Boxing Day 2017 walk, from Axbridge in Somerset, to the heights of Crook Peak on the Mendip Hills and back along the Cheddar Yeo river.
There was a time when I would walk up to Crook Peak on a regular basis. Since those days, my desire to explore further afield has grown and I’ve often come close to taking the local hills for granted.
It was Boxing Day. I didn’t fancy travelling far and I knew that, wherever I would decide to walk, there were likely to be others around. Sticking close to home but with a physical challenge in mind, I drove down to Axbridge.
Christmas Eve! Freeom from work for the ten days that would follow!
One day before the highlight of the week and I’d decided to head out for a walk on the Mendip Hills. This walk began in Priddy, which is only a thirty-minute drive from home.
Embracing the Summer Solstice, on the 21st of June this year. Outdoors, of course! What did you get up to?
Each year, the longest day comes and goes. It’s rare that I ever do anything to celebrate or embrace the occasion. In fact, I think I’ve put more effort in to experiencing the shortest day, every twelve months.
But this year, I wanted it to be different. I wanted to do something. Naturally, walking came to mind; being outdoors. With work to continue the next morning, I didn’t driving far and so travelled up Burrington Combe to begin a brief expedition on to my local Mendip Hills.
For the fourth consecutive year, I’ve completed the thirty-mile route of the Mendip Challenge, which is an annual fundraising and challenge event organised by and in support of Weston Hospicecare.
These days, I mostly do it for the challenge and for the feeling or participation. A couple of friends also take part each year. A well organised event that always justifies taking the Monday off work!
Walks With Olly 