Nick Hallissey,

Deputy Editor

Miles walked this month: 80 Our adventure in wonderful, beguiling Chester (see page 64) yielded more myths, mysteries and sagas than we could possibly fit into those pages, but here’s one it would be a shame to miss: the Wishing Steps.

Sitting at the south-eastern corner of the city centre near the River Dee, this stretched-out flight of steps was added to the city walls in 1785. Popular urban myth says, if you can run up, down, then back up them again while holding their breath, your wish will be granted.

We love a challenge on CW, so photographer Tom (him on the left over there) and me both gave it a go. And somewhat to our surprise, we did it.

Tour guide Liz Roberts was delighted: “I’ve taken a lot of journalists on this tour and you’re the first ones who’ve managed it,” she cheered.

Ah, we said – that’s just what country walking does for you.

Both of us spent the remainder of the wall-walk feeling oddly light-headed. Not sure why.

Sadly though, we have to report that the Wishing Steps are faulty. Our wish of walking the Sandstone Trail with Scarlett Johansson has, as yet, failed to come true.

But we’ll keep you posted.

”We love a challenge on CW, so both photographer Tom and myself gave it a go – and somewhat to our surprise, we did it.“