The great outdoors belongs to everyone and is available for everyone to pursue their own interests, however bizarre, provided, of course, they are legal!

I meet numerous folks who are undertaking activities that I find fascinating, others that I have no interest in. I always try and talk to them about what they are doing, what they have discovered and how they pursue their passions.

Included with this is walking. It would be a great shame if everyone shared the same interests. I always congratulate everyone on a successful walk, however long they have taken. Sometimes of course, I find some stories fanciful, but I keep it to myself as I don't think it is my place to judge. Those who make outrageous claims are only kidding them self, after all.

Good luck to Slogger on his coming foray. I hope he enjoys it and succeeds in his challenge. Making a sub 5 day crossing will be a great feat. 20 days for me would be a miracle! However, I actually saw the folks undertaking the 65 hour challenge. I don't believe they were conning me (I am too long in the tooth for that!) and if they were it is no skin off my nose anyway.

So, everyone, go out and enjoy your own style of walking. Make the most of today for tomorrow (with 35% cuts), it may not still be there.

Here endeth the epistle of St Slowcoach

Sgt James,I quite enjoy reading Dave's blog.I feel it is a good thing that he documents his walks and is honest enough to admit he has struggled at times.Its not just experienced people who read these pages but also novices who are looking for advice off people who have more experience.I wish this kind of info had been available thirty years ago as it might have stopped me from trying to take on challenges I was ill-prepared for.

What I was questioning was the point in attempting a challenge walk using an inadequate diet.I can understand the military limiting rations as part of training but it makes little sense for a civilian to use the same regime,especially when they are walking past shops.Going on Dave's reply it seems that he agrees.

I didn't get that impression from Reluctant Trucker's post - he was just pulling Dave's leg as usual
I enjoy reading about how Slogger gets on during these challenges, it never comes across to me as 'self promotion', but an honest account of his journey, the success and failures. I would never be able to do it - in fact I think RTrucker may even beat me! But doesn't mean I don't want to hear about other people's experiences, and thank god I never tried!

Im with Calluna on this; I love reading about everyone's walking adventures and challenges. Sloggers accounts are always informative and entertaining reads as are many others, lets hope everyone continues posting their accounts and ignore the critics.
Les

I'm in agreement with everyone else in supporting Slogger. The forum is for offering and asking for advice, he's certainly given some good advice to me. And I don't think anyone on here boasts about what they've done, they're just discussing it with other forum members. Everyone, however long they've taken to walk the Coast to Coast, should be proud of themselves.

Thank you very much everyone.
I am nothing special, just a very enthusiastic active outdoors person, honest, I say it how I find it, and you get what you see. I cant abide liars, BS's and eternal 'P' Takers, other than them I generally get on well with everyone.
I have always said on this forum and elswhere, if I can do it, so can you, and if you can do it, so can I, simple as that. It's just a matter of finding out how and then giving it a go.
Cheers,
Dave.

Good on you Slogger, that's how your posts come across to me, so it's another endorsement here. (Though at sneaking up on 66 your level of activity could arguably be classed as 'special' and at very least inspiring)
Intrigued by the negative comment to your posts. I'd think a hiking forum where no one mentioned their achievements, failures or aspirations would be a bit of a fizzer!
Cheers, Geo.


.

Having plotted a more direct route of my own at just under 150 miles(flat), the 65 hour challenge is nothing remarkable for young fit forces personnel (or others equally inclined):

65 hrs minus overnights stops*2 (say 15hrs)

150/50 (miles/hrs) - very conveniently(?) - equates to a constant 20 m/m pace (3mph)

As Dave and I both know, to maintain this pace you are going to have to move at a faster pace (unless you have mastered the art of hurdling every obstacle and have a really good knowledge of the route...) This means eating on the move too, or further eroding into that pace - no easy feat at 17hrs a day...

My opinion is that the fitter, younger guys are 'yomping' - a combination of running/jogging/and walking - and not just walking alone to maintain such a pace.

I think most of the guys who actually take part in such crossings would have much respect for a 65 year old with similar ambitions!!
As a 50 (something) year old with 3 five day attempts now and a full recce I know I certainly have!

cheers
lwm

This race is back on this year - supported by the paras in 1992, but they didn't win...

The Dragon's Back

The Paras are great soldiers,probably the best in the world,but they don't get the training time to compete on an equal footing with specialist athletes.But if you threw in some obstacles,such as day without food and a few bouts of milling I know who my money would be on.