Bravo to the Big Hike
When I saw the Cancer Research ad in the July issue looking for people to take part in the Peak District one-day, 25.8-mile Big Hike, I wondered ‘could I do that?’. The idea of supporting research into a disease which struck my father and other family members appealed to me, despite my 67 years and dodgy knees.
Close to £1000-worth of donations and three months later, at 7am one misty morning in September, I gathered with other hikers at the start line in the Bakewell Showground with my family cheering me on. The event was well organised by Cancer Research UK, with hikers offered water, fruit, snack bars and medical support at the start and at points along the route. The maps we were given and signage along the way were excellent, so there was no real chance of getting lost in the wonderful Derbyshire countryside.
We walked past the iconic Chatsworth House, early enough for it to be shrouded in morning mist, through to Lathkill Dale, a Site of Special Scientific Interest with its wide variety of vulnerable and protected wildlife. Then on to picturesque Deep Dale and eventually to Monsal Head, the Headstone Viaduct and the Monsal Trail.
After 8½ hours of solid hiking, I arrived back at Bakewell very proud of having completed the walk in such a respectable time. It was a brilliant experience, although my legs may have a different view. And to help contribute to research in cancer treatment and prevention was the icing on the cake.
John Grace,