A Step Too Far

Posted on 5th February 2017 by onemillionbootsteps

After a period of relatively little walking (practically none of any real distance since Feshiebridge last December) the opportunity came for a few of us to go for one final “long walk” before we head off to the Sahara in just over 4 weeks. Eight of us hit the route at 9:30am, beginning at Clovenside in Forres, picking up the final two at the start of the main route. Destination, The Olive Tree at Logie Steading for lunch. AND BACK! Continue reading →

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In the Footsteps of Lions

Posted on 22nd January 2017 by onemillionbootsteps

Warthog_in_SelousThe morning dawned. Our wake up call at 6:00am comes with tea/coffee and home made biscuits. Sitting on the deck overlooking a very beautiful scene, the sound of crickets, birds and the excitable baboons reminds us today’s walk is as far from my previous walks as you can get. Already the temperature is easily 23-24 degrees Centigrade. Rucksack packed, camera and binoculars at the ready and at 6:45am we step outside. Godfrey “Gody” is waiting with chilled bottled water in carriers and rifle in hand. Our briefing is another stark reminder that we are in Selous, Tanzania. “The lion has been calling” he says. It was heard from across the area we are about to walk into. A game reserve which has no fences – we will quite literally be walking in the footsteps of Africa’s wildest. So today will not be so much about distance. It will about heat of course – a great chance to experience what the Sahara might feel like. But the biggest challenge will be breathing. Keeping the heart rate steady. And keeping your eyes and ears peeled. Continue reading →

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Ten day festive challenge

Posted on 25th December 2016 by onemillionbootsteps

So yesterday I began my ten day festive challenge. I am recovering from a bout of a nasty flu type virus which hits the head and the chest. It’s not pleasant and really takes the wind out of your sails. I am just beginning to feel human again and so have embarked on my own test over Christmas.

Not a mountain, not even a significant trail. Simply to walk every day and gently aid recovery. I am the worlds worst self motivator when it comes to doing something regular and consistently. I get bored easy you see. So what better way to help get my health and fitness back while offsetting the indulgences of the season. Continue reading →

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Woman Down!

Posted on 7th December 2016 by onemillionbootsteps

So the plan is three days back to back with one good distance in the mix. Ten women with complex work and family balances would result in one “woman down” before we even got out of the starting blocks. But rest assured she would be part of this amazing weekend anyway!

Day 1: 

Friday dawned and various working logistics would result in an afternoon walk of around 4-5 miles, seven women walking Forres, two in Fochabers descending on Feshiebridge around teatime. I was part of the Forres team, beginning with a wee hike up to Nelson Continue reading →

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Defeating the Dava

Posted on 29th October 2016 by onemillionbootsteps

Are we there yet?

The Dava Way has been the topic of walk conversations for a wee while now. It has cropped up in various guises, as a part walk, as a split (B&B or camp midway) option, even do it all in one day. Now that would be just mad surely? I mean, you do know it’s 24 miles right? And you do know the nights are drawing in?

But somehow there was a shift in me after our Feshiebridge weekend. Could it be the “PB” of 16 ish miles and still able to tie my own boot laces the next day? Could it be the knowledge that the clock is ticking and the opportunity to get a long distance trainer in gets less as winter approaches? I am not sure but whatever it was I suddenly found myself saying to Jennifer “do you fancy having a go at the Dava Way before the clocks go back?” Continue reading →

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