Is Walking Is Good For You!: It All Started By Chance

Long Distance Hill Walking...!

Completing “The West Highland Way” once in May of 2007 would be enough for anyone; But my good friend John; has come up with another "crazy idea" that this year, we could walk the W.H.W. Again!

If you’re not familiar with the W.H.W. It is a Long Distance Hill Walk starting in Mulgavie Glasgow, and finishes in Fort William, some 97 miles later.

Mind you, it is a walk with breathtaking views; and some serious, "Lung Busting Climbs"

But this time John and Mick thought he would make it interesting by adding on the fact that we can; climb Ben Nevis while we are in Fort William...??? Hold on; there's more!!

Then we can carry on and walk “The Great Glenn Way” from Fort William to Inverness...!!!! This totals 200 miles plus; over 10 days, and a quick trip to the top of Ben Nevis.

Well, all I can say is, John; you were spot on mate; I would not have missed my chance to climb the famous Ben Nevis.

Even though I never thought that I would? For anyone reading this blog; if you are in reasonable health, and you like a challenge; you will not be sorry...!!! On a serious note…

"YOU NEED TO DO LOTS OF TRAINING"...???

The Mountain Trail of Ben Nevis, {A K A, The Tourist Trail} is a full 4 to 6 hours of serious uphill walking depending on how fit you are.

Then you got 3 to 5 hours of hard downhill walking. You must not treat it like a walk in the park! Climbing Ben Nevis is a serious challenge?

You must be prepared and you must carry all the necessary kit that you will need for the day...???

Like Food and Water,

At least 4Ltrs. Safety Equipment, Cold Weather Gear, Spare Boots, First Aid Kit, Whistle, Torch, Compass, and Wet Weather outfit, and a Survival Bag.

So as you can tell by this list... this challenge is definitely not to be taken lightly...

Now; having said all that; you will absolutely love it when you reach the top. There is no other feeling in the world to compare to it;

The sense of achievement is overwhelming, coupled with the feeling of elation. "You Can't Beat It" And you will “NEVER” forget it!

Welcome To My Blog;

A Blog about walking; Is that different? Can it be informative...?

With all the different aspects of what walking can do for you; From subtle changes in your life style; to really great achievements; should you want to go that far and the summit of Ben Nevis is plenty far enough an {Unbelievable Personal Achievement} For the three of us; Given the fact that we are all well past our Fiftieth Birthdays. And we are all a long way from being recognised, as Finely Tuned Athletes...? {Sorry Boys, You Know It's True}

I got dragged into walking...

about 4 years ago, by a lifelong friend of mine. John, has done some long walks in the past; and in 2007 when he decided that he would like to walk the, WEST HIGHLAND WAY for the second time he thought it would be a good idea to drag his little mate along? The walking adventures that we have shared has given my life a challenge and a new sense of purpose as each challenge we undertake; and has benefited me immensely. I just can’t resist the urge to get to the top of the next big climb it’s like a drug; once you have tasted it your hooked.

The great thing about it;...

Is that young and old alike, can discover that a gentle regular walk can have a massive impact on your health, and well-being. Another great thing about walking is that it cost's next to nothing to actually set yourself up. In fact I bet you already have a good pair of trainers, or comfortable walking shoes to get you going, so in that case the start up costs is zero. And all you have to supply is the Effort. You must admit I cannot make it any easier for you...!!!

This River Runs Through Kinlochleven; {Beautiful}

The way I got started;... was with a pair of old trainers that I knew were comfortable, and took a steady walk around the block, with the dog...! The hardest part at first is to keep pushing yourself to go the next day & the next day. But after about two weeks, I noticed that I felt fitter and more so walking the dog for up to an hour at a time. Where-as when I first started walking the dog I would plan the shortest route, back to the house.

If the bug does get you;...

It's a good idea to think about protecting your feet; and investing in a decent pair of Walking Boots or Shoes; and a couple of pairs of walking socks. Let’s say; £30 to £40 for a decent pair of walking boots/shoes. And a couple of pairs of walking socks, £3.00 and you’re all set.

I have put these snaps in:...

{I have lots more to share with you} just to get your imagination going...!!! Looking at the pictures is great, actually being there and taking the pictures yourself... absolutely immense! Of course, this is where our walking adventures have taken us up to now; we are planning plenty more! "Where would you like yours to take you"

Somewhere Like This Maybe...

We are nearly half way up Ben Nevis at this point... "I know"... Breathtaking ain't it...!!!

We are now three quarters the way up the mountain; the Chopper you can see is about 1,000 ft below us, and is attempting to execute the rescue of a casualty from "Red Burn" which is know to be the half way point; or there about?