Feet First Walking

 

Starting out and how I got into walking...

Both my parents enjoyed the great outdoors. My father was in the Royal Marines and later became a scout leader. At the same time my mother was the leader of the local Girl Guide Rangers.

We had a dog who needed lots of walks. We started out just walking locally, then became more adventurous and did more demanding walks. Many walking guide books later, our ambitions grew. We took all our family holidays in either the Lake District, Scottish Highlands, Yorkshire, North Wales and Switzerland.

I was an active member of the cubs, then the scouts and went on the annual camps, which always involved lots of outdoor adventure and yes, you've guessed it…lots of walking. I went on a walking and camping trip with my school to Sedburgh School. Also, I was encouraged to go on walking holidays at Glenmore Lodge and with Nevis Mountain Guides.

As a youngster I loved poring over OS maps and guide books - still do. My favourites and the ones that provided me with the most inspiration, back in the day, are below.

 

No Through Roads, compiled by the AA.

The High Mountains of Britain and Ireland by Irvine Butterfield.

Midland Walks for Motorists by Richard Shurey.

After leaving college my career ambitions took me to London, where I have lived since. This is when my walking started to take a back-seat as I took up other sports and developed new interests.

Nowadays I don't get the opportunity to get to the high hills of Britain, so I am quite happy to do any type of walk.

As a bit of nostalgia and hopefully inspiration I have compiled my TOP 10 UK mountains and hills. I hope you get the chance to tick them off some day!

Please click on the link below for my list:

My Top 10 UK Mountains and Hills