Wow, walking 40 miles a day, no training, no compass even when you can't see beyond your nose and a few pints at lunchtime as well - we must all be in awe of your ability and your fitness level! You really are a superman/woman!

Getting back to what the Lost Walker asked at the beginning of this thread, I'd like to express concern about aiming to do the C2C in 12 days - if anyone in your group has not done any long distance walking before.

I agreed with Mr Lizard about training. Might help, but only long distance walking prepares you for long distance walking. I think the most sensible advice is - if you've not done it before - is to not over-estimate what you can do.

When I walked the C2C I remember a young lad who had planned to carry all his gear and was doing something like 20 miles a day. I met him just before Richmond, by which time he had knackered his knee, had started using Sherpa Van (which he said was more expensive if you take that decision mid-walk), had had to buy a day pack, and had massively cut back on his route itinerary with all sorts of consequent logistical problems with his B&Bs.

For me, having done a number of long distance routes now, I had a salutory experience earlier this year, when I had some time off over the August bank holiday - originally thinking I'd head up to walk across Westmorland, but then opting for the Cotswolds because I hadn't realised it was a bank holiday and I didn't want crowds. Because the Cotswolds is my training ground (!), I had an over casual attitude towards the distances I was going to walk - and I set myself grueling 20 miles days from the off (carrying all my gear).

Hmmm - day one - fine - 21 miles - no problems. Enjoyed it. Felt good. Day two - aimed to do 22 miles - at 16 miles I was totally exhausted and - ashamed to admit it - had to call a taxi to take me the rest of the way on that day. Stupido! I was thinking that on the Pennine Way I had been doing over 20 miles on several days - which was right - but then that was after having already done four day's walking. For me, jumping straight into 20 milers with a heavy pack - even on a tame path like the Cotswolds Way - was just daft.

So - know your limits - and if you haven't done long distance walking before - you won't know your limits - so take it easy - build up to it. And whatever else - if you haven't carried a heavy pack whilst walking before - use SHERPA VAN to see how you get on before you really go for it. Walking with a heavy pack is a whole different ball game to walking with a day pack.

If you're a seasoned long distance walker, I guess 12 days for the C2C would be fine. But I think it'd probably mean Roshthwaite to Patterdale; Shap to Kirkby Stephen; and Richmond to Ingleby Cross - all in one day - definately doable (and, dependent on your preferences, Mowbraying in one day might be advisable), but perhaps challenging if you're not used to it.

You could consider having your baggage transferred each day. This will obviously make the walking easier as no heavy rucksack to carry.

I always book early to avoid disappointment, especially since you may have a few to accommodate. I have booked 9 months ahead sometimes because I always walk with my dog so that I can relax knowing we have got somewhere. Training to get fit I think is essential but only in terms of going out for walks regularly and taking in some hill work. If you are starting soon, then you will be amply fit by next September, which is an excellent month to do it in. You don't need a GPS, just basic navigational skills.

Good luck and enjoy.

Bliss, I couldn't agree more, firstly, that although training might help it is only long distance walking that prepares one for long distance walking and, secondly, that carrying too much gear can cause problems - I try to only take the essentials and leave at home compass, torch, whistle, first aid kit and mobile phone, not that such items are very heavy but we all know about the straw that broke the camels back.