Flying solo

Jenny wrote about walking solo. I’ve always enjoyed it, because as a teacher for a large part of my life I had responsibility for others.

Each summer holiday I would reward myself with a lone walk or two in the hills. The sense of freedom was enormous, having only myself to look after for a change. I always left details of my route and went equipped to survive long enough to hopefully be rescued in the event of a mishap. To this day I still carry enough gear to survive overnight despite having family tracking me with their devices.

Yes, I could fall and have no companion to come to my assistance, but it’s a risk I’m prepared to take for all the reasons expressed in Jenny’s article. At 68 I still get a kick out of leading others on walks but also try to have a weekly solo in remote countryside.

The possibilities are endless, enhanced by the routes described each month in Country Walking.

I enjoy good health which I can confidently put down to walking – and a hip replacement which also straightened my spine by giving me legs of equal length! I must close now, the sun is shining!

Pudsey