots and Trekking Trousers

Terry's Packing and Weights

Valerie's Packing and Weights

How much can I carry?

Sponsored Walk

Godolphin; Cornwall

Cornish Holiday

Templer Way - 2

Templer Way

On Dartmoor

Glastonbury - cradle of English Christianity

Introduction