The following is a short extract from my book Tales from the Trails Part 1: UK Trails.

Why walk long distance trails?

I am sometimes asked this question – why walk long-distance trails when you can be at home enjoying the garden, watching a video, entertaining the grandchildren …? Here is an extract from a report of the Ridgeway I sent to Contours Walking Holidays, the company we used to select and book our accommodation and also transfer a bag every day.

Sunday 23rd June, 2013. Letcombe Regis to Goring-on-Thames
It was perfect weather for walking today: not too hot, no rain, a cool breeze, and lots of things to interest us as we tramped merrily across the Downs, through various woods accompanied by bird song, and along easy-to-walk pathways shared with other walkers, horse riders, cyclists, family groups and dog walkers. This was walking at its best: relaxing, invigorating, fun and both physically and mentally stimulating.

Okay, enough of the ‘eulogy’ but when asked the question, this day on the Ridgeway was a perfect example of how I might answer. You already know the pain: bogs (Pennine Way), blisters (North Downs Way), aching knees, penetrating rain, precipitous sheer drops (South West Coastal Path), mist on the moors, and wet feet!

But the good days always beat the bad days.

(^_^)