22nd Day and a sense of achievement

Saturday 22nd Mar I was joined by a good friend and Teddy, the dog, this morning as I walked from Burton Bradstock (the beautiful village of my childhood) up North Hill before picking up the old railway line to West Bay and back across the golf course. We enjoyed a coffee and cake in the sunshine to celebrate my 120 mile achievement. I cannot quite believe that I have finished as the challenge seemed almost impossible on the first day. I couldn't have done it without the support and company of Anthony and all the kindness of friends. Thank you all. This is something that I will always remember.  Share

19th Day and yet more hills!

Wednesday 19th Mar A long challenging walk today from Kingcombe via Wynford Eagle, Cruxton and home, but I was determined to make it. The views were spectacular with endless fields, hedgerows, grazing sheep with their lambs and the sound of birds; nature at it's best. I met an inspiring young mother today who said that she had come from a 'crappy' school in Leicester and was persuaded to do The Duke of Edinburgh award. She said that the skills she learnt (orienteering, volunteering, teamwork, overcoming challenges) was the best thing she has ever done and sustained her throughout her life. I thought of her as I slowly made my way up another hill and felt even more determined to complete this challenge. Thank you again for all your support and encouragement.  Share

16th Day and the sun's still shining

Sunday 16th Mar Anthony and I enjoyed a sunny walk from Burton Bradstock combining the countryside with the beach. We took the opportunity to share some delicious chips and an ice cream from the Hive Beach Cafe probably putting all those calories back on that we had just walked off! I feel we needed a boost as I have nearly achieved 90 miles so far. Thank you again for all your support.  Share

12th Day feeling fitter

Wednesday 12th Mar I combined my voluntary work for The Dorset Wildlife Trust with a walk home today of 5.6 miles. Luckily the hailstones had stopped before I set off and, although chilly, it was another scenic walk. Friends joined us yesterday to celebrate my half way mark of 60 miles on a South Dorset Ridgeway walk and a picnic on Chesil Beach. Those hills are actually getting easier! Thank you again for all your support.  Share

8th Day and still standing

Saturday 8th Mar I've discovered some beautiful new walks, battled with a fallen tree, brambles and a bog, but have persevered and achieved 45 miles. The bike has even been dusted off and used too. I will keep going with the encouragement of Anthony and all my kind supporters. Please continue to follow my progress as it's really appreciated.  Share

4th Day

Tuesday 4th Mar Discovering some new walks in West Dorset. The weather has been beautiful which always helps. There's certainly no getting away from the steep hills, but the views from the top are always worthwhile. Share

The very beginning

Saturday 1st Mar Day 1. A beautiful sunny day walking from our home in West Dorset. Following a steep climb, we were rewarded with wonderful views from the Wessex Ridgeway before dropping down to the village of Cattistock, stopping for a snack in the churchyard and heading home via Chilfrome. Lesson learnt: I must pack less in my backpack as I carried the chocolate brownies and nuts all the way home.  Share