LeJog 2006 - Land's End to John O'Groats

Overwhelmed by all the supportive comments and the massive amount of money we have raised. Thank you one and all. There will be a big get together in the next 4 to 6 weeks (details being finalised) so keep your ears to the ground and if I don't have your contact details e-mail me halfpennyj@googlemail.com so I can keep in touch. There are plans for the next adventure so if you think you're up for a challenge let me know....more details soon. Both of us are struggling to drink, I know many of you thought that we probably had a beer at each pub we stopped at but honestly didn't touch a drop the entire walk. Mind you, will try to make up for it. Thanks again.

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It is done. 1000 miles in 73 days. Finished at 1400 and had a pint. Hard day of 18 miles was soon forgotten. Then, joy of joys, booked a b and b and slept in a bed for the first time since july 7. Very happy. Thanks to everyone for comments, support and donations. Look out for news of celebration party when we return.

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As stated in the last audio message from Helmsdale, we decided to try to make JOG in three days. This meant that we awoke this morning at 5:30 am for an early start. Easier said than done, but we did complete the 20 odd miles just after 3pm. A similar start and number of miles tomorrow should see us complete. Very tired and sore now, sleep comes very easily.

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Arrived in helmsdale with the sun on our back after making great time. After studying maps we decided to hold to for the day and camped next to river. Our plan is now to have a couple of longer days and to arrive John o'groat's late on monday. Then go to Duncansby head on tuesday morning for photos and celebrations. With the end so near we must keep focused as a couple of very big days ahead. East coast is pretty ragged up here but looks excellent. Hope weather stays in our favour.

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A very long, very wet day. Pretty much on A9 all day due to firth crossings and sea entrances to loch's. Ok drizzle in morning but heavy rain all afternoon and till nightfall which is now before half eight. Tarmac hard on the feet especially when wet as difficult to get feet out to breath at breaks. Due to crazy pace and distance may get to last food stop tomorrow. Always exciting as get to see new maps. We have been warned of a big hill. Have a good weekend.

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No, but we're right next to Dornoch! Boom boom. Quite a long day today as we continue our way northward. We passed the 900 mile mark, so less than 100 miles to go. Which is a good thing because I don't think the boots will take much more. There really aren't any footpaths here, so we're having to walk along roads. There is quite a bit of evidence of the Picts, from cairns to carved stones. One of which we saw at Edderton church that dates back to 700 A.D. Tomorrow we cross the Dornoch firth.

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Early start got us through Inverness and across the moray firth in fine weather after wet start. The moray was like a mirror and made the road crossing pleasant as well as strange walking over a massive suspension bridge. Left the main road very quickly after and pushed on to collect last but one food parcel. With full weight still managed another few miles to get us over the cromarty firth as well. Very hard day and pretty tired. May try some crazy forest tracks tomorrow but not always trustworthy.

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Early start for 17 mile push to Inverness. Solid day with good weather and pace. Now camped about half mile west of the moray firth ready for bridge crossing tomorrow. Pretty much the end of the great glen. Definitely been my favourite stretch. Good push tomorrow should see us collect next food stop. First bite of the A9 tomorrow.

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Yesterday we broke the 850 mile mark in the morning during another beautiful day through some excellent forest walks on the side of Ness. A lot of it wound up hill and we were treated to excellent views across the loch. Along these latter stages of the great glen way we're further out from the tourist areas and its been really quiet and peaceful. Although we're generally lead us back down to civilisation. Today we're heading to Inverness to finish this section before the final leg along the north east coast

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Arrived fort augustus early and watched some boats go through the locks. Then pushed on along the shore line of loch ness. Lovely day again with fantastic views.

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Good morrow fair citizens, today the glorious weather spurred us on in our quest. We made up the miles to the Glengarry hotel in great time. We'd started at one end of loch Lochy, passed that and strolled the lenght of loch Oich to get to our campsite - a spot right next to the canal. Tomorrow we hit loch Ness. Hopefully the weather will stay fine for a while although the temp has dropped. Congratulations to those that recognised the Tormentil that had been tormenting me!

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No rain today. Nice one. Left fort bill and started our journey north east along the caledonian canal. A series of locks called neptune's staircase saw a 1943 steamer pull in. Soon invited on for cheese and biscuits and haggis ceremonny. Pic shows boat. Pushed out some more miles and camped just at the start of loch lochy. Temp dropped to about 4 degrees in the night so chilly start. Glorious scenery, best of the walk i reckon.

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Reached Fort Bill early this afternoon, bringing an end to the west highland way. Only a little rain and we've managed to do a bit of laundry ready for the next sections. We're camped in Glen Nevis with Ben Nevis looming above us, but we're not going to take a day out to climb it. Fantastic scenery and we're looking forward to more as we join the great glen way to Inverness.

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On our 60th day awoke to heavy and persistent rain which has only just eased but not stopped. Opened tent door to biggest midge swarm i have ever seen. Pleasant morning. Climbed devils staircase into cloud base and wind/rain. On the up though turned 800 miles. Due in fort william tomorrow so finish the west highland and start great glen. Everything wet still and now right boot has developed a leak so worzel style plastic bags have to be employed. No picture today as too wet to get phone out.

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We made it to our 15th food stop at the Bridge of Ochy yesterday afternoon and camped next to the river nearby. We got quite wet in the later stages and rain seems to be the norm at the mo, although today was a bit of an exception. This is making keeping the feet dry a bit of a problem as the boots don't dry fully. So far we've avoided blisters, but this may now change. The scenery is wonderful, but the terrain means we'll have to split up the next section to Fort Bill into two.

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Pretty wet all day today and we are definately in midge territory. Swarms of the buggers as we pitched tonight. Guess thats what you get if you camp next to a loch. Good mileage today but rough going. Constant up and down on the shore line over rocks for most part. Loch looked excellent though and last few miles in sun. Plan a slightly shorter day tomorrow, about 10 miles. Hopefully weather will hold so we can do some socks. Finished at 765 miles so pretty happy. Spent last 20 minutes killing midges in tent

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Today we passed the 750 mile mark, leaving only a quarter of the walk to go. Scotland isn't easily impressed and poured on us most of the morning after a night of very heavy rains. Still, we made good progress and the sun did shine on the righteous from time to time. We're now camped on the shores of loch Lomond ready to see lots of Rob Roy orientated sights tomorrow. Did I mention the rain?

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What a full day. Left the forth canal and joined the kelvin path to food stop 14. On the trail by 0730 this morning so arrived at stop by 1430. Loaded gear and then joined highland way and knocked out another 3 miles before setting up camp next to river. Weather held all day but a little shower tonight. Trying to get on trail earlier now as getting dark around nine. Picture shows our first views on the new trail. Gotta love those hills.

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Again the weather has been kind to us, i now feel suspicious and suspect it's up to something..We passed through Falkirk today along the tow path to where the Union canal meets the Forth and Clide at the Falkirk wheel. This is a massive structure that lifts boats up or down as there is a large difference in height between the canals. Previously a large number of locks were required. Strangely it wasn't working when we arrived -someone ask Les if he did the programming- but it was working when we left. Ta ta

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Having negotiated the outskirts of edinburgh yesterday we picked up the union canal and beat out sixteen miles despite full weight. Back on the canal path this morning for another good day. Weather has been on and off showers but wind is cold and pretty strong. An nice old boy at last food stop gave us some lavender oil. A drop on your pillow each night makes you sleep alright he said. Seems to work and makes the tent smell slightly less threatening. Crazy Falkirk wheel tomorrow.

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...And on we go! Left lauderdale to get to our next food stop. Unfortunately, a lot of our way was on roads but as we reached 400 odd meters we could see the Forth of Firth and the east coast. The highland mountains were just visible in the smokey blue haze of the distance. Got to our food stop in Pencaitland around 2pm and were warmly welcomed, view had also had a whip round for us! Thanks to Jean and work for the parcel they sent- that was rapidly dispatched as we couldn't carry the extra weight!

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A few spots of rain didn't spoil the day as we crossed the two thirds point in beautiful country. On the south uplands way for most of the day which was quite rolling although not much elevation. Managed to launder trousers which was much needed. Cleaned out water bladders as well so good chores score. Night is dry but getting darker earlier and getting cooler everyday. Hat is now being worn for bed but no sleeping bag liner of thermals as yet. Big push to food stop 13 tomorrow.

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Today was the end of our seventh week, only three and a bit to go! Making good progress on St. Cuthbert's way through the lowlands before the hills. We passed the Eilgon tree, which is actutally a stone. Apparently it is where Thomas Rhymer fell asleep, probably under the influence, and was carried off by a fairy to her land. What only seemed a few days turned out to be 7 years and once awake he uttered jibberish which was taken to be poetry and prophecy. Check him on the net, only in scotland.

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Our first full day without rain for what seems forever. Managed to launder and dry some socks and finish in good time just outside jedburgh so got lick of polish on boots as well. Noticeably flatter with much more farming now we are over the cheviot hills. Lots more water which is good but also lots more midges. Got 27 bites just on my left foot. God Damn i must taste good. Have to wear socks with our flip flops which is strangely fetching. Picture is of cessford castle on augustines way.

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Plenty of barren landscapes for us to enjoy, but as finding water has been difficult we have spent the last few days pushing out the miles. Yesterday we passed 600 miles in and today we crossed into Scotland. We've also managed to get to Kirk Yetholm food stop a day early! That's a rest day and a mile or two in the bag, although its taken its toll a bit. Julian and Josh were in the pub after finishing the Pennines in 12 days. Weather has been a bit wet, but i'm sure we can expect it to improve in Scotland..

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Really should be dry then wet. Very wet. Left food stop and on to hadrian's wall. Tough going but very impressive. Did about 8 miles before Pennines split and we headed north again. Heavens opened about four with heavy rain just to make sure kit and boots didn't dry! Really starting to feel like we are in the middle of nowhere. Scottish border looms but midges already present. Hard day ahead tomorrow so on the trail by 7 if all goes well. 1 month to go today. Hope everyone is well.

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Food stop 11 at the Greenhead hotel. Given an excellent reception by Doug the owner. Randomly caught up with Julian and his son who are making an excellent crack of doing the Pennines in 12 days as well as Howard who we'd spent a few days walking with previously. Said goodbye to them and to Mick this morning. On our way along Hadrian's wall for our next stop, which should take us into Scotland.

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Our circuit's been dead but nothing's wrong. No signal since half way as been in the hills since. Just outside Alston tonight at roughly 564 miles so doing ok with food stop 11 tomorrow if all goes well. First dry pitch since last post. Kit is all pretty wet or damp but life goes on. Trust us we are eating all our rations and more. Still hungry and tired most of the time but still smiling most of the time. Signal is very sketchy but we do try to post as often as we can as love reading the comments. Be good.

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After spending an enjoyable previous day walking with an american guy called howard until Gargrave, today has been a bit more testing. Its getting even more lumpy. Walked from Malham to Horton and went over Pen-y-ghent at a bit of a scramble. Our halfway point worked out to be at the summit where we had our picture taken. Yes, we're still ugly. See you in 38 days.

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After 35 days of continuous walking and with the weather in our favour a hard fought for rest day is being taken. Of course rest day means launder and wash and equipment maintenance but we are generally off our feet and not carrying the weight. As it is a rest day we have allowed ourselves a campsite or more precisely a field at the back of a cottage. Unbelievably the guy has a helicopter in his garage!. Back to the grind tomorrow and looking forward to the 500 miles.

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Made our ninth food stop after a slight route plan error in our favour a long days walk. The wind was still strong from the north, but the scenery is beautiful. The picture is of Stodley pike.

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Big hills. Big weight. No water as streams and rivers pretty dry but found some late in the afternoon. Weather was windy and opened up right on que as we were about to pitch. Views are excellent though although we have to work hard for them. No signal last night so just had brekky after an hours climb! Just about at top around 550 metres. Looks like another hard day today as drizzle just started. Got to get on now. Catch up soon.

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We've completed our food stop in the Church Inn at Chelmorton near Buxton. We were very warmly recieved by the owners. From there we pushed further into the Peak district and passed through 3 of the Derbyshire dales - chee, monk and hay. We had a last proper mean in a local pub before setting up camp and starting the pennines today. Except food stops we're alone on the moors...

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Big day today, especially for a sunday. Made the 30 day mark and turned 400 miles by midday. Finished at 409. Switched from the limestone way to tissington way which is an old railway. Picture is of tissington. Also entered Derbyshire proper and peak district. Bit more rolling to say the least. Camped alongside track by an old signal box. Food stop tomorrow so more mini mars. Somebody loves me! Sun today but drizzle in the hills tonight, at just under 400 metres. Strange but highest we've been all walk.

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394 odd miles in and we're on the border with Derbyshire. We're encountering a lot more styles which are slowing us down as well as being hard on the knees. Its a bit of a slog to 500 miles, but we will pass 400 miles tomorrow. Keep up the comments it gives us something to read of an evening. Cheers!

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After collecting our re-supply package, bags at full weight. Still, managed a shave , got some fruit, navigated cannock chase (a massive wood), had full strip wash and laundered a full set of clothes and 2 pairs of socks. Did our mileage to boot. Now camped behind a massive dam with weird gurgling noises beneath us (see pic). We didn't put our pegs in too far just in case. Enjoy your weekend. Ended on 381 miles. Weather dry.

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Hello. Arrived at The Nelson pub sixish this afternoon to pick up our seventh food parcel. steve the landlord has been very welcoming and let us use their field out the back to camp in. We've also just had a fantastic dinner to boot. I tell you, its killing me being in all these pubs and not having a beer! Long day today, but the weather broke into sun about midday. Rain tomorrow by all accounts. The picture is of our breakfast of porridge bolstered by blackberries. We had loads Mmm.

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Dry start to the day but very windy south westerly was bound to mean rain. Thanks to Claire and cathy 3 hard boiled eggs loving prepared the night before where consumed in no time, see picture of egg and Dan. Although decent mileage today bit of a push to collect food tomorrow but with our lightest packs will give it a shot. Day ended in pretty heavy rain and wind to boot. Pitched up near the birmingham and fazeley canal so a few flat miles to start the day. Hope you're drier than we are!

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Hi All, as Just mentioned in the audio we made it a third of the way today - 333 miles, the triple Nelson. Today we've passed between Birmingham and Coventry, finishing the day on 341 miles either in or under the threat of rain on a very blustery day. We collected some water from nearby stables and they kindly gave us three fresh eggs. We've hard boiled them for eating tomorrow and used the hot water for our nightly wash 'in between'. We're now hunkered down for the night expecting more wind and rain.

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A good day for mileage but on and off showers. Slightly deviated route to walk along staff upon avon canal. Rain got heavy towards the end of the day and pic shows us under one of the bridges for a quick feet out of boots break. Had to pitch and eat in heavy rain but at least got to bed early. Happy birthday molly! Have a good day.

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Yesterday afternoon we made it to our sixth food stop in a village called Barton. Its on the river Avon and we've swapped counties for Warwickshire. At the pub, the cottage of content, we were given a warm welcome by Scott the landlord. A man with almost as many children as stories! As we have found in many of our stops, we were really treated and the kindness (food and campsite included) is greatly appricated. I look forward to visiting again.

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When nature calls the polite term is to say you need a meeting with the brigadier. A term introduced to us by a good friend, Jed. The picture shows the essential items required for any meeting. The affectionately named dump shovel and cover, tissues, hand cleanser and walking stick for support and undergrowth clearance. The experience of meeting the brigadier is seldom pleasant and often unannounced. A smoke is often needed after to steady the nerves.

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As can be seen from the picture the rain finally caught us after so many days. It was obviously gonna happen as it's the weekend. It's true during the week lovely weather. Weekend comes and well, you know what. Still with the tarp some para cord and a few bungees dinner was ok. Strong winds to boot. Passed 300 miles today. Heart of england way has given us fantastic views of the Cotswolds. Lots of hills has kept us working but feel good for it. Eating all our food but still hungry. Re-supply tomorrow.

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Yes, today was our three week mark and we're in Gloucestershire now. We must be stupid or something, why didn't anyone try to stop us?! No picture to put up tonight as i'm sure you're all all bored of beautiful little houses and chocolate box villages. Along with hills that's all the Cotswolds have shown us. Still maybe some surprises tomorrow. Pip-pip.

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Started the day with full weight as just picked up food and had to carry water for brekky. Still made good progress including some nice hills! Although overcast very humid so sweating buckets. Where is my beer belly going? End of ve day crossed a small river so managed to wash two pairs of socks. Sun came out again just in time for us to lug an extra 4kg of water to final camp. Nice landowner allowed to use field and put a fiver towards charity. Yorkshire pudding filler for supper, my favourite. 275 miles.

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Hi all! Just a reminder that you can hear our voice messages on the 'where are we now' page. Just click on the red position marker and then select the audio message.

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Got to the Cross Inn at Avening yesterday afternoon. Dave and Becky gave us a very warm welcome at their charming establishment! Dave also introduced us to John and Ellen, who kindly allowed up to use the field by their house to camp. After we left the Cross very well fed and contented, John kindly treated us to tea and biscuits as we showed him the website. In the morning we were supplied with tea and toast with their kids - Sam and Rebecca. A very lovely family and we thank them for the hospitality.

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Another very hot day. Tracked along river and so water was in ready supply. Filter seems to be getting slower though so will need another strip down. Crossed under the M4 late in the day and turned 250 miles! A quarter of the way. Had a hot chocolate in the evening to celebrate. Met a really nice farmer at the end and showed us excellent field and gave us water. Managed to give the boots another polish as well so good day all round. Should get to food stop by four tomorrow so will have an earlier day.

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At some point today, not exactly sure when, we crossed from Somerset into Wiltshire. We started slower than usual but still made the necessary miles by the end of the day and the landscape is definately getting more lumpy as we head into the Cotswolds. We also crossed the river Avon on the Kennet and Avon canal aquaduct. Not before having lunch at the tea room where we had a nice chat with a old gent who had cycled many miles and was stopping for tea and cake before the final hill home.

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Woke to heavy drizzle. Wet weather routines a bit rusty after so long so didn't get on the trail till half eight. Picked up the macmilan way after dropping off to visit the bull. Weather broke mid morning and sun kicked in big style. Did good time and so found a lovely place for strip wash and laundry. Takes nearly an hour to do so have to be having a good day on mileage. Finished at 223 miles so pretty happy. Cotswolds are now on our horizon. Thanks to chris and nigel from our first food stop for the note.

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210 miles done now (about a fifth) and we've just picked up our forth food parcel from the superb Bull inn at Barton. Merton and his wife were very kind and welcoming, even though they were very busy. After they kindly fed and watered us you could see why, the food is excellent! Many thanks to them and visit if you can, i hope we will again. We're now camped up on a lovely soft grassy field, thanks to a spot of rain, and have seen deer running across the field. Don't they know we've eaten?

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Crazy day today. Got up at half five to meet pete the organic dairy farmer. Milked a cow by hand at six then helped with the rest of the herd and the automated 'suckler' machines. Very cool but weird. Had fresh milk for breakfast obviously. Hard day though with new watch showing thirty six degrees! Will hopefully pick up food tomorrow but will be a push. Picture is of me in the river exe collecting water for a late brekky a few days ago. Thanks for all the comments. Reading them has become addictive.

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After a good nights sleep we were away by 8am. As we passed the fruit farm again (we had to back track to find a camp site) we filled up on water and bought some raspberrys. After chatting for a while she also have us a free box of strawberries, always appricated! On the trail we had a good wash in the river Tone and our path took us through Tawnton. But the end of the day has seen us find a good field with a view and Peter the dairy farmer who gave us some spot on organic milk. Now for the strawberries!

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Left our campsite with best wishes from an old farmer. Didn't understand much he said but we are sure it was words of encouragement. Grand western tow path for most of the morning with a stop for food parcel three. Very quiet all the way and beautiful countryside. Hit the deane way this pm and now camped just in sight of wellington. Passed through a farm last thing and managed to scrape together enough for some strawberries. A treat after hitting over our mileage. Very hot day again.

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No post yesterday as we couldnt get a signal. Good progress was made and we saw 3 old corn sheathing machines collecting for the thatchers, we also net a couple walking the two moors way and gathered in some shade for a chat. Today has been hot and the land very rolling. Thankfully we're on a canal tow path for a while and collect our next food parcel tomorrow morning. Hope everyone is fine, its good reading the comments!

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Good day today but heat is sapping in all ways. Trying to keep hydrated is a big test plus not getting burnt and trying to eat hot food. All issues we will no doubt miss when, and it is when, it starts chucking it down. Good strip off wash today and laundred shorts and socks. Have built up a six mile buffer over the last week which will help if anything goes pete tong. Camp location is excellent tonight which is good because we both need quality rest. Day ten tomorrow, can't beleive it.

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The weather is getting hotter by the day and is supposed to continue to do so for some days. It is proving hard to stay hydrated as we have to keep up the mileage. We are now 108 miles in. Still, we picked up our second food parcel from a beautiful village called Bratton Clovelly in Devon. At the Clovelly inn the owners were spectacularly kind and friendly and fed us very well! The locals were also so hospitable and many donated. A massive thanks to you all! To not visit if you're in Devon is a crime.

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Started on the road just after eight. Not bad as Dan felt rough. Made good progress across lowland moors. Excellent but baron scenery. No brekky but gorp and mini mars pushed us through to a late lunch just outside of launceston. Weather has been crazily hot. Found this massive field of clover to pitch on. It was still so hot when we got here about seven that Dan had to put a sleeping bag on his head! Hard day though. Still, four miles in to tomorows mileage so should pick up food number two. Over & over.

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Skirted around the periphery of Bodmin after following the beautiful Camel trail, the route of an old steam train line along the Camel river. Bashed out the miles to be firmly on track. A strip wash and shave to boot, belive it or not a pleasure!

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Collected our first food package today at about ten. Nigel and christine were great. Made us a cuppa while we packed the gear. Nice to see the mini mars make a return. Camped along the camel trail with bodmin within our sights. The beast has a lot to fear from our collective odour. Picture shows a sunny lunch with gear out to dry and our newly devised tripod for the water filter. Packs at full weight today so feet and body took a battering. Sixty four miles under our belt so looking forward to the hundred.

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Hard day today, Just was ill this morning but seems better now. Did the mileage but we are short of the first food point due to non existent footpaths. Weather has been good, but hot. Still, will make the collection tomorrow.

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Finding a good camp site is not always easy but once selected Basha up to protect the gear then race to pitch the tents. Dinner on, hopefully yorkshire pudding filler, good wash and teeth brush and in the bags for around half nine. Also we get to paddle semi naked in streams and wash our clothes. Hope everyone is well.

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Day three and the routine is starting to take shape. Wake up half six and pack gear away. Always from inside the tent so as we are well rehearsed for when it's raining. Stretch, pack on, crack out the first three miles before brekky. Basha up and noodles or oats. Pound out the rest of the miles stopping for gorp, lunch and more gorp. Always trying to manage our water from available sources whist not carrying too much. Our new gravity water feeder is worth it's weight in gold. Continued on next entry.

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The second day started the same way as the first ended - with rain. The weather changed for the better about midday which meant we could take our waterproofs off, by that time we were boiled in our own sweat. Nice. Footpaths are a bit hit and miss here, we've ice to battle with more than one dense patch of nettles and brambles. We soon got our revenge with a few judicial swipes of a walking pole. Conversly bridal paths are spot on, shame we have to go out of our way to use them!

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We have arrived a lands end. By open top bus no less. Had our photo taken by the sign. Got our chitty signed. Last drink in the first pub of england. Good beer,great food. No more home comforts. Let the walk begin.

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Just getting on for two in the morning. Coach leaves just before 10 tomorrow. I now have no hair and the bags are packed. Still loads of random tasks left. Thanks to everyone who has sponsored us. Will be in Lands End tomorrow by 10 pm, after a 15 hour coach ride, lets see if we've got what it takes.

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Arrived back last night from dropping the food parcels off. We started at John O'Groats after bombing up to Fort William on Friday. We did six drops on Saturday, four drops on Sunday, six drops on Monday and four drops on Tuesday. We ended fifty miles outside Lands End and then belted back to Kent. Just under 2500 miles in five days. All obviously at high speed. A big thanks to Lo Gray and Russ in Edinburgh and Clitheroe respectively for not just putting us up but making sure our alcohol intake was significant enough to push us through the next 3 months! Todd is going to be putting up a page to show all our food drops and both Dan and I would like to say how pleasant and helpful everyone was at the pubs and hotels that allowed us to leave out provision packages with them. We will be getting the coach down to Penzance then a bus on to Lands End on Thursday. Then a bit of housekeeping on Friday and set off at last on Saturday 7th July. As usual there seems to be an endless list of things to sort before we leave but starting to feel that everything is coming together.

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We got to Fort Bill last night and completed the first 2 drops already. Just a few more to do today

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Well; due to having to drop the food packs ourselves, we will be setting off a few days later than planned. Still, all good things come to those that wait.

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Just had a call from Customs. The water filter is due to be delivered tomorrow and had to pay thirty quid to get if through. Should be here tomorrow morning though. Fingers crossed.

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Hello. This is a test message from my phone.

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Well, work is behind me now. Dan will be leaving next week. Still loads to do and the water filter is not here yet. Conversations with America have reassured me but lets see what happens. The final route is coming together and the final purchases will be made next week. The enormity of the challenge is now starting to dawn on me. Bring it on.

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Hi,

Thanks to the friends of mine that have donated!

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I've ordered a Solar charger to provide the necessary battery power for our mobiles. I opriginally ordered it from Field and Trek, but they were out of stock with no idea when the next delivery would arrive. So I found it on http://www.ecotopia.co.uk/product_info.php?pName=solio-mobile-phone-solar-charger
One problem, I entered the country on the delivery address as United States. The site has been very helpful, and are trying to head it off before export.
DOH!

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Good News - Tent repair kit has arrived. No more sewing hopefully !!

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Thanks to Anne who has not only kindly donated but also 'kindly' reminded one and all of my childhood fetish of cleaning the loo. Many thanks. (Really)

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Looks like this is sorted with a find on an American site for a gravity fed water filter - http://www.backcountry.com/store/EXT0050/Katadyn-Base-Camp-Water-Filter - . Going to be around $80 inc shipping so sounds OK. Getting the order off now. Two big tasks left now - final route preparation and purchase/forwarding food parcels. 6 weeks to go !!

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Mission Complete. Tent exchanged with minimum of fuss. 2 smaller water carriers purchased (4 litres a piece) to enable quick water extraction so we can purify at the end of the day. Next task is to get the gravity fed water purifier sorted. Chop (Dan) is on this.

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Hi all,

Just a quick cheers to the new donors. Jayne send us a picture in your uniform - Thanks for the money. Lo did you pledge 1p more than Charley? That means you're our top donor and so you're in the running for the all over body massage when we return. Full on. Cheers Sir.

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thirty day guarantee from cotswolds means full tent exchange for new. will blast up there thursday night. we are back in business. by the by thanks to charly and wookie for their donations. note to todd. this was posted straight from my phone. you are the daddy sir.

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Final day. Started early again. Wind gave us a battering in the night but other than crazy flapping sound of tent all seems in order. we were already three miles in to our programmed eighteen and a bit miles but time was tight if we were to get back to the car tonight. Excellent pace meant brekky next to a river at 0815. Fairly easy going but one bugger of a hill. farmer chatted to us at lunch. Heavens opened for the last three odd miles. Lightening just overhead. Arrived welshpool at around four pm. Got changed in a glass box. A railway station waiting room to be exact. unluckily for dan today was the day he experimented without pants. There was a young girl in the waiting room. Say no more. Got a taxi back to knighton. Driver had been to egypt for two weeks. Left knighton about half six. Drove through worse rain ever. Arrived home half ten after picking up a beer. Test walk over. A success of sorts.

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Struck camp early this morning with no mishaps. On the trail by seven. Had brekky at four odd miles and purified more water. Farmer came over on his quad bike and informed us the track was in dispute. had to back track a tad and then hit a rather big hill. Day was not looking promising. After twenty five minutes climb day started to perform. Big crazy thunder storms that echoed round the valley right next to us but never got wet. Far out. Did our full sixteen miles and because Of a mistake with route planning have now camped three miles in to the last day. We may get to welshpool early enough to get back home saturday night. Be nice to get to see everyone but it will be a shame to miss one more night out. Still got to make it though. Early night tonight, nine thirty.

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Tough day. Now ten at night. Tent repair held till morning but required belt and braces job. Sewing kit was out at half six and an hour later we were back in order. I love gaffa. Weather was excellent all day except an odd thunder shower which the tarp and lunch stop meant no worries. Much more difficult route finding and so lost a good half hour over the day. Dan had a tough day but pushed through. views were amazing and tonight camped high and managed to watch the sun set. Everything is very damp due to mist every morning and no drying time. Must catch up on some sleep now but just time for one game of solitaire.

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About to write how good the day had gone. Shutting tent door before going to sleep and the zip came straight off the main door. It's dark. It could rain. Was going to sew but then remembered gaffa tape. Doesnt stick to the tent but the little zip fabric it does. Ten minutes of faffing and hopefully will hold tonight. I'll deal with the tent dudes. Day was full of hills but at eight this first hill was the up and down the dam across the severn. Absolutely massive. As we were on the way by seven this AM we had brekky at the view point on the other side. Took the opportunity for a scrub wash and washed pants and socks. Such a sunny day that they were dry by camp. Walked across some crazy ravines. Never seen anything like it. Over four hundred metres deep. Got the fear near the edge. Had to come all the way down near the end of the day. Killed the knees. Found an escaped cow and told the farm hand. We are deep in wales. Forgot we also picked up our next food package so pack was four kilo heavier. hope the weather holds and my bodge repair gets me through tonight.

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Hard day. Raining in morning. Ate brekky under tarp. Had one mile to add for yesterday. Although every day has been hills there were hardcore. Constant two or three hundred metre ascents and , worse, descents. Kills the knees. Cleared up for lunch at two and got some sun. Dried as much kit as possible. Nearly gave birth and felt better/lighter. Not possible to ford the severn so detour meant we finished a mile or so from target. Will try to catch up tomorrow but got food stop. Will try to get up at half five and be away by seven. Really stink. Will try to get a good all over wash tomorrow. going to sleep well.

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Rain held off for breakfast didn't stop till late lunch. Very wet at six miles luckily a northern guy renovating a barn let us brew in there. Waited for break in weather while filtering ten litres of water. No break so left anyway. Sun appears from nowhere after lunch. crack on to twelve miles but behind time. Catch a little up but still don't pitch tents till half seven. Rain again. Cook and eat under tarp. works a treat. Game of solitaire. Sleep by ten.

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Hottest day ever. wore shorts. Did the full sixteen miles. Beautiful scenery. coughing sheep freak me out. Slept like a baby stank like . . . A baby.

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Crazy day. Up at six. In london by nine. Tents collected. Left london heading wales by midday. Realised short of gas near telford. Talking pages finds Halfords. Sorted. Carry on to drop food parcel at the remotest pub ever. Nice guy was happy to put in porch for collection hopefully on wednesday. on to knighton for start of walk. Arrive late and clouds look moody. Altercation with resident. Sorted. Climbed garth's hill and pitched tents. Re pitched tents. Slightly complicated. Cooked food. Ate in rain. Sleep.

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The next few entries are from the diary of our 8 day test walk. We choose the Glnydwr Way (pronounced Gwyndour I think). It is roughly the right distance 132 miles and we needed around 115/120. It is hilly and the changing weather will test all our gear. It starts at Knighton off Offa's Dyke and then heads out to the coast of Wales (but never reaching) and then returns inland to Welshpool which reconnects to Offa's Dyke.

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