Country walking hack 1000 by gabriellachallis

FUN • FREE • FLEXIBLE

WALK

1000 MILES

2018

Join the challenge that will

CHANGE YOUR LIFE ONE STEP AT A TIME!

MOUNTAIN BOOTS HANDCRAFTED WITH PASSION BORN IN BAVARIA – WORN AROUND THE WORLD

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✔WELCOME

IT SOUNDS AMAZING BECAUSE IT IS. I

T’S AMAZING THAT you can walk 1000 miles in a year – and I can guarantee you much boggling from your friends and relations. But what’s really amazing is the difference walking an average of just 2.74 miles a day can make. From the first walk you’ll find your thoughts quieten and your senses quicken; your body sends messages of thanks in the form of endorphins, and in spite of the modest size of your investment – just 2.74 miles, or a little under an hour for most – the returns grow and grow. Pretty soon your heartbeat takes up a longer lope, your horizons grow and your body becomes once again the dependable tool it used to be. Optimism comes more readily; you greet the reflection in the mirror with something approaching civility and eventually glee. What are we going to get up to today? People run faster, pedal harder, spend more time and money on gyms and diets and clubs and bats to achieve less. The whole-person benefits enjoyed by #walk1000milers are extraordinary, as I hope a read of this magazine will convince you. They certainly explain why 99.9% of participants recommend the challenge to a friend. You may not think there’s much wrong with your life right now. But wait til you see the person that’s waiting at the other end of #walk1000miles. Now they’re amazing.

Guy Procter, Editor, Country Walking

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Contents 04 06 08 12 20 22 30 36 44 50 56 60

Celebs wish you well Meet our 2018 partners Your questions answered For Health Your body on #walk1000miles For Happiness For Families For Adventure For Charity For Fun What to wear Amazing offer on the ofﬁcial magazine

Ofﬁcial magazine of #walk1000miles and with you every step of the way

www.walk1000miles.co.uk WALK 1000 MILES 2018

#WALK1000MILES2018

Go for it!

The biggest names in walking want a word with you about the biggest challenge

‘The best

dose of energy, positivity and happiness’

“#walk1000miles is a really positive challenge for everyone who loves walking, wants to walk more or needs the motivation to get out and about. I hope it encourages more people to clock up the steps on a daily basis and feel the beneﬁts that I get from walking because I think it’s the best dose of energy, positivity and happiness and what’s more – it’s all for free!” CLARE BALDING BBC Sport anchor and presenter of Radio 4’s Ramblings

WALK 1000 MILES 2018

✔GOOD LUCK! ‘Good luck you 1000-milers!’ “I cannot express how much walking can open up the world for you. A big sky, a mysterious woodland, a scrambly rock – it all helps to put the world in perspective and make you look and feel lovelier too. So good luck, all you wonderful thousand milers! May all your skies be clear and all your footpaths thrilling.” BRIAN BLESSED Actor, Explorer, Life Vice President of the Campaign for National Parks. The Panther in My Kitchen: My Wild Life with Animals, is out now

#walk1000miles is brilliant’ “Ever since my Dad took me walking as a little girl across the Peak District I’ve loved hiking. Ever since the ﬁrst series of Wainwright Walks all those years ago I’ve had a dream job where a hobby and my professional life have merged. I think people just feel in love with the landscapes and see what lovely adventures we can all have on foot. I think #walk1000miles is brilliant. It’s free, you take things at your own pace, and it helps you unlock the landscapes that Britain has to offer. Go for it !” JULIA BRADBURY Presenter, ITV’s The Nation’s 100 Favourite Walks

WALK 1000 MILES 2018

#WALK1000MILES2018

Meet our partners

Passionate about #walk1000miles and perfect partners in your challenge: meet the brands backing the biggest challenge in walking.

Fjällräven Founded in Sweden in 1960, Fjällräven has stayed true to its mission of making it easier for more people to stay comfortable outdoors. From its first, innovative framed backpacks, Fjällräven’s range has grown and now includes including jackets, midlayers, accessories and technical walking trousers in an extensive selection of fits. Characterised by functional, durable and timeless designs, the company is best known for its durable and adaptable G-1000® ‘One of our three founding principles is to fabric. Fjällräven is encourage people to get outside and enjoy nature. The challenge ties in perfectly, helping #walk1000miles’ more people realise the physical and mental benefits apparel & rucksack of walking. We’re delighted to be part of it for 2018.’ partner: — Ralph White, Managing Director, Fjällräven UK www.fjallraven.co.uk

Walk the Walk

Ordnance Survey

Organiser of the famous MoonWalks held every year in London, Scotland and Iceland which have raised an incredible £121 million for research into breast cancer and to help improve the lives of those with cancer now. Walk the Walk is our charity partner: walkthewalk.org

For over 200 years Ordnance Survey has helped people explore Great Britain. Today it does so in even greater detail with its iconic paper maps, mobile and desktop applications. OS is our tracking partner: www. ordnancesurvey.co.uk

‘Sign up for a MoonWalk, register for #walk1000miles, and just get walking… you will never look back!’ — Nina Barough CBE, Founder and Chief Executive

WALK 1000 MILES 2018

‘OS Maps is the perfect companion to help ensure your 1000 miles leads to discovery, adventure and lifelong memories.’ — Nick Giles, Managing Director OS Leisure

Whereabouts Holidays

Bridgedale

Our holiday partner believes that when you visit a place on foot, you truly discover it. That’s why walking holidays are their passion: you can explore further, get amongst the culture and experience the incredible places you may not otherwise reach. As well as superb walking holidays across the globe, the ﬁrm also offer a range of adventure holidays. Whether you want to try your hand at snowshoeing, kayaking or water rafting, its team is on hand to help you make it happen. www.whereaboutsholidays.com ‘Whereabouts Holidays are proud to support #walk1000miles. Walking is not only good for improving ﬁtness, it’s also a fantastic way to see the world, discovering new cultures and sampling delicious food and wine as you go!’ — Steven Rittey, Product Manager, Whereabouts Holidays

The UK’s number one outdoor sock brand stems back over 100 years and today boasts a range 400-strong, featuring innovative Fusion™ Technology – a unique blend of yarn and knitting technology. With technical ﬁbres providing comfort, insulation, fast wicking and durability, Bridgedale has a British-made sock for every pursuit providing mile after mile of comfort for your 1000 miles. Bridgedale is our sock partner: www.bridgedale.com ‘The home of Bridgedale is Newtownards in Northern Ireland and we’re lucky to have stunning walks right on our doorstep. A walk at lunchtime helps me feel great and think more clearly. Wearing Bridgedale socks, I always have dry and comfy feet whatever the weather too!’ — Carolyn Dunn, Sales & Marketing Manager

Hanwag Based at the foot of the Alps, Hanwag has produced handcrafted boots for 90 years, combining traditional construction with up-to-the-minute innovation. Fit is fundamental and its range includes Narrow, Wide, Bunion and Straight Fit options all made from premium components and are fully resoleable. Hanwag is our boots partner: www.hanwag.com ‘We’re delighted that Hanwag will be supporting the #Walk1000miles campaign in 2018 and are looking forward to hearing inspirational stories and celebrating the triumphs of every participant with each mile they tick off.’ — Christopher King, Brand Manager, Hanwag UK

WALK 1000 MILES 2018

#WALK1000MILES2018

I HAVE QUESTIONS!

Of course you do: but you’ll be glad to know it’s probably simpler than you think – and you can tailor the challenge to suit your age, stage and ambition. Q

How do I sign up? Go online and visit www.walk1000miles.co.uk, click SIGN UP and enter your email. Make sure you tick the box to say we can contact you. Within 24 hours of signing up you’ll get a welcome email from us with all the information and links you need to enjoy the adventure to the full.

WALK 1000 MILES 2018

What happens next? Put simply, you walk an average of 2.74 miles a day in 12 months from the day you start. Put slightly less simply: you invest a bit of time in yourself and start to feel better and better; you join a community (www.facebook.com/groups/ walk1000miles) that knows how you feel and is keen to help with

any question you might have; you make friends and you share discoveries and delights; you see yourself in print perhaps and feel a giddy glee; you smile a bit more, sleep a bit better and start having naughty thoughts about outdoor gear. You get complimented, wear a badge for the ﬁrst time since you were six and enjoy rain. It’s weird.

What miles/steps can I count? It’s up to you to decide – it’s YOUR challenge, not a competition. Many people, particularly those starting from a lower ﬁtness level, choose to count every step. Most will count all the miles they do that they wouldn’t have done before – and whether it’s in your lunch break, skipping the bus, round the block or in the country it all adds up. Some will count only the miles they cover with walking boots on – that’s what people mean when they refer to ‘boots on’ miles. It’s up to you, and the only person you’re competing with is the Old You – so as long as you’re walking more than them, you’re winning.

How do I record my miles? You ﬁll in the Progress Tracker Chart available with

Country Walking magazine – either the daily mileage chart or the shade-as-you-go map of the UK. This is essential to qualify you to enter all competitions to win gear from our partners throughout 2018. That’s because it’s the way we make sure prizes only go to genuine challengers.

Do I need to upload my miles anywhere? No. The main thing is you keep track of them yourself. But post in the group when you reach milestones and the amazing group member Susan Miller somehow keeps a track of it all and with her help we publish completers lists in the magazine periodically.

Is there a leaderboard? No. #walk1000miles is not a race to the ﬁnish and the only person you are competing with is last year’s version of yourself! Your milestones will be celebrated by the community as heartily whether it’s 10, 50 or a multiple of 100 you’re hitting. The main thing is surprising yourself not impressing anyone else – but we’re pretty sure you will do both!

WALK 1000 MILES 2018

#WALK1000MILES2018 Mountain miles are memorable but they’re not the only ones that count.

Above: A badger meet pic all the way from Brisbane, Australia!

How do I track my miles? If you’ve got a smartphone, download the ‘OS Maps’ app from the iTunes or Google Play store (or update it if you’ve already got it). Ordnance Survey is a #walk1000miles partner and this year has added a mileage accumulator feature to their app just for you. Simply record your walk using the app (Record a route > Walking > Record) and when you’ve ﬁnished, tick the box to add the miles to your activity record. If you subscribe to Country Walking you also get free access to all of

WALK 1000 MILES 2018

Ordnance Survey’s Explorer and Landranger mapping – worth £25.99 – via the app. Alternatively, you can use a wearable activity tracker like a FitBit, use a map and a piece of string, use Google Maps or follow paths of a known distance – like the routes in Walking. Country Walking To see how many miles a day you need to average at any point, just enter your total miles so far at www. walk1000miles.co.uk to ﬁnd out how many you’ve got to average a day for the remainder of the year. (Tip: miles put in early on really help your motivation later in the year!)

What’s a badger? Since 2016 we have produced challenge badges. Someone at some point decided people who wore them should be called ‘badgers’. Later, some of them started meeting up for the occasional walk, which was fun, and they’re still happening (look at the Events tab in the Facebook group). Here’s one in Brisbane! We will make 2018 badges available via Country Walking soon if you’d like to be a 2018 badger.

Are there any rewards? Oh, only your ﬁtter, happier, sleeker new self! But having said that, if you’ve signed up and got a progress tracker you’ll be eligible for multiple competitions on the challenge homepage, in the monthly newsletter and in the magazine. You will also be able to download free completion certiﬁcates, and buy challenge merchandise like medals, caps and T-shirts. There are also badges (pins if you’re from the US) which declare your participation and which have proved highly covetable! There will be 1000 given away free to holders of the February issue (out 4th January 2018).

✔YOUR QUESTIONS Q

What are some tips for getting the miles in?  Walk at lunch: a two-mile walk over 40 minutes each working day will rack up 500 miles in a year.  Grab a friend, make it a date: because it’s great for motivation.  Start early, ﬁnish late: these corners of the day are often made magical by the best light and shyest wildlife. You’ll feel great and sleep well.  Give yourself a thinking project: it’s amazing what your brain can do when you take it for a walk.  Vary your route: pluck paths at random from the map or reverse a familiar trail  A photo a day: resolve to record each walk with one photo and build a gallery of micro moments. It could be the same thing each day or different each time.  Plan a reward: a slice of cake, a half of IPA, an episode of Game of Thrones. Turn a guilty pleasure into a virtuous circle of reward.

“There is years’worth of experience in the group, old hands and newcomers and everyone is delighted to help each other out.”

Is there a #walk1000miles Facebook group? Yes, and it’s brilliant! There is years’-worth of experience in the group, old hands and newcomers and everyone is delighted to help each other out. Talking is good and this is the nicest group of people on the internet! Don’t stay on the sidelines – posting and commenting is the best way to stay involved in conversations and make friends!

Will I fit in? We would be amazed if you didn’t. In a survey of last year’s participants, 96.5% said #walk1000miles fitted well into their everyday lives, 98% said it was suitable for all fitness levels and 99% said it was a better New Year’s Resolution than joining a gym. 99.6% would recommend it to a friend. Our youngest completer in 2017 was 7 and our oldest 86.

Who is behind this? Country Walking, the UK’s best-selling and fastest-growing walking magazine and which has been continuously published every month for the past 30 years. It makes a great challenge companion full of advice, inspiration and the best of the challenge every month. Plus if you subscribe now you also get a year’s free access to Ordnance Survey’s mapping for the whole of the country on your phone, tablet and computer, worth £25.99 AND a Hi-Tec activity tracker worth £49.

WALK 1000 MILES 2018

#WALK1000MILES2018

For health

The science and your stories agree: walking about an hour a day is the biggest investment you can make in your health â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and the returns are amazing

WALK 1000 MILES 2018

‘#walk1000miles is the foundation on which my future is built. My life has improved tremendously by doing it.’ Dr Tom Giles

‘Blood pressure tablets have halved, weight dropped and I can walk a hill without pufﬁng’ Karen Docherty

‘Lost 5 stones since January!’ Bob Cullinane

‘Walking + cake = maintain target weight!’ Rebecca Gabzdyl

‘Lowered my blood pressure so much I no longer need medication for it.’ Janet Harding

WALK 1000 MILES 2018

#WALK1000MILES2018 VERY INSPIRING PERSON: EILIDH SCAMMELL

‘I lost 8 stone and feel normal for the first time in my adult life’ Eilidh Scammell, 36 from the Isle of Skye, made a promise at the beginning of 2017 to improve her fitness and general health. With the help of the challenge, boy did she overachieve!

ALWAYS FELT OUT OF place because of my size. I wasn’t huge compared to some by any means. But I hated seeing pictures of myself next to other people. Having my photo taken would give me that horrible sinking feeling of self-hatred.

BEFORE

WALK 1000 MILES 2018

At the beginning of this year I weighed myself. I was 22st 1.5lb, had a BMI of 50 and was a size 26/28. I knew I had to do something. I needed a goal, and it couldn’t just be ‘lose weight’ because that had failed so many times before. I knew the goal needed to be

AFTER

Eilidh feels at home in herseld and her beautiful home country at last.

realistic otherwise I’d never do it. When I found the challenge I thought it was reasonable enough for someone with a desk job to walk an average of 3 miles per day to reach the 1000-mile target. I had my goal. To help get my miles in I started walking in the evenings round my village. About three weeks later it dawned on me I was no longer eating my muchloved dark chocolate digestives in front of the telly, as I was out walking instead. I thought that maybe I could once more attempt to lose weight and possibly succeed this time! I walked over the Skye bridge for the ﬁrst time and it was hard! I had to stop a few times to catch my breath, but I carried on and was extremely proud of my achievement. I made small, gradual changes to my diet and lost half a stone in the ﬁrst two

✔FOR HEALTH Eilidh’s favourite places on Skye Elgol, in particular the beginning of the track to Camas Fhionnairigh, at Clach an Fhiodhaich (NG518145) which looks across to the Black Cuillin. I also really enjoy the walks around Sligachan (NG486299), and a local forestry walk up Cnoc a’ Mhadaidh Ruaidh (NG738257), which is close to my house. I’ve only walked to Camas Fhionnairigh (NG512183) once, but it is spectacular! I have plans to walk up Beinn na Caillich (NG770229) in Kyleakin, as I can see it from my back garden, and I hope to one day climb Blàbheinn (NG529217). There are many others on the list but those are my top two. Left: Get thee behind me satan! Or rather, get on the far side of a walk where I can scoff a few of you blighters guilt-free! Bottom left: Looking great, and more importantly feeling great: you can read more from Eididh at www.mybodybattle.com.

weeks. Nearly nine months since my first weigh-in and I’ve lost 8st 3lbs. My BMI is now 31.3 and I’m a size 16. I have another 2st 12.5lbs to lose before I reach my target weight, but it’s no longer daunting and I feel extremely positive about achieving it. Now I can walk over the Skye Bridge at a pace of 18 minutes per mile without getting out of breath. My ambitions are growing with my fitness. I’ve never climbed a Munro (Scottish mountain over 3000ft high) but that goal seems more and more achievable each week. I hope to achieve this goal in 2018 and I’ve already chosen my Munro! I’ve always wanted to walk the West Highland Way too but never thought it achievable. It’s a lot less daunting now and I hope to do it in the next couple of years. I feel so much fitter. I now feel normal for the

“I was no longer eating my muchloved dark chocolate digestives in front of the telly as I was out walking instead.” ﬁrst time in my adult life. I am no longer disgusted by what I see in the picture. I wouldn’t be where I am today without #walk1000miles. I love the Facebook group – it’s very encouraging and inspiring. People posting photographs of their walks makes me want to walk more and explore new places. It’s also extremely useful for getting tips on anything walking related, whether it’s equipment, routes, or apps. My advice is to start small

and be consistent. Just over a mile each evening round my village on level ground is how I started. Set yourself lots of small achievable goals. Don’t dive in the deep end and attempt to climb a Munro if you can’t even walk a mile without getting out of breath. Baby steps is the key to success in both fitness and weight loss. And it’s so worth it. Apart from the obvious – slimmer and fitter – I’m a lot more confident. Not just in my physical abilities, but in my self-perception. I stand taller, and I have a more positive attitude towards myself. Previously I had quite low self-esteem, but now I feel like I can achieve my goals, and more importantly, I feel I deserve it! My size is no longer a burden, no longer an obstacle stopping me from doing things. I am simply happier! WALK 1000 MILES 2018

#WALK1000MILES2018 BEFORE

HEALTH: CASE STUDIES

‘Something had to change’ I work in IT, which is pretty stressful and I had six stents put into my arteries back in October 2016 at age 47. I knew then things had to change. I wasn’t sure how, so I chose something I knew I could do – walk! I started to walk to work – a 4.5 mile round-trip on January 1st and have only had the odd day when I’ve taken the car since. At first, I found it a slog, not physically, but after walking to work for a few weeks, I started walking at weekends, gradually extending my mileage. My initial challenge was fear and I kept asking myself questions like, ‘What if...?’ and ‘How will they find me?’. Initially, I was doing about five miles, just in case, but

WALK 1000 MILES 2018

now I’m clocking up 20+ miles on a regular basis and am going all over the place. I’ve lived in Dunstable all my life and I’ve discovered areas I never knew existed just a few miles from my house. I now realise walking’s not just about keeping fit, it’s about appreciating what we have and making sure future generations can see what we’ve seen. I’ve always loved the outdoors, but never really been a walker. I AM NOW! I find the #walk1000miles community amazing! There’s such a diverse range of people young, old, fit, not so fit, and they’ve all taken up the challenge, working towards the same goal – to walk 1000 miles. I find that incredibly encouraging to be a part of. Simon Bullough

AFTER

‘People don’t recognise me’ In 2016 I realised how unfit I had become over the years, so I decided to start a diet and #walk1000miles. One year on I’ve lost 11.5 stone, walked hundreds of miles in the hills, got to 15 miles a day when walking, and am at my target weight. People don’t recognise me! I’m in 36 inch waist trousers now, I was 48 inch waist! Last time I was this waist size and weight was 40 years ago! I feel so good, fit and filled with energy. I feel I can overcome hurdles and am looking to the next challenge. Happy, proud, energetic and loving being outdoors – I feel I have got a life! Doug Stewart

✔FOR HEALTH BEFORE

‘8 stone lighter in 11 months’ All that weight gone and my knees and ankles are so much better too. I rarely get a cold now and I can’t remember the last time I had an asthma attack. Walking has turned my life around. My wife said to me it was nice to be able to get her arms around me again. This summer we celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary walking in Snowdonia. Just got in from my morning 3 miles around the village on a gorgeous November day. I clocked up some of my miles walking up mountains in

‘No cold for 18 months’ I’ve walked up to 18 miles on my own in places I have never been before... (wearing leggings) I would never have had the courage to do that before for fear of getting lost and people laughing at me behind my back. I couldn’t give a monkey’s now... and I haven’t had a cold for 18 months! Ruth Harland

AFTER

New Zealand and best of all saved £2000 on the ﬂights because my backside ﬁtted in economy seats this time! David Smith

‘You saved me’ Before this challenge I was diagnosed with benign intercranial hypertension and I had to have lumbar punctures every six weeks – sometimes really painful – and I would get really bad migraines that would make me want to sleep for days. Six months into the challenge I went to see my neurologist and everything was back to normal and I didn’t need lumbar punctures anymore! My neurologist was amazed! Thank you from the bottom of my heart – you saved me. Kate Hawkins

‘So much easier’ I took it slowly at the start, and have gone on in leaps and bounds since. Now I’m 16lb lighter, and with more muscle tone. Walking is so much easier, now I’m looking at walking holidays overseas. I will not be stopping this challenge. Guy Brindle

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#WALK1000MILES2018 AFTER

BEFORE

‘All better!’ After years of liver problems I had a life-saving transplant – two in fact after the ﬁrst one failed. While being pushed around the hospital in a wheelchair and watching everyone else I remember thinking I would never be able to just wander around again. Then in January I came across #walk1000miles and decided to try to do it to raise money for the hospital. I’ve been on so many lovely walks and it’s helped me stay well in body and mind. Here I am on my ﬁnal step! Val Pinfold

‘Back from the brink’

BEFORE

AFTER

‘Not looking too bad for 51 I reckon!’ So this is what walking all this distance does, gone from 38 inch jeans to 32 inch, XXXL to XL and I ﬁt in the local Wetherspoons’ mirror – not looking too bad for 51, I reckon! Jeff Hopkins

WALK 1000 MILES 2018

I began #walk1000miles on Jan 1st and by 30th of July I’d walked 1196 miles. That’s a signiﬁcant day for me because on July 30th, 2016, I suffered a cardiac arrest whilst walking along Ormskirk Road in Liverpool. My heart stopped for 11 minutes, and it was only thanks to lovely passers-by and a nearby deﬁbrillator it got started again. I was six days in a coma and three weeks in hospital. Now look at me! Robby Eaves

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✔FOR HEALTH

This is your body on SPEND AROUND AN hour a day walking and not only will you hit 1000 miles in 12 months, you’ll be performing the most incredible service and tune-up on your body and mind...

HIGH ON LIFE Walking boosts circulation, triggers endorphins, decreases stress hormones and increases oxygen supply to every cell in your body. A meta-study of research into the ﬁeld concluded walking has an effect on the symptoms of depression – at least as effective as medication.

AGING IS OPTIONAL Walking prevents muscle wastage, triggers cells’ anti-aging processes and helps repair DNA. It also wards against brain shrinkage and increases memory, creativity, reasoning and sociability.

BULLETPROOF Walking is more than twice as effective as running at ﬁghting off heart disease, and an hour a day cuts your risk of heart attack in your 50s and 60s in half; a 30-minute walk a day cuts the risk of stroke by a third.

BREATHE EASY An hour’s walk a day can reverse thirty years’ gradual aerobic capacity decline, according to a US study which saw 50-year-old subjects regain the lungs of their 20-year-old selves.

CANCER FIGHTER

LEAN MACHINE

10,000 cases a year of breast- and bowel cancer are preventable by an hour on foot a day, according to research. Macmillan says for those suffering the most common types of cancer it can cut the risk of death 40%-50%.

Insulin allows your body to absorb the energy in food – but it also encourages fat storage. Walking causes insulin levels to drop, but increases your muscles’ sensitivity to it. That means you burn energy more efﬁciently and fat more readily – cutting your risk of obesity in half and developing Type 2 diabetes by 60% on the way.

BONES OF IRON All exercise is good for the spine, but unlike aerobics or gym work, studies have found walking boosts bone density in spine and pelvis – reducing the chances of hip fracture by 40%.

BUILT TO WALK The fact we put our heels down ﬁrst when we step is an evolutionary advantage that conserves 53% more energy per stride than running, the University of Utah found: “We consume more energy to run than the typical mammal our size. But we are exceptionally economical walkers.”

WALK 1000 MILES 2018

FINISHED YOUR WALK? Your body’s elevated calorie-burning continues for an hour even after you stop.

FRICTION FREE Regular walking increases levels of ‘synovial ﬂuid’ in your joints – a lubricant supercharged with antiinﬂammatory compounds.

SOURCES: University of Sydney; American Cancer Society; American College of Rheumatology; University of Edinburgh; Journal of Integrative Medicine; The Stroke Association, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in California, University of Texas, World Cancer Research Fund, University of Utah.

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Don’t forget your

Kindred Spirits

#WALK1000MILES2018

For happiness Peace of mind, positivity, a better perspective – a little walking goes a very long way.

‘I don’t worry about the little things anymore’ Sandra Wilkins

‘I’ve grown in conﬁdence with each mile.’ Ann Bolton

WALK 1000 MILES 2018

‘Gave me the inspiration and support to get out and enjoy life again!’ Emma Nelson

I feel stronger physically and mentally. The stresses of life quite literally get blown away.’ Lara Wilkes

‘I’ve got a new superpower: the ability to trounce bad moods’ Liz Reeves

WALK 1000 MILES 2018

#WALK1000MILES2018 VERY INSPIRING PERSON: FRANCIS LAWLER

‘I found I was getting happier and more determined every time I came back’ Stabbed in the stomach, beaten and left for dead by attackers on New Year’s Eve 1998, 48-year-old Francis Lawler has struggled with anxiety and fear of the dark ever since.

Above: Walking’s power to take a pumice stone to problems is one its most remarkable features.

WALK 1000 MILES 2018

’M ORIGINALLY FROM County Durham where I grew up in foster care with my twin brother Patrick. I moved to Cambridge when I was 18, and it was there I was attacked as I walked back from the pub in the early hours of 1999. It led to major surgery and a long stay in hospital – I was very lucky to survive. I’ve recovered well on the physical side and today I work as a support worker in a day centre caring for people with learning disabilities. But the attack left me scarred mentally. For 18 years I’ve been scared of walking in the dark and being in quiet places on my own. It meant I wouldn’t go out much in winter, and if I did, it was always in company. I was overweight, fearful and down. I started my #walk1000miles challenge on January the 1st 2017 after seeing the magazine because I was determined to ﬁnally face these anxieties head on. I knew it really would be a challenge not only because I’d have to balance working life, children and

“Every day it pushed me to get out of the house and even when I could feel my fears rising, overcoming them made me more and more positive.” also supporting a disabled wife at home, but I’d have to walk on my own in the dusk and the dark. At ﬁrst my family wondered what on Earth I was thinking. But as time went by they got used to me saying “I’m off out for a walk” – and I found I was getting happier and more determined every time I came back. It was just so satisfying making progress. By the end everyone was willing me to succeed – it felt like a team effort and we felt stronger and more loving. Pretty soon I was walking distances I never thought

✔FOR HAPPINESS Main image: Francis meets his ﬁrst ever pair of walking boots! Inset left: Chilled and centred in the woods or the on the streetlit pavements.

I would ever do, and seeing places I never would have seen. I was losing weight, seeing beautiful things, nature and animals, and I was meeting fellow walkers too – in the real world and in the wonderful #walk1000miles Facebook group. Every day it pushed me to get out of the house and even when I could feel my fears rising, overcoming them made me more and more positive. I reached my thousand in November a ﬁtter, lighter, happier, calmer, more fearless person – more grateful for what I have in life. I walk in the dark often now. I love walking alongside the river and through wild woods with lots of ﬂowers. I love

seeing new places and listening to the birds – or my favourite albums. My next walking goal is to walk the Peddars Way and the Norfolk coastal path of 97 miles in 2018 – and to complete the #walk1000 miles challenge again. I’m looking to better myself in life now the challenge has made me realise there are big things to work towards which I can accomplish. Staying strong in body and mind can help you deal with so much. The challenge has helped me develop both. I’ve been tired at times. I’ve felt scared at times. But to push on through and get to the other side feeling stronger is just an incredible feeling.

Above: Son Danny also took up the challenge this year.

Above: The satisfying sight of ink on progress tracker chart. There’s nothing like it! WALK 1000 MILES 2018

#WALK1000MILES2018 HAPPINESS: CASE STUDIES

‘I feel like a lion’ I remember this day last year so well. I was feeling down, so very down. Overweight and extremely unhappy in my job. It was a vicious circle, the more panic attacks I had about going into a job, where I was being bullied the more I ate. The more I ate, the bigger I got, the more I was bullied and felt powerless. Depression had me ﬁrmly in its grip. Then I picked up a copy of Country Walking for the ﬁrst time, and I saw the #walk1000miles challenge and though “I like walking, right? Imagine how I’d feel doing that? Could I do it?”

Fast forward a year, and I still need to lose some weight but I’m ﬁt, I tackled my workplace bully and applied for and got a job in a profession I’ve always dreamed of. I feel like a lion! I’ve climbed a Munro, I shared in people’s trials and tribulations in the challenge community. I’ve walked in rain... gales... sleet and snow. I’ve cried as I felt my legs wouldn’t go any further, and I’ve walked 1000 miles! I’ve learnt so much about ME this year and I’m not all bad. Quite a change in a year I would say! Tizzy Harris

‘I’m now known as cheerful’ I have to say I feel amazing! Since doing this challenge, my whole outlook has been brighter and people have commented on how well I am looking and how cheerful I have become recently! It has changed me for the better and in turn, I’m passing my positivity on to others. Cathy Rees Fraser

‘Big change in mood’ The biggest change is in my mood. Hormones mean I have terrible mood swings, but walking evens them out. I now get grumpy, snippety and down when I DON’T walk. It really has improved my everyday quality of life. Anwen Evans

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✔FOR HAPPINESS ‘Can’t believe I’ve done it’

‘Overwhelmingly happy’ I wasn’t prepared for my reaction to completing the challenge: I feel quite overwhelmingly happy. This challenge has really helped me deal with a whole load of stuff this year and has given me back my conﬁdence in who I really am. Walking is healing, walking is blessing, walking is LIVING! Louise Prideaux

I have suffered with agoraphobia for years, collapsing even if I went out the front door, but this challenge and all the lovely people in it have inspired me so much I love to walk now whenever I get the chance. I was so pleased to get my medal – I can’t believe I’ve done it! Christine Gash

‘Transformational and I’ve loved it’ I spend the majority of my time outdoors these days – I have finally at the age of 64 found myself, grown in confidence and finally have a sense of self worth, which I have been chasing all my life. I’ve not travelled far as most of my walks are along the canal close to where I grew up, but I have seen the turn of the year through the birds, ducks and insects, I am fitter and happier than I have ever been and have lost a bit of weight and found purpose, something that has been missing until now. The journey has been transformational and I have loved every step. Jeanette Scott-McDonald

‘Never going back’ This challenge has given me the courage and positive attitude to have a go! I now can say I have claimed Snowdon and completed the Three Peaks and have others penciled in for the future. I have gained a most fantastic walking family and have had the pleasure of meeting another badger who is now a good friend. Without this challenge I would still be at home on the sofa... I’m never going back to that. So all in all, a huge thank you. Denise Moulson

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‘Happier and healthier’ I’m healthier and happier since January 1st and I just wish I had this insight before. It’s so simple to turn it all around by simply putting one foot in front of the other. Having the encouragement and support from everyone on #walk1000miles has been such a positive thing for me as they too understand my passion. Sally Tronina

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‘My best walking year so far’ The #walk1000miles challenge brought daily activity into my life and I’ve been out and about every single weekend of this year. I feel so much ﬁtter, I’m happier and I’ve learned to cope with the mental stress of my job. And not to forget the wonderful people I met in this group: friendly, encouraging and supportive. I wouldn’t want to have missed this experience. Thank you! Nancy Herter

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For families

On foot you see the best of the world and best of each other – and with the shared purpose of #walk1000miles it’s Baby Bio for families of all ages and stages.

WALK 1000 MILES 2018

‘I feel happiest when I’m out walking with my family, not on the sofa! Best challenge I’ve ever done’ Clair Maskell

Most days I walk with my wife and our relationship has got much closer as we spend our (non distracted) time together. Jim Freer

The real success this year was inspiring my previously ‘walking allergic’ daughter to come along on the odd stroll for a mile or 8! Just an hour ago, she asked me if I could buy her walking boots for Christmas! Karen Hayes

We’ve had an amazing year of walking with Emma. She loves her walks, and it’s a great way for us to spend time together as a family. Lisa Cadwallader

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#WALK1000MILES2018 VERY INSPIRING PERSON: JENNY MARSHALL

‘Walking has helped in so many ways’ How #walk1000miles rebuilt Jenny Marshall’s relationship with her mum – after 16 years of silence. Back on track with mum and taking selﬁes with her too. Things Jenny thought she’d never be doing 1 and 2.

WALK 1000 MILES 2018

Y NAME IS JENNY – nickname Elvis. I’m 41, married for 21 years in February, with two children. Amy who is 11 and Lewis who is 17. I was introduced to the challenge by my Aunty Sue, who told me about the Facebook group. It came at a time when I was lost, my fitness had dropped off and I needed to find myself. I needed a challenge that would kickstart my life again. The relationship I had with my mum had been non-existent for over 16 years. A fall-out in the late 1990s had resulted in all contact being stopped. My wedding, the birth of my children – I made sure she wasn’t a part of any of it. But now my own kids were slightly older I thought, what if? I remember going over in my head a way to make contact with Jan. Then I thought, why not ask her if she wanted to go for a walk? It happened very slowly. We had nothing in common to begin with, and I didn’t want to get my family involved until I knew that no one was going to get hurt. But walking soon became that common interest, and being outdoors gives you something positive to think about rather than your problems. Walking has helped in so many ways. Not only with fitness and mental well being, but helping to mend our relationship. Mum and I have been to lots of new place this past year, both together and apart, making new, happy memories. I’ve taken control of my own issues, and mum has faced and

✔FOR FAMILIES

Above and right: Troops mobilised! The challenge has brought Jenny through a dark patch and her family together.

overcome some challenges I never thought possible for her. Like climbing Pen y Fan ªin the Brecon Beacons in South Wales – the highest place in southern Britain) with a dodgy heart, with my Aunty Sue, who’s unwell also. I am so proud of her for that. Which is something I wouldn’t have said years ago! How has walking gone down with my own family? Well, teenage boys will only come out if food is on the cards, but Lewis is getting better at spending time with us oldies. My daughter likes the walks we do. I tend to make a spot it game, which keeps her focused, and I get to teach her things without her realising! Or she map reads, which on occasion has led to a few wrong turns, but it’s all part of the fun. Hubby Dave is usually

“Walking soon became that common interest, and being outdoors gives you something positive to think about rather than your problems.” lurking somewhere in the background, itching to routemarch, while I make videos, or take pictures of fungus. I’ve had so many memorable moments this year. Losing my shoe in the mud after a detour went wrong. Seeing strangers reactions to my outburst of reaching a walking milestone, which usually ends up in me

telling everyone about the #walk1000miles challenge. Tense face-offs with farm animals. But one of the best memories is watching mum and my daughter, holding hands, walking in front of me talking away without a care in the world. It’s something I never thought would happen. The future for me now is onwards and upwards. For mum and I, keep building our relationship, and discover new places and walks. Because I now realise while you can’t change the past, you can move forward and change the future. For me, maybe a mountain or two if my nerves will allow. And of course another year of #walk1000miles, the challenge that saved me from a dark patch and brought together my family. WALK 1000 MILES 2018

#WALK1000MILES2018 FAMILY: CASE STUDIES

So many memories to cherish’ In 2012 my partner had an accident at work and was off for 9 months. As part of his recovery we started to take our girls for a walk around parks most weekends. After a few weeks we went a bit further and started to buy walking clothing and boots. A year on, my partner’s sister joined us with her partner and their daughter A few months on and we were venturing out to the Peak District. One of our ﬁrst walks there was Dovedale. A holiday to the Lake District for a week came next, with one aim – to climb Scafell Pike! At the time my daughters were 11 & 8 and my niece had just turned 4 so it took us a while but we got there on our own feet and felt a great sense of achievement.

It’s become a staple of our week – all meeting up and going out for a walk, it’s our chance to relax, see each other and for my girls to spend time with their cousin. Our girls have got so many memories to cherish when they’re older. Every time we walk, something funny happens or one of the girls say something funny. It doesn’t matter what house you live in or what car you drive, spending time with your family is priceless. My eldest sometimes moans when we walk and it takes a while for her to get out of bed but once we’re out and walking she’s ﬁne. And I don’t know what I’d do without my weekly walks in the Peak District. Emmi Lou

‘I’ve got hikers on my hands!’ I’ve got a budding hiker on my hands thanks to this challenge. Every weekend my 3-year-old asks to go walking in the hills even when it’s raining. It also helped us to bond with our rescue dog who wasn’t used to walking and was a little tubby. We’re all ﬁtter and trimmer now Claire Mct

‘Out and talking!’ I’ve got three children (12, 12 and 14) – they love their phones and games and football, so it’s lovely to get them out and watch them talking to each other! Helen Chambers

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✔FOR FAMILIES ‘Special times’ I’ve had some really special times this year getting out walking with my daughter Ivy. I was always a rubbish walker when I was her age but with her long legs and boundless energy we’ve had some great walks! As we live in London, I try to take her out to experience beautiful countryside as often as possible. It’s so important to instil a love and joy of nature in children and I think her face captures that so well! Next year she might be signing up for 500 miles! Lizzie Huckle

‘Totally bowled over’ I’ve been bowled over by my 3- and 6-year-olds and how far they’ve walked with me! Here they are at Gordale Scar a few weeks ago – they did nearly 6 miles Just deciding which Lakeland Fell we should do this Christmas! P.S. Crisps are the key to keeping my two going. Lizzie Hughes

‘Granddaughter ‘My boys have been with me on on the go’ my challenge from the beginning’ My 7-year-old granddaughter walks everywhere on a daily basis, but she really wanted to climb mountains with us. Last year we took her to the Peak District where she climbed Win Hill and revelled in the 360 degree views. This year we walked on The Roaches, and next year we’re taking her to the Lake District. She looked at my 1000 mile badge and announced that she’d really like to walk 1000 miles. I’m quite sure she will. Anne Doyle

Not only have they completed the challenge but brought their friends along too. My eldest now faces his own walking challenge by taking part in his ﬁrst DofE next year, which I’m sure he and all his friends will smash #walk1000miles #familytime Sally Davies

‘My inspiration’ Even though he has being receiving chemo, Darren‘s come with me on some of my walks. We got a campervan this year so have walked and seen lots of different areas of the UK. He is my inspiration! Tracey Parnell

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#WALK1000MILES2018

For adventure Your feet can take you to places no luxury car or private jet can – the wonders start not far from your door, and they never stop.

‘I’ve discovered wonderful new places I would have never come across I’ll return to again and again’ Tracey Stansﬁeld

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‘Found the mag on the train in February, ended up on the summit of Toubkal in Morocco. If anyone had told me I’d do that at the start of this challenge I’d have laughed!’ Karen Hegarty

‘Climbed my ﬁrst mountain and found out I’m more determined than I think! The amazing views are worth every step! What a fantastic world we live in and you should go explore it from the highest height!’ Eve Smillie

‘If it wasn’t for this challenge, I’d still be stuck behind a desk, bored stiff, getting even more unhealthy’ Alan John Francis

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#WALK1000MILES2018 VERY INSPIRING PERSON: JAMES FORREST

‘My last mountain was Scafell Pike and I miraculously had the summit to myself’ Amazing 34-year-old Cockermouth writer James Forrest hit his 1000 miles in six months – taking in every mountain in England and Wales on the way.

’D OWNED THE guidebooks to the 444 Nuttalls – hills in England and Wales over 2000ft – for quite a few years, but only done a few of the walks. Then one day, the idea struck me of an intensive challenge to tick them all off in one summer – faster than anyone else had. My main aims were quite simple: to explore the wild landscapes of Britain I’d never been to before; to indulge in my love of the mountains; and to prove you can ﬁt at least one crazy, epic adventure into your everyday life. The brilliant #walk1000miles community gave me the conﬁdence to know I wasn’t alone in doing similar things.

Above: 446 mountains in his wife’s old hiking boots!

WALK 1000 MILES 2018

I became obsessed, a man on a mission that would take me 82 days of walking over a six-month period, meaning I spent virtually every spare day away from work climbing mountains. It was manic – but the adventure of a lifetime too. My longest day was summiting 13 peaks in the Berwyn mountains in North Wales (I don’t know how I did this on the energy-sapping, heatherclad slopes of the Berwyns) and my toughest overall section was climbing 86 peaks in Snowdonia in a gruelling 14-day hike in August. The one factor that helped me climb the mountains so quickly was wild camping. I often went out on mini expeditions for four, ﬁve or six days at a time, wild camping under the stars – a magical way to have a more intimate interaction with the mountains) and thus I avoided long walksout back to my car and I woke every morning in the midst of the action, ready to summit that next peak. I averaged approximately 13.5 miles per

Above: The ﬁnal summit – James completes his challenge on Scafell Pike.

â&#x153;&#x201D;FOR ADVENTURE Left: Sunset while wild camping at Dead Stones in the Northern Pennines. Below: A glorious evening on the Aran ridge in North Wales.

WALK 1000 MILES 2018

#WALK1000MILES2018 day, completing 82 full days of walking in the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, Pennines, Northumberland, Peak District, Snowdonia, Central Wales, Brecon Beacons and Dartmoor. Along the way I’ve learnt that mountains are good for the soul. I love the freedom, the fresh air, the isolation, the unpredictability, the escapism. I always found that walking is life-afﬁrming. Every walk was time well spent – time for solitude, self-reﬂection, for escapism and nature. Every step brought me boundless happiness. I’d encourage everyone to spend more time outdoors – you won’t regret it,

“Edging along the exhilarating razorsharp ridge of Crib Goch on a perfect day in August…the most adventurous, adrenaline-fuelled climb of my entire challenge. and you CAN walk 1000 miles. It can seem a daunting challenge at the start, but in essence it is incredibly simple – keep putting one foot in

front of the other and you’ll make it to the ﬁnish line. My last mountain was Scafell Pike and I miraculously had the summit to myself. I just enjoyed a quiet moment to think about the past six months. It was a real mix of emotions – relief, elation, excitement and gratitude; not least to my wife Becky for understanding why I wanted to do it, and for powering me up those mountains with her delicious ﬂapjacks. Mainly I thought about the good times and how thankful I was to have experienced the beauty, solitude and freedom of the mountains.

JAMES’ STANDOUT MEMORIES

Edging along the exhilarating razorsharp ridge of Crib Goch on a perfect day in August. The jelly-leg inducing scramble along the top was the most adventurous, adrenaline-fuelled climb of my entire challenge.

WALK 1000 MILES 2018

Climbing Pillar Rock – the only Nuttall that is a rock climb, rather than a walk. The weather was atrocious and the climb on greasy rock was difﬁcult. But it felt amazing to stand atop what Wainwright called “the most handsome crag in Lakeland.”

Wild camping in the Aran mountains in Wales – the weather was beautiful and the tranquility was intoxicating. I ate dinner outside my tent watching a phenomenal sunset, and feeling so happy to be out in the mountains.

✔FOR ADVENTURE What are the three best hills someone starting walking in 2018 can look forward to?

STEEPLE 819M, LAKE DISTRICT Alfred Wainwright described the summit of Steeple as a “thrilling spot” where “one’s feet are on the ground but one’s eyes see as from a cloud in the heavens”. Surrounded by precipitous drops on all sides, this is my favourite viewpoint to gaze out over the beauty of Lakeland. I’m sure new walkers would love it.

PHOTO: THE PHOTOLIBRARY WALES/ALAMY*

James’ pick of the peaks TRYFAN 915M, SNOWDONIA I love dramatic mountains and you don’t get much more dramatic than Tryfan. It is a ﬁne peak, blessed with crags, cliffs and epic scrambling opportunities. Surely a real treat for any newcomers to hiking. My only regret? Wimping out of the leap between the twin summit monoliths of Adam and Eve, a jump that – as tradition dictates – grants you the freedom of Tryfan.

RHINOG FACH 712M, SNOWDONIA A rugged and remote peak where you’re more likely to see feral goats than fellow hikers. I felt like the only man on Earth hiking in this heatherclad, rocky wilderness. If new hikers want to get away from it all and experience a wilder Britain, this is a good choice.

Below: Standing atop Steeple in the Lake District.

WALK 1000 MILES 2018

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The Jurassic Coast in Dorset, fabulous walking area! David Young

Reading Country Walking got us to look further afield and took us to the Gower peninsular. What an amazing find! Sadie Griffiths

My adventure Be it mighty trail or microadventure – here’s some of the new terrain #walk1000 miles led participants to discover in 2017

A wood full of bluebells 10 minutes’ walk from home. Cindy Rowlands

The beautiful Shetland Isles. Douglas Dingwall

Sheep’s creeps on The West Highland Way – never knew they existed! Aileen Candlish

Dartmoor – driven past hundreds of times, ﬁnally stopped to walk! Michelle McDonald

Yorkshire: being a southerner by birth it was a place I had only heard of prior to this challenge! They have big, bonkers people here. Maggi di Rozario

WALK 1000 MILES 2018

Lapland – it was amazing! This is at full moon. Lorna Koskela

An old cemetery in a secret garden! Angela Barnes

The source of the Thames! I’ve lived near Oxford for years – now walking different parts of the Thames Path in no particular order. Lisa Kinahan

✔FOR ADVENTURE

I would never have even thought of walking up Mount Teide in Tenerife. Best/hardest hike of my life. Maddie Hewitt

Amazing trail at Bryce Canyon in Utah. Just the most beautiful place I think I’ve ever seen. Feeling so lucky. Lois Love

Hulne Park in Alnwick which has amazing views of the Cheviots and this incredible folly. Ruth Taylor

I discovered that there are six hills over 2000ft in Wensleydale and decided to walk up them all this year as a mini challenge! All were fabulous adventures on my own, in remote parts of the dales. Several do not have recognised routes to the summit and it was certainly an experience discovering the routes. Here is Hugh’s Seat summit near Mallerstang Edge. Jo Winship I’ve been doing a lot more local walks and ‘just following my nose’ – it’s made me realise how much is out there that I never knew existed, right on my doorstep. Bob Brunt

The Galloway Forest & Glen Trool – a hidden gem I’d spotted on a friend’s photos earlier in the year. So peaceful, and a Goshawk ﬂew feet from my head through the trees across my path. John Spencer

The Precipice Walk in Snowdonia which we would not have known about if it hadn’t been for this challenge and CW magazine, thank you all, it was amazing! Sue Meek

Discovered the beautiful Inner Hebridean island of Islay by taking part in its Walking Festival... my ﬁrst ever walking holiday inspired by the amazing Walk 1000 miles challenge. Shelagh Creegan WALK 1000 MILES 2018

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For charity You soon discover the good walking 1000 miles does for you – but when it does good for others too, the feeling multiplies...

‘Raised £1500 and just feel doubly proud of myself’ Clare Wilson

‘It’s lovely to raise money for others while doing something you enjoy’ Jacqui Piper

‘A real sense of personal achievement and it has been a great focus to keep going’ Pat Brunskill

WALK 1000 MILES 2018

‘Given special meaning to every step of my journey’ Kim Russell

‘Excellent experience – kept me very motivated to complete this challenge’ Peter Lovegrove

WALK 1000 MILES 2018

#WALK1000MILES2018 CHARITY: CASE STUDIES

‘Go great together’ I did the Edinburgh MoonWalk in 2017 (walkthewalk. org) and loved it! Cancer had turned my world upside down more times than I care to remember. The #walk1000miles challenge really helped with my training, pushing me to want

to walk in the colder weather rather than hide indoors. This year I’m doing both again but I intend to push myself harder and beats this year’s miles! Both such great ways of getting bums off seats! Kat Paterson

‘I’ve had a blast’ As a doctor in the UK I have all the resources I need. The situation for millions of people throughout the world is very different. I am particularly inspired to help those in the most extreme situations. In my practice seriously ill or injured patients have a greater chance of surviving than a woman giving birth in the Congo. Medicins Sans Frontieres brings medical care in extreme situations. If we don’t care for the victims of violence, war, famine and natural disasters who will? I’ve had a blast. Every time I thought it’s too hot/cold/wet to walk I reminded myself why I was doing it. That said I’ve become addicted to going for a walk for my own sake – it’s so restorative. I now recommend it to many of my patients. The beneﬁts of this free activity could save the NHS a fortune! It’s a shame Country Walking isn’t available on prescription!’ Karen Hegarty

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✔FOR CHARITY ‘Walking on a new scale’ I was sponsored for my 1000 miles to raise money for the Oli Mills Foundation (connected to Teenage Cancer Trust). I’ve raised over £1700! I’ve supported them for years in memory of my son. They are an amazing charity and I feel honoured and grateful that I am able to do this. It’s important to fundraise doing something that you will enjoy as well. I’ve always loved walking but have never done it on this scale! It’s been more fun than a fundraising tea party... and healthier! Sarah Tight

‘Easy thanks to #walk 1000miles’ I did a sponsored climb of Snowdon for Parkinson’s with my son Caleb. We wanted to do it because a family member was suffering from the disease. We raised £750 and thanks to doing #walk1000miles, we both did the climb pretty easily! Alan John Francis

‘Words can’t describe’ I did the Alzheimer’s Society, Cotswold Way Ultrachallenge as part of my 1000 miles because my grandad suffered with dementia. Sadly I had to withdraw after 65km of the 100km due to injury. But I raised £830 and words cannot describe how happy I am that I am able to help others by doing these sort of challenges. I really recommend the feeling! Melanie McCourt.

‘I remind myself why I am doing it’ It is 30 years this year since my Aunt passed away at St John’s. I was only 13 when she died but we were incredibly close – I still miss her now! I’ve raised money for St John’s previously when I decided to sign up for #walk1000miles I saw it as the perfect opportunity. Signing up to the challenge came ﬁrst; I considered the fundraising to be an additional opportunity/ bonus. It makes me feel happy and proud that the money I raise will make a difference, and I think my Aunt would be proud of me too. When I’ve had days where I’ve felt a little tired or out of sorts,

I’ve reminded myself why I’m doing it, and how nothing I feel can ever remotely compare with what the people who need St John’s are going through. That thought has really spurred me on. I’ve had my own dedicated Facebook page for the #walk1000miles challenge and have given my followers daily updates and photos of my walks. I’ve also ‘featured’ on St John’s Hospice’s Facebook page a few times. It’s important to give regular updates so people don’t forget about what you’re doing and why you’re doing it. Sara-Jane Davies

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#WALK1000MILES2018 I’ve learned that people will support you in what ever you decide to do as long as it is for a good cause and they can see that you are committed to completing the challenge. Andrea Lewis, raised £275 for the Animal Health Trust

Regular posting of my walks on FB and some badgering to part with their money has done wonders. Stephen Cheeseman, raised £1227 for the Christie Cancer Treatment Centre in Manchester

Your fundraising tips You’ve climbed your first mountain, you’ve accrued pennies-per-mile, you’ve done challenges within the challenge: but what have you learned about getting the most money for good causes from your miles? Keep at it, don’t give up, people can be very generous when they hear the reason for you doing what you do. Amy Gill, raised £1300 for Macmillan

Get out there and tell as many people as possible what you are doing. Go round businesses, local shops etc, and ask your employer to match your donation. Jane Senior, raised £1009 for Macmillan

Be organised and don’t try to raise an enormous amount. Every bit helps and raising funds of any amount is a success. Beccy Hammond, raised £300 for British Heart Foundation

I had a pot and just asked friends and family to donate. Felt it was easier for people to make small donations. Carin Fearnley, raised £700 for Bloodwise

Do something really tricky and challenging, people are very kind and generous. Oh and then do something involving cake, people love to buy and eat cake! Louise Hill, raised £800 for Macmillan

Use social media to spread the word. I had donations from Facebook friends in Canada which I wouldn’t otherwise have managed to get. Meg Vickers, raised £530 for HospiceCare North Northumberland

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Post lots of photos and keep giving people the link to the JustGiving page, they loved to see my progress. It amazes me just how generous people are and also, sadly, how many people have loved ones who are suffering with Alzheimer’s too. Gina Crees, raised £730 for the Alzheimer’s Society

Saturday night 12th May Clapham Common

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For fun!

Snowballs, pratfalls, nosey sheep, whiffy feet; new friends, old jokes and that giggle you get when you’re tired... you’re going to enjoy this....

WALK 1000 MILES 2018

Laughter, friendship and fun – sums it up! Zoe Beresford

‘Whether it’s celebrating or supporting, helping or just having a laugh, the Facebook group is the best.’ Delma Bryant

‘Beautiful day, lovely people, such fun when we met up!’ Lizzie Huckle

‘Meeting up with other badgers and getting a walking group together who meet regularly. Great fun as they all love tea and cake too.’ Juliette Smart

‘Gave me the inspiration and support to get back out and enjoy life again!’ Emma Nelson

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#WALK1000MILES2018 VERY INSPIRING PERSON: JAY MISTRY

‘A head full of memories and a herd of new friends’ After walking changed his life, lover of all things #walk1000miles-orange Jay Mistry – 31, from Huddersfield – set about getting the gang together.

EFORE #WALK1000 MILES I got to a point where all I was doing was drinking in the pub and eating take-aways, and I thought to myself I needed to change my ways or I’ll end up in a early grave. I started walking more and more and went from 116kg to 95kg, then 85kg. Now I’m 36kg lighter, walks are much easier and more enjoyable. In fact walking is pretty much my life now... my holidays, any spare time and my great set of close walking friends. I love the fact #walk1000miles is a challenge that’s open to your own interpretation,

BEFORE

WALK 1000 MILES 2018

and I love the fact it’s led me to see parts of this country I’ve never seen before. This year I’ve climbed all the national 5 peaks – Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, Snowdon, Carrauntoohil and Slieve Donard during this challenge, and many other hills, and I feel epic! This year has changed my life and now I can’t wait for 2018. It wasn’t just the mountains that were awesome though – meeting lots of new friends was also epically awesome. It all started after I kept seeing on the group people hadn’t met many badgers [the name for challengers that

AFTER

“It was so good getting new people to meet each other, and I think we all felt it builds amazing friendships.” sprang from the challenge – badges available from spring each year], so I thought a meetup – set up as an Event in the challenge Facebook group – would be a good way to bring people together. But then as this challenge is spread across the whole of the UK and world, I ended up doing three! So far we’ve had them in Keswick, Dovedale and Richmond Park and it went so well I got asked to arrange some more, and the 2018 plan got into motion. Arranging meets is actually pretty easy – it’s the planning and checking the routes that’s the tough part. But that’s the beauty of a big group – there are always other group members who live close to

✔FOR FUN

Jay’s meet-ups organised through the Facebook group have attracted more and more.

walks who could do the recce. On the day, they helped lead the walks for me so I could keep an eye on the group and make sure the back and front didn’t get separated. I was a bit nervous each time but the days ran smoothly and we didn’t lose anyone! It was so good getting new people to meet each other, and I think we all felt it builds amazing friendships, and memories that will last forever. The friendships I’ve made in the group mean a lot to me. One in particular – I mean you Helen Smith! – has pretty much become like a sister to me and an awesome walking partner… through the tough times and good times of this challenge. Then there’s Heather, Peggy, Helen, Brian and many more whose support and friendship makes this challenge’s community one of the best around for support and motivation. Two years ago if the new Jay could give some advice to the old Jay he’d have said ‘Guess what? The next two years are going to make you into a new man – with a head full of great memories from walking and a herd of friends.’

Above: High on Sharp Edge on Blencathra in the Lake District – where many of Jay’s miles have been had.

Dress as Oompa Loompas for a scramble in Langdale for Mountain Rescue? But of course!

Jay’s meet-up tips 1 Plan a walk that’s

interesting and easy enough for a wide audience.

Plan an easy place to meet from a transport and accommodationbooking point of view.

3 Make sure there’s a Above: Friendships formed in cyberspace quickly take root in the real world.

good refreshment stop at the end for everyone to have chat and drink!

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Zoe Beresford

Our surprise Lakeland badger meet!

Caroline Donoghue

Catherine Shine

Fresh air fun! Shrieking, being presented with my medal by Susan Miller for passing 1000 miles!

After approximatly, 20,000,000 miles of experimentation we can conﬁrm that to the best of everyone’s knowledge and using all available evidence it’s not possible not to have fun at some point on a walk.

Heather Peel

My 1000th mile Juliette Smart

Anita Ovalle de Garcia

Whernside trig – it was raining, but it didn’t dampen our spirits! Devina Firth

Jenny Marshall

Speaking of mascots, I may have to rethink mine! Keith Parker

WALK 1000 MILES 2018

Ann Doyle

Claire Bond

✔FOR FUN

My daughter and me training for the Macmillan Cumbrian walk

Denise Moulson

Stacey Medhurst

True story… went out for milk, Thought, beautiful day, why not go for a walk? 3 1/2 miles later… wonderful walk, came home… no milk Jacine Clark

Violeta Webb

Zoe Summers

How to walk a 1000 in 4.17km

Tried running – hated it. LOVE walking – and climbed my first mountain too!

Christine Brooks

Lizzie Huckle

Nicola Gordon-Wilson

David Mellor

Paula Miller

Karen Hayes

Fran McPhee WALK 1000 MILES 2018

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HOW TO DRESS FOR 1000 MILES Some clever basics to get you going – and some long-lasting options for when you know what you need…

EANS AND TRAINERS are ﬁne for an easy walk on a dry day, but if you’re aiming to rack up the miles, the chances are you’re gonna hit some adverse weather (we hate to admit it, but it does rain sometimes). And that’s when jeans and trainers suddenly become cold, soggy and heavy. Here we’ve lined up some essential advice to get you started, and some smart investments for when you’ve worked out your preferences…

WALK 1000 MILES 2018

✔GEAR ADVICE Stay dry If there’s one thing to get right apart from boots, it’s a jacket that keeps you dry. Again it’s about a balance: you want the magic combination of waterproof (so you stay dry) and breathable (so you don’t sweat to bits). Chances are, a high street near you has a branch of Trespass, Millets or Mountain Warehouse, and any of them will sell you a reliable starter waterproof for somewhere between £40 and £100. But for a longer-lasting, more durable and more comfortable option, consider something like the Fjällräven Sten jacket (£175, www.fjallraven.co.uk), a great everyday jacket that you can custom-waterproof with Fjällräven’s clever Greenland

Wax. At the specialist end, Fjällräven also make one of the smartest ready-waterproof jackets on the market: the Keb Eco-Shell (£435).

Love your feet Without a doubt, a sturdy shoe or boot that fits you perfectly is a walker’s best friend. First up, decide if you fancy a shoe (lighter, nimbler) or a boot (tougher, more supportive), then if the outer skin should be leather (stiff and sturdy) or mixed fabric (light and flexible). Then think waterproofing: generally walkers like footwear that lets out unwanted heat and moisture but won’t let rainwater in. Chains like Go Outdoors or Cotswold Outdoor offer a vast range of footwear from budget to high-spec. For a great all-rounder that will last you for years and won’t cost a bomb, we recommend the excellent Hanwag Banks II boot (£175, www.hanwag.com). TOP TIP: always try on before you buy, and wear your footwear in and around the house before you go out in them. WALK 1000 MILES 2018

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Be kind to your pins Your legs are going to do the lion’s share of the work in your quest to hit 1000 miles, so take care of them. Jeans and casual trousers may feel comfy, but what you need on a walk is stretch, ventilation and the ability to walk through brambly bits without anything nasty being able to

scratch you. You can ﬁnd good basic pairs for around £25-£30. But our friends at Fjällräven make the longest-lasting, most sophisticated, purposedesigned walking trousers money can buy. Consider the awesome Vidda Pro trousers (£145, www.fjallraven.co.uk).

Remember your gender Some apparel ﬁrms complete their ranges by taking their men’s clothes and using the ‘shrink it and pink it’ technique. If you’re a woman it really is worth shopping around for stuff that was actually designed for you. That’s especially true of footwear. Always ask if the boot came from a ‘female-speciﬁc last’ (which means it was designed separately from the men’s version, around a female foot). Our partners at Hanwag won’t let you down on that score; try the newly upgraded, hand-made Tatra II Lady, which also comes with Gore-Tex as standard (£220, www.hanwag. com).

WALK 1000 MILES 2018

✔GEAR ADVICE Spread the load Yes, you can ﬁnd rucksacks in any accessories shop on the high street. But if you’re going for distance, it’s good to have a pack that is speciﬁcally designed to spread the load evenly, move naturally with your body, and resist the elements too. For a great everyday walking pack, try Fjällräven’s 24-litre High Coast (£60, www.fjallraven.co.uk). For an advanced pack with exceptional load-bearing and ventilation, try their 28-litre Kaipak (£130).

Avoid cotton Cotton doesn’t breathe, which means if you wear a cotton T-shirt or jumper on a walk, it (and you) are likely to come back drenched in sweat. Specialist walking shirts are often highfalutinly called baselayers, but they do make a difference because they’re (usually) a synthetic polyester blend or

(more expensively) merino wool, both of which take the moisture away nicely. You should ﬁnd a decent synthetic baselayer on the High Street for around £15, and a good merino option starting from £30. And you won’t believe the difference that good wool-ﬁbre socks make to your walking. Try the WoolFusion Trekker from Bridgedale (around £17, www.bridgedale.com).

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*Quote offer code AEAA. Offer closes on 31/01/18. Full T&Cs at www.greatmagazines.co.uk/offer-terms-and-conditions WALK 1000 MILES 2018

Warning! This map may cause an uncontrollable urge to GetOutside. The Great British Adventure Map showcases over ❀❝❃✾✾ ,# /&1 &+♥0 "01 ,21!,,/06 &10❝ &+ )2!&+$ 1%" 1,- ❃✾ !3"+12/" ), 1&,+0❝ " "+1/& "3"+10❝ .2&/(6 1,2 %"0❝ *,/" /,21"0 1% + 6,2 + 0% (" 01& ( 1❝ +! ),10 ,# / +!,*)6 &+0-&/&+$ 1/&3& ❜ +! ,+ 1,- ,# )) 1%&0❝ $"1 #/"" 1/& ) ,# 1%" OS Maps app. os.uk/adventuremap

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I have just signed up for 2018 – can anyone tell me if it costs please? x Caroline Perry 1h

Oh yes Caroline Perry, it deﬁnitely costs! It will cost you hours of reading posts on this group, drawing up lists of places you have never heard of before, but now know you must walk. You will laugh and cry with loonies, the achievers, the heroes! You will become addicted to socks, shoes, trousers and jackets that you had no idea you needed before, and there will be a long list of shops that you can no longer walk past. I hope you already have enough shelf space for the maps and walking books too. You will absolutely need to buy Country Walking magazine to see which of us has featured this month, even better, buy a subscription so you have free access to OS maps online. What’s the payback? That is up to you really... Choose from feeling ﬁtter, happier, lighter, more relaxed than ever before. Comments and compliments from admiring friends and family. Finding that you can do things you wouldn’t have thought possible. Making new, like-minded friends. Learning about and loving the countryside or maybe your local town. Whatever, I hope that you enjoy every mile you walk and please share with us your photos and milestones along the way. Welcome! Jacqueline Gale 32m

I couldn’t have said it any better, Jacqueline. Perfect. Julia Stent 27m

Ha ha fab, looking forward to starting it. Caroline Perry 6m

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