The country park 10 minutes from home was warmed by the sun yesterday, and I spent a couple of hours walking up, down and through the tracks that weave over hills, through woodland, and down by pools. It was a lovely day. Some patches of gorse are in flower, and the splashes of bright yellowContinue reading “Pilgrimage is more than a long walk”
Author Archives: Abi May
Good things are happening
Taking advantage of a sunny day – at last! – I walked one of my favourite Peak District trails yesterday – the Monsal Trail – with glorious views, sprinkled with the occasional bursts of hail and buffeted by an icy wind. I went further than usual, finishing the trail and then doubling back on theContinue reading “Good things are happening”
Walking peace
It’s cold out there! This wet and windy spell is not very conducive for training walks. My last, more than a week ago on the northern section of the Tissington Trail, started with icy wind – that’s snow on the neighbouring hills – and finished with steady cold rain. Now as I’m just 2 weeksContinue reading “Walking peace”
Camino symbols: walking for 3
A scallop shell is a symbol associated with the Camino pilgrimage. You will see it on direction markers, in books, and tied to people’s backpacks. It says, “I am a pilgrim”… And not merely a long distance walker. And so one part of my preparation for the Camino has been drilling holes in shells, gettingContinue reading “Camino symbols: walking for 3”
Maps and Apps
I’ve got quite an amazing ability for losing my way. If it’s possible to get lost or take a long way around, I often do. Some of my longest walks over the years were never meant to be as long. It’s not really a lack of sense of direction as much as not being happyContinue reading “Maps and Apps”
Why I’m raising money for The Compassionate Friends
Why raise money on this pilgrimage? My main motive for walking is for peace and in remembrance of my two children. Raising money for charity is a bonus. My walking partner Margaret has agreed that The Compassionate Friends (TCF) is a great charity to support. Here’s why. My little son Pax died at the ageContinue reading “Why I’m raising money for The Compassionate Friends”
Sometimes you don’t have to go far
This week’s training theme is walking from home and back. It takes a lot of effort to drag myself away from work in my home office, but it always feels good when I have. A “quick” walk of 5-9 km is better than none – especially as it is hilly round here and good exercise,Continue reading “Sometimes you don’t have to go far”
Sometimes the way is very clear
Another training walk, this time on the Middlewood Way in Cheshire. Very easy walking on the route of a former light railway. Easy until I took a shortcut (what was I thinking?) and had to wade through mud. Tarmac tracks are definitely easier on these wintry days.
The weather forecast
This is the forecast for our walk in March. Looks promising! Definitely a lot brighter than what we’ve got right now at home (5 degrees, cloud cover, wind). Having to readjust my packing plan – less layers! Sunglasses! Hat! Looks like ideal walking temperatures.
Training notes: Journeying vs arriving
Got in a few more training walks. Yesterday I returned to the Manifold track (Staffordshire). This time I did it differently: a longer walk, but with a proper lunch break. To explain – I have been reading on some of the very helpful Camino Facebook groups about how other people achieve long distances. It struckContinue reading “Training notes: Journeying vs arriving”
One Step Camino 