24/06/2012 - The Sandstone Trail - The Last Big Training Walk

When we first designed our training schedule, we agreed we needed to do a final training walk longer than half the distance of Trailwalker and one which would test our Support Team fully. From an early stage we identified the Sandstone Trail as the perfect challenge as its 55km long, local and suitably hilly. We have trained extensively on parts of the trail recorded in earlier blogs notably the hilly sections around Peckforton, Kelsall and Frodsham but there are still parts of the trail we had yet to encounter.

This would be our first training walk with a Support Team too. As Lee's brother Neil lives in Kent and Simon was inconveniently having his eyes lasered (the things folk will do to get out of Trailwalker training) it was left to Mark's wife Kate and Martin's son Ted to support us all the way.

Given that England would be kicking off against Italy at 7:45pm and our anticipated 13hour duration, we agreed (yes, we did - it was unanimous) to bring the start time forward to 6am which, given that Whitchurch was an hour away from most of us meant a 4am wake up call - a time which should be banned on a Sunday (as Kate continued to remind Mark).

The weather in recent days had been atrocious with nearly 4 inches of rain dumped on parts of the North West and more had been deposited on Saturday night and was forecast to continue on Sunday morning then easing as the day progressed.

Setting off from Mark's house at 5am, Mark, Kate, Lee and Polly again questioned why it was we were doing this as Kate drove dodging the standing water in the country lanes and we wondered what might lie in store in the fields we would have to cross. Shortly after arriving, Martin and Ted pulled into the car park and as we began to kit up, Martin announced they had driven through torrential rain on the way and he'd forgotten his coat. Requisitioning Ted's coat, Lee then announced he'd forgotten his backpack which was apparently Polly's fault (cue discussion) though he had got his Camelbak which Polly hadn't (cue further discussion). This wasn't starting well. To add insult to injury, just as we'd got suited up, the heaven's opened. Joy.

Why are we doing this again?

After posing for a quick team photo at the sandstone arch marker in Jubilee Park marking the start/end of the trail, there was a moment of disorientation as we realised we weren't sure which way to go. Finding a path and identifying our first Sandstone Trail marker on a post, we set off through Whitchurch and soon picked up the canal which would take us out of the town with Mark and Martin walking ahead giving Lee and Polly space to continue their discussion about who had forgotten what (at least that's what we thought they were discussing).



The walk along the towpath was relatively easy going, a few flooded sections easily avoided and gradually descending out of Whitchurch until we eventually arrived at the sign which would take us off the towpath into the fields. Having never done this section of the trail before, we weren't sure what to expect though it wasn't long before our worst fears were realised as evidenced by standing water and mud. As usual this was made worse by cows and cattle in the fields. 

On entering one field we realised that it was full of bulls and they were taking a very unhealthy interest in us. Instead of moving off like cows, these guys were turning to face us and follow us. Noting the stile in the corner of the field, a steady pace was maintained as the bulls started to converge on us. Somehow Mark ended up at the back of his teammates (possibly because he was wearing red and carried a red backpack - nobody wanted to be near him) and on arriving at the stile turned to face the following herd with his walking poles raised aloft stating they were actually cattle prods (patent pending) much to the amusement of his now safe teammates and the confusion of the now stationary bulls.

We had arranged to meet Kate and Ted at a lay by near Hampton Green. When we were just a few km away, Kate's voice could be heard on the walkie-talkie requesting a progress update though it appears they couldn't hear us through our rain soaked walkie-talkie. As we approached Checkpoint 1 they cheered and we arrived to find chairs set up and the boot of the car open. A variety of drinks and foodstuffs were dished out to the team as water and snacks were replenished in backpacks.

Mark had once again managed to get his boots, socks and feet wet and in changing to a fully dry set, the zinc oxide tape, damp from the walk, fell off for the second week running. Not wanting to put the stop time in jeopardy, he decided not to re-tape a decision he might come to regret with 43km still to go. After our allotted 15minute refuelling we bid our Support Team goodbye and continued up the trail looking forward to the next stop which wasn't for another 12km in the middle of the Peckforton Hills.

As we walked along more fields doing our best to dodge large areas of standing water (which was becoming increasingly difficult), we crossed though Michael Owen's (remember that goal against Argentina?) little place for the breeding and training of race horses and started to climb off the plain and up towards Bickerton Hill - a welcome respite from the surface flooding but a sudden need to adapt to going uphill again after the long muddy slog on the flat.

There wasn't much time to enjoy the view at the top other than to remark that as forecasted, the weather seemed to be easing and the warmth was starting to sap energy levels given we were all still in waterproofs. We also noted on the far horizon the masts at the top of Kelsall and the hills above Helsby and Frodsham - they looked a long, long way away. As we descended into the village, Mark and Martin decided to make full use of a bench in the churchyard to remove all waterproofs and while recognising this would tempt fate, it would at least make the ascent to Raw Head a bit more comfortable and we were soon on our way up the road and the gradual incline.

The walkers arrive at Checkpoint 2

Arriving at Raw Head (the highest point on the trial) we were comforted knowing it was all downhill from here, apart from all the wiggly up and down bits in between and we pushed on towards Bulkeley Hill taking the opportunity to wind Polly up about "The Tramway" and the fact she was the only teammate not to have done it yet. Given we were passing the top of "The Tramway" that pleasure would have to wait for another day but on looking down it, Polly agreed that the photos don't do its severity justice.

Choosing to ignore the ropeswing and the fallen trees, we continued into Burwardsley, home of the Pheasant Inn a previous start and stop point, but on this occasion we had chosen the car park for the nearby candle factory for our second checkpoint. This time the walkie-talkie was working and our requests for food and clothing were ready and waiting as we were greeted by Ted and Kate and some odd looks from those heading into the candle factory as we sat in our folding chairs eating, drinking and changing damped clothing - 24km done, 31km to go.

Refuelling at Checkpoint 2

Our allotted time was soon over and once again we bid our Support Team goodbye and headed back up the hill to rejoin the Sandstone Trail and the descent which would take us past Peckforton Castle and Beeston Castle, over the Shropshire Union Canal and up the notorious boggy field which Mark and Martin had encountered previously. Once again this lived up to expectations as we zig-zagged round standing water and cattle churned mud. Having got this field over with, we became more optimistic though this was shortlived as we entered fields of wheat and barley where the clayey surface had become wet making traction difficult. To make matters worse, walking poles were inhibited as the crops grabbed at the poles making it necessary to carry them and hope we wouldn't slide in the mud.

Arriving at Checkpoint 3

Persevering with the conditions underfoot we trudged on and just within 2km of our Checkpoint 3 (a wide field gateway off a country lane), the walkie-talkie burst into life with Kate asking how far off we were and would we like a hot drink? Immediately three teas and a coffee were ordered and the the thought of a hot refreshing drink spurred us on and once again Ted and Kate were ready with the drinks just at the perfect hot drinkable temperature which was just what we needed at that point - 34km done, 21km to go. 

Perked up by our Support Team we set off in good spirits and soon passed the 37km/18km sandstone marker - one-third to go. As we gradually climbed up the fields we reached the point where on a previous walk, Mark and Martin had joined the Sandstone Trail from Utkinton after which we would all be in unfamiliar territory again. At this point a further curve ball was thrown at us. As we headed towards the gate it appeared a large herd of cows had preceded us and churned the ground up so badly the mud was too deep to get through without overtopping our boots - a bit annoying having only just changed to dry socks again.

Lee and Polly did at least remember the pasta salad

The terrain continued upwards which we took as a reassuring sign that we were at last leaving the boggy plains behind and as water runs downhill, thought we'd stand a better chance of keeping our feet dry(ish). Once at the top we recognised the point at the top of Kelsall where we have undertaken some of our night walks and knew that Delamere Forest and our final checkpoint weren't far now.

The welcoming sight of Delamere Forest must have hit the team with a degree of delirium. While Polly struggled on in silence with blistered feet and Mark with damp feet and a nagging pain in the hip area, Lee, having taken twice the prescription dose of hayfever tablets (after not reading the instructions) seemed in very high spirits and as Martin dug out his iPod and plugged in the external speaker, Lee started to Moonwalk to Michael Jackson. Martin then pulled out a bunch of 'Curly-Wurlys' as we climbed the hill and we found eating these isn't conducive to walking with poles.

Mark tucks into choccie ice cream at CP4

The mayhem continued through the forest as we received odd looks from people out for a Sunday stroll/dog walk/bike ride (delete as applicable) as Martin played DJ on the iPod but given we'd gone beyond 40km, we felt we had every right to misbehave. We managed to notify the Support Team of our impending arrival, though through the trees the signal was a bit broken and they were expecting us to come from the other direction but they were there, waiting with ice-cream from the Cheshire Ice Cream Farm - what a welcome surprise!

With 8km to go and still with Beacon Hill above Frodsham to get over the team were in good spirits and determined as ever to finish albeit with Polly suffering with her feet, Mark with a dodgy hip and what was now resembling 'trench foot' from the damp footwear, Lee away with the fairies and Martin gearing himself up to run up the steps to the top. 

This was now the 'Dead Zone' as so far, only Martin had gone beyond 48km on a  previous walk. As we approached the 50km mark on the odometer, Mark counted down the last 100m and there were handshakes all round - half of Trailwalker in 11hrs 15minutes and then we moved on knowing the job wasn't done yet.

Nearly there!

As we climbed, conversation dropped as we focused on this final ascent, one which we have done on several training walks before and knowing this would be the final climb before the descent into Frodsham. Approaching the '39 steps' (we're not sure how many there are as we've not actually counted them), Lee, Polly and Martin took off, leaving Mark to climb them at  a more sensible pace and we were soon at the War Memorial at the top of Beacon Hill and radioed the Support Team of our arrival at the top. Just another couple of kilometres downhill to the finish now.

Dropping down into the streets of Frodsham, we probably looked a right rag-tag bunch with muddy boots, gaiters and trousers and with it being quite a nice evening there plenty of people about and drinkers outside pubs preparing for the England game. The final point of the trail is a sandstone obelisk conveniently located outside the Bears Paw. Once again Kate and Ted were there to greet us and capture this finish and even better  - there waiting was a celebratory pint for each of us - great support.

This is the end - 55km - 12hrs 32minutes.

As we sat downing our pints, rubbing our sore and aching area sand stretching, we contemplated the fact that on Trailwalker, we will still have 45km to go which was basically turning round and going all the way back to Checkpoint 1. Food for thought.

We would like to thank Kate and Ted for being a great source of motivation throughout this walk and we couldn't have done it without you. The route is here.

Things learned from this long team walk:

1. Lee and Polly need an equipment list,
2. Mark needs better zinc-oxide tape,
3. Polly probably needs to use zinc-oxide tape,
4. Martin likes Ted's coat better than his own,
5. You can never have enough dry socks,
6. Its amazing just how much punishment your body can take,
7. Painkillers are useful when your body can't take much more punishment,
8. Walkie-talkies are very handy to communicate with the Support Team,
9. Checkpoints become a very welcome sight,
10. Nice surprises are quite motivating.

16/06/2012 - Three Peaks (and Three Reservoirs)

With a few diary conflicts Martin was unavailable for a Saturday walk so would train solo on Sunday with Polly stuck up in Yorkshire also training solo, it was left to Mark and Lee to train together in what has become one of our favourite training spots over the last few months. 

The training schedule required a 46km - 11 hour walk so a plan was hatched using a route we have done before but adding in a whole new area of territory using the car park at the Knot Inn as a start, mid-point and finish. We would start from Rushton Spencer, head to The Cloud (Peak 1), then to Bosley (Reservoir 1), Croker Hill (Peak 2), back to Rushton, then Gun Hill (Peak 3), Tittesworth Reservoir (Reservoir 2), Rudyard (Reservoir 3) and back to Rushton.

As  this would be unsupported, we packed the car with a coolbox and load of goodies like sandwiches, flapjacks, peanuts, pasta salad, choccy bars, lucozade, extra water along with spare socks, trail shoes and T-shirts.

The weather over the previous few days had been shocking and over an inch of rain had fallen in The Peak District with more forecasted with high winds and blustery conditions. This wasn't going to be a pleasant 46km but would be a chance to test our wet weather gear and Mark's new BAM wicking underwear as at the end of the day - we can't pick the weather on Trailwalker.

Listen mate - we've trained with the Gurkhas....

We hit the trail at 9:10am and headed for The Cloud. As we came off the old Railway and into the fields we were quickly greeted by the boggy conditions caused by the recent rainfall and made worse by the Fresian inhabitants of the field. A little further on we found a sign lying face down in the mud across the footpath. A quick lift proclaimed the footpath closed by National Grid due to overhead line works. Deciding we could argue we missed it, we decided to carry on relying on the rubber insulation of our walking pole handles and boot soles should we get struck by a live overhead wire. Crossing under the pylons, there was no sign of any hi-vis jacketed workers so we pressed on up towards The Cloud.

As suspected, today there was little activity at the top of The Cloud and in a business like fashion we touched the trig point as we passed and headed down the face of the hill towards Bosley. As we came to the low point we were confronted by yet another 'Footpath Closed' sign and it seemed out friends at National Grid were determined to ruin our plan. A quick glance at the map gave us an alternative route along the road but we asked ourselves what the Gurkhas would do? Donning camouflage paint, we decided to go for it and decided the worst that could happen would be getting turned back. This time we could see the National Grid workers high up on one of the pylons and decided we would be through before they could get down to stop us and it was on to Bosley reservoir unhindered.

Bosley Dam - Done

It was business as usual at Bosley, the reservoir level was up given the recent rainfall, the funny looking black sheep were minding their own business and a few fisherman were sat in their shelters. As we climbed from Bosley we stopped for our first break at a point we've used before. A quick sandwich, lucozade, peanuts, choccy bar and flap jack were downed. Mark's feet were feeling a little damp and a quick check of each confirmed them on the moist side of damp so the gaiters were adjusted and we were on our way after about 12minutes.



The climb to the top of Croker Hill wasn't too eventful other than the effects of the recent wet and warm weather had encouraged massive grass and nettle growth to the point where the path had been lost in places requiring us to hold our walking poles aloft like soldiers wading through a swamp with their rifles. Touching the gates to the BT compound at the top we headed on down and then along the Golden Hill ridge noting the surrounding peaks shrouded in mist and the obvious signs of bad weather. Here the wind picked up to the point of making conversation inaudible and as we descended we met two gents heading up - wearing a soaked T-Shirt and cotton shirt and overheard one say to the other "Looks like we've got some weather heading our way". We weren't sure what weather forecast they'd looked at that morning but clearly they weren't dressed for the conditions but sure enough, the weather was shortly on us as we pulled up our hoods as the rain came in sideways. It was at this point something from the Brixham Badgers Trailwalker presentation came to mind - "Waterproof is a relative term". Mulling this over as the rain ran down our outside and sweat ran down our inside we thought how true this is as it became clear something wasn't right in Mark's boots as damp was turning to wet and this would need to be addressed as we reached our second checkpoint at the car park back in Rushton Spencer.

While we had planned a 10-15minute stop it was quickly apparent Mark would need more than a change of socks. As the socks came off, so did his zinc oxide tape as the moisture had completely de-bonded it from the skin and the skin had now softened. To make matters worse, the special orthotic insoles were also wet. A quick decision was made to hurriedly re-tape, change socks and boots. Coupling this with re-fueling, and re-stocking the backpack for the next checkpoint, the stop became an uncomfortable 35minutes sat on the back bumper as the rain re-started.

With Mark still guzzling Lucozade and downing a Mars bar we set off for Gun Hill which was to be a long ascent to the summit but at least now with dry feet. We mulled over how the stop would have been improved. Of course we'd have our support team, they would have the food ready and would re-stock the backpack with water etc. but having to re-tape wasn't something we were hoping to have to do.

The Cloud (left) and Croker Hill (right) from Gun Hill

The walk over the summit of Gun Hill was a case of dodging the big muddy puddles and our preferred route weaved left and right to the trig point and with some satisfaction we touched the trig knowing this was our third 'big' hill of the day and started our long slow descent to Tittesworth Reservoir. Tittesworth dams the River Churnet and supplies 10 million gallons of water a day to Severn Trent Water. It also has a large car park, visitor centre and big childrens play area making it quite a popular spot, though not so it seemed today. 

Lee with his new mate Bob

As we descended towards Leek, we lost sight of the reservoir altogether but once we dog-legged back over a hill it came back into view. It was at this point we realised we'd probably been walking for too long as first an effigy of Dame Edna Everage and then Bob Marley were found lying at the gates of a farm. As we worked our way around the reservoir and into Meerbrook, more effigies were apparent adorning each house. Concerned that we might end up as effigies ourselves we pressed on to our third checkpoint - a nicely sheltered (and empty) barbecue area at the side of reservoir. 

So thats where all the water goes...

Something had been bothering Mark in his right boot over the last kilometre or so, so the chance was taken to inspect and as suspected, the hastily placed zinc oxide tape had rucked up on the softened skin and once again the socks were wet through. A quick minor re-taping job and the wet socks were put back on as there were no spares in the backpack. At 33km, with an anticipated 13km still to go (it was actually 15km), blisters were a concern now. Lee was also feeling the effect of the distance and terrain with pain in the knee joint. 

 As Mark put the medical kit away, a strip of ibuprofen fell out and a second thing from the Brixham Badgers presentation came to mind - "Drugs" - so we duly obliged and within minutes of setting off round the lake both commented on how much better we were feeling and happily threw a stick several times for a demanding Border Collie who seemed to have befriended us on our journey round the lake.

Tittesworth Dam

Crossing the dam at the far end of the reservoir we were soon ascending once again and ticked off our second reservoir heading for the last one on our list - Rudyard. As we climbed over our final summit, we knew it was all downhill and then there would be a long flat to the finish. Skirting the edge of Leek we dropped down to the old railway line. At this point, Mark proclaimed us to be a little over 6km from the car with the clock stood at 9hrs and 24minutes we agreed if we hit Gurkha "Tab" pace we could make it for 10hrs 30minutes. So off we set as the rain once again had other ideas, marching rapidly, walking poles pumping along the former railway line.

Boathouses on Rudyard Lake

Rudyard Lake was built to serve the expanding canal system in the early 1800's. When a railway was built linking Uttoxeter and Manchester, it became a haven for Victorian day-trippers. Among these were a courting couple who married and named their son after the lake - Rudyard Kipling. As we marched along as the rain fell, Mark mulled over the words to "If" - and the line "If you can fill the unforgiving minute with sixty seconds distance run" he wondered whether Rudyard was looking down on us now trying to work out whether we would fill sixty minutes with distance Tab. 

The old Railway Line seems to go on forever

What was clear is that the two and a half mile long lake seemed to go on forever and the railway line just seemed to keep going into the distance. The pace was taking its toll, Mark's feet were wet and sore, Lee's knee was hurting but we refused to ease off the pace. 10 hours 30minutes was the target and we counted down the kilometres and then the metres to the car park arriving there at 10hrs and 30minutes with the odometer showing 48km actually walked - further than we'd been before and despite the problematic pit-stops well on target for a 24hr Trailwalker pace. The Garmin download also showed we'd broken the 1000m climb level which was equally pleasing.

Resisting the temptation to stop for a pint in the Knot Inn, we stretched off, packed up and headed for Mark's house where wife and support team member Kate was rustling up some protein in the form of fillet steak as a reward for the days endeavours.

It was pleasing to report that despite wearing waterproofs for the full duration of this walk and getting wet feet, there were no blisters and the wicking underwear did exactly what it said on the tin.

This was our penultimate big training walk. This Sunday we plan to walk the entire length of the Sandstone Trail starting in Whitchurch and ending Frodsham - 55km with 1250m of climbs. This will be our first training walk with our support team and we've broken it into 5 stages to try and stay consistent with Trailwalker and give the support crew practice. We hope to complete it under 13 hours.

09/06/2012 - Training With The Gurkhas!

After the disappointment of the cancellation of our original planned Gurkha training, the day finally arrived for the rescheduled event. The email from Oxfam indicated the itinerary as Command Tasks - tough team bonding exercises, Training and Preparation - tips and advice, Army Exercise Simulation - walking with kit, Army Medic Advice - dealing with blisters/injuries/heat stroke, History of the QGS and Circuits and Aerobics - the bit I was least looking forward to! Oddly though there were only four teams who had taken up the offer, us, The Vale Venturers, The Bun Lovin Criminals and The Mental Orientals.

Teammate Polly had decided not to run a mountain marathon on Scotland so arriving with Lee collected Mark on the way to meet Martin at Junction 15 of the M6 at 8:30am for the journey to Bramcote Barracks. It transpired that Martin's flight from Amsterdam had been delayed and only arrived at 1am that morning so he was already somewhat jaded.

The journey quickly passed with everyone having a catch up given that Mark hadn't seen his teammates for over two weeks and we arrived at the end of the drive to the Barracks being greeted by the Trailwalker flags and were directed where to park by a solitary Gurkha soldier.

Welcome to the raw recruits

A short walk around the perimeter fence and we found the field tents from where today's operations were to be commanded and banners announcing the 250 Queens Gurkha Signals as we grabbed coffee and soon bumped into the Bun Loving Criminals - a great group of ladies if you get a chance to meet them. We were rounded up into the main tent and welcomed by the Major and provided with the running order for the day which meant the physical activity would be done in the morning in order to ensure our lunch stayed down which was greeted with much nervous laughter.

Everything but the kitchen sink

The first presentation was on Medical Advice, particularly dealing with blisters and prevention. A slide was put up which in their admission was the tamest one they could find of the entire back of the heel of the foot with an exploded blister and red raw skin beneath. It was explained that ideally Compeed should be used on known hotspots before blistering not as treatment afterward. Zinc Oxide tape was also highly recommended though an example of its misuse was provided during a joint operation with the RAF. Apparently after a march, an RAF airman had rubbed up a large blister and then decided to apply zinc oxide tape to ensure he could continue the following day which he did. However, due to the sticky nature of the tape, he managed to remove the tape along with said blister and required hospitalisation for 3 weeks thereafter! We were advised on carbing up the day before, during and after and also drinking plenty of water the day before, during and after. It was interesting to note that caffeine tablets and caffeine based energy drinks were not recommended to be taken because of their diuretic effects.

Bergens full of house bricks maybe?

The room was divided into two groups and we were sent to the far corner of the field with three members of the Vale Venturers for kit familiarisation and 'Tab'-ing (which we found out was walking with kit at no slower than 15 minute mile pace). Arriving in the corner of the field we found two Gurkha soldiers, an array of kit laid out on the ground and a bunch of SA80 rifles. The kit on display included everything they would take and carry on a  two-day training operation in a 'Bergen' - the backpacks they carry. The kit included their sleeping bag, mattress, spare T-shirts, spare boots, shaving kit (they still have to shave daily in the field), boot polish, gore-tex waterproofs, ration packs, their waist webbing which includes water canisters and spare magazines with about 180 rounds of ammunition. All this weighed in at about 15kg. Noting a pile of fully packed Bergens we were quickly offered the opportunity to try them on and handed the optional SA80 rifle adding another 5kg to be carried. On top of this little lot, they would also wear body armour and depending on the plates could easily add another 8-9kg to their load (and I thought my 6kg 30litre daypack was hefty for a days yomp)

Gurkha recruits Mark, Lee and Martin

Once fully loaded we were off in two-abreast formation for a 'Tab' although the Gurkha soldier indicated it was more of a 'walk' and too slow for a 'Tab'. Marching us off around the perimeter of the base we soon got an appreciation of what these guys go through on long march. The straps soon started to be felt in the shoulders and we tried to work out how you could easily fire your rifle if you came under attack, something we found difficult with a pack on. Back at the start point we were relieved of our rifles and Bergens and then taken through a range of stretching exercises, each working different muscle areas as we went through the routine. This was really useful as we discovered some great stretches for the calf - an area I've had particular problems with.

The Circuit of Death

Our stretches done, it was time to swap with the other group and head for the Circuits and Aerobics area or 'The Circuit of Death' as it should be renamed. Our PT instructor and two eager Gurkha assistants took us round the circuit to demonstrate the exercises to be done at each station bearing names like Supermans, Thrusts, Bungees, Plank, Weighted Sit-Up, Sprints, Medicine Ball, Alternative Medicine Ball, Press-Ups, Squat Thrust, Squats, Lunges - names filling me with dread and designed to work different areas of the body or in my case inflict pain.

After the demonstration, we were off for the warm-up, a gentle walk around the circuit - so far so good I thought. This soon progressed to jogging and the need to touch the ground with various parts of the body as instructed along with direction changes on the instruction of the Gurkha PT instructor. By the end of the warm up I was already feeling like I'd had a good workout but the real pain was yet to come. We would have an initial 10 seconds at each station to familiarise ourselves with the activity before being told to move to the next exercise. After completing the next exercise this was increased to 40 seconds at each, then 15 seconds then 5 seconds - each one requiring we move to the next one as rapidly as possible. Towards the end I was finding it was taking at least 5 seconds to get off the ground! With the torture session over it was time for more stretching and a demonstration of the use of a foam roller.

Gurkha curry - you'll want more!

Leaving the Circuit Area we were off to the Mess Tent as the Gurkha Chefs removed the covers from the most amazing display and we were greeted by the welcoming smell of curry. Naturally we had to try everything on offer and we agreed it was as good if not better than anything we had tasted in a restaurant. As we were joined by the hungry Gurkha soldiers we got the chance to chat with them as most had done Trailwalker in the past and they explained that for them to have the fastest time gave them the bragging rights over other areas of the military so they are pretty keen on who gets selected to do it each year. Fortunately there was plenty of curry leftover so after the mornings activity we justified second helpings but it still left us wanting a doggy-bag.

After lunch it was back into the tent for a presentation on the history of the QGS, their formation and areas of operation. It was interesting to learn about the selection process for the Gukhas that there are 30 applicants for every position such is the demand in Nepal to become a Gurkha soldier in the British Army and they would then normally serve 22 years though sadly with military cuts, a number of them will have their careers cut short.

Not sure I'd want to spend the night in it

Following the presentation on Training and Preparation, we were off for the final task of the day which was the Command Task. Separated into our two groups as before, we were presented with two taped off squares an array of tent poles, spikes and tent canvas all laid out on the ground. The rules were that we would have to erect the array of tent paraphernalia into a 9' x 9' tent but two people would remain outside the square providing instruction and 6 members inside the square who were not permitted to talk. Sounded straightforward enough and our Red Team were quickly in the lead with the frame up only to find that one of the horizontals was shorter than the rest. In error, a shorter pole had been matched with a longer pole requiring the frame to be dismantled to find the problem. 

A quick re-erection had the frame back up and us still ahead of the Blue Team and ready for the canvas. At this point a member of the team (who shall remain nameless) gestured that the canvas was upside down, so quickly flipping it over it was soon over the frame only for it to be realised it was now inside-out requiring it to be removed and flipped over again costing us time and allowing the Blue team to marginally snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

This simple exercise was explained to us as an example of working as a team to achieve a goal. For Trailwalker we're going to spend a long time in each others company, for a chunk of the distance we will get by on conversation and banter but this will dry up, we will get irritated by annoying habits of our team mates, we will have low points and will need our other team members to pick us up to get us through it. It is as much a mental as a physical challenge.

With time left for some group photographs at the end, we said our thanks and goodbyes to our amazing Gurkha hosts and if you are reading this with a view to doing Trailwalker in the future we would strongly recommend you do this if you get offered the opportunity - it's inspirational and motivational (and the aches and pains will soon be forgotten)

Thank you 250 Gurkha Signals for a great day

27/05/2012 - Highways, Byeways and Waterways

With Mark off sunning himself in Cyprus, the rest of the Red Harrows got up at 6.30 for an early departure on Sunday morning, the sun was already warm. We were meeting for a Long Distance Walkers Association (LDWA) event with a start at 8.30 and, according to Littleborough Lion's Circular Boundary rules, we had to set off by 9am. This didn't leave much time for registering, donning boots and making last minute kit decisions. 

All over suntan lotion was one requirement -  only Lee did without. Polly's aim was to get maximum sunnage on the route...well, how often does it feel like you're training in the Pyrenees while in the Pennines? A feeling that was intensified by the sometimes dusty, sandy tracks we were to be walking on. 

The M62 in all its glory

Nevertheless, we managed to leave on time and were the last of the day's Challengers to start, many of whom set off at the slightly cooler time of 8am. It is an annual event taking in a fantastic circular route of 20 miles with spectacular scenery-although I'm not sure in the cold mist of last year we would have been so smiley by the end. 

A good part of the 1st section constituted a steady climb, much of which was into headwind. Albeit that we were dressed for the Med, so we can't really call it cool, the wind still kept conversation to a minimum and our sweat no sooner produced than evaporated.

Look - a mobile phone mast!

As we headed East we stayed pretty much parallel to the M62, up to Windy Hill check point (valiantly living up to its name), before crossing over at the highest point of motorway in the UK. From this viewpoint we were reminded of footage of 1960s daytrippers watching high speed cars from deckchairs with flasks of tea... 

From there we continued to climb to the high point of the route, Blackstone Edge, a rocky outcrop that wouldn't be out of place in a sci-fi, but providing excellent views. After the obligatory kiss-the-trig stop and photo op, we were on the move, down to checkpoint 2. 

It was somewhere round here that the game invented by Polly near the start got corrupted by Lee and Martin. Having realised that we were setting a good pace, and overtaken another group of Challengers soon after setting off, we thought we'd have a wager on how many groups we'd pass on the course. 

An excellent view

When it was clear that Lee and Martin's guesses of 5 and 7 were far off the mark, desperate number-reduction-rules were hastily put in place. The once simple idea got modified (if at checkpoints it doesn't count) and modified (if standing still, doesn't count) and modified (no walkers with dogs) in a desperate attempt for Lee and Martin to stay in the game, against Polly's more realistic guess of 10 groups... 

But what is "fair" when it competes with the tyranny of numbers?? Call it "democracy" if you like, but it's a corrupt form.

Lee and Polly caress the trig point

Feeling bolstered by the goodies at checkpoint 2, we passed a succession of reservoirs before dropping further, steeply down to the canal marked by a stone noting the Yorkshire / Lancashire divide, taking another quick sandwich break at what was about halfway. This seemed to replenish Polly's energies as we strode off and up again to checkpoint 3. 

From here on the route took several twists and turns, including across a spectacular winding sandy track cutting across sweeping green open hillsides, not unlike the approach to Devils Dyke at Checkpoint 7 of Trailwalker.

By now the wind had dropped, our ear drums returned to normal and conversation became less shouty. However, it wasn't long before we bemoaned the passing of the coolness it provided...and wished for just a little of the breeze to return. 

The Border - Passports please...

When we came down from here the next stop was checkpoint 4: the scouts meeting hut, complete with - for the second time that day - tea, bananas, soreen, mars bars and even sandwiches and salad. Top notch. 

So with a little more than an hour to go, with our goal of sub-6 hours for 20miles still in sight, we set off for the last stretch with about 5 miles to go. The last part was pretty much head down as our conversation stores ran low. 

Around this point, we passed one older Challenger with a walking stick (not poles), who was completing his 10th event, confidently telling us that this one "isn't a hard one". I wonder what he classes as hard?! 

We did make one small diversion in the last mile, mistakenly dropping down to the lake and finding ourselves amidst slightly amused Sunday sunseekers, pushchairs and family strollers. 

Martin - the last boy scout...

We had become complacent in following the pieces of tape blowing helpfully in the wind at every awkward fork and stile. Somehow one or two pieces must have been relieved of their duty by someone with nothing better to do than confuse tired walkers... 

While it didn't add much to our overall distance, it did cause amusement of the older guy who wondered how we'd managed to come in after him?! 

No sooner had we checked back in at the club house, did we make use of the bar and sit down to some grassroots cricket in the blistering sun and assess our red patches, heat rash and blisters. A good day was had by all.