We did it. I say we because Luke Newman, who I used to teach, joined me for the first half of the hike and then stayed on right to the end. He was a superb companion who made a huge difference to my ability to complete the course of the challenge.
I am sure I will reflect on this more fully later but for now here are the facts:
Started at midnight and walked from home to Slough Lane, across country to Holt and onto Wimborne. From there we took the Castleman Trail to Upton and ended up further west than intended having to walk through Upton Country Park to Poole. It was a beautiful part of the walk but the rain was heavy and winds were high. Sandbanks, Bournemouth and Boscombe Piers, Hengistbury Head, Christchurch, Sopley, Ringwood and Moors Valley before the last part to Potterne.
We covered 51 miles and 110,000 steps. It was hard. It was far harder than I had expected it to be. I underestimated it because I run and walk and ride every day and have a certain level of fitness. I did the 17 miles in relative comfort and thought things would stay at that plateau but they do not.
Bits hurt and you compensate which then puts stress on other areas. It is difficult to deal with the aches and pains when all you can really do is carry on.
The photos include Joe Crook dropping Luke off ahead of the start. There's Luke in the bus shelter in Wimborne where we had to put on even more wet weather gear and selfies looking out over Poole Harbour, Bournemouth sea front, Christchurch and Ringwood before a final one of welcome food in Moors Valley.
The best part, we have raised over £1200 which is £950 donations, £190 in gift aid and £90 sent direct to Little Hearts Matter.
I've emailed details to both Little Hearts Matter and to the Bournemouth Echo which will be of interest and help.
I wonder what will be next?
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