Suddenly, the time had arrived. Not even since I began or completed The Ridgeway, I was to being following the South Downs Way National Trail. After a bit of deliberation and some suggestions from others I know who’ve walked this way; I decided to begin in the west at Winchester, to finish one-hundred miles on in Eastbourne, five-days later.
By this time next week, I intend to be more than halfway along in my hundred-mile trek following the South Downs Way. I find it surreal and a little bit scary to think that, come this weekend, I won’t be home for several days… Each twenty-four hour period may prove to be a challenge; but also, somehow rewarding.
There is a temptation and desire within me (although not great in size) to just take the week off and do nothing… I often yearn for a break from the daily grind. But my plans are in place. I have committed to facing this long walk and my finalised plans differ slightly from my previous itinerary.
Seven-days before ahead of the start of my South Downs Way journey, I loaded up my new fifty litre rucksack and heading up in to the Mendip Hills for a day walk. This would be my first outing with the Montane Yupik 50. An opportunity to see it it really fits and how comfortable I would be, carrying my current load. Continue reading “First Walk with the Montane Yupik 50”
Following a day of rest spent mostly indoors, I was eager to get out again, with two further rest days to follow. Setting off from my front door and staying local wasn’t going to do it for me this time… I wanted to get out and away; deciding upon a drive south down the M5, west along the A39 and to the northern fringe of the much-loved Quantock Hills.
Walks With Olly 