Seventeen miles, zero degrees.

Clocked up 17 miles today on the walk from St Day to Mitchell.  Along with the scenery there were some strange yet beautiful smells from the local blossoms and flowers.  Cornwall is famous for its apples - to make cider - and I am pretty certain some of the beautiful scents were coming from apple blossoms.

Apple Blossom

It was 0 degrees last night!  Absolutely freezing.  Thankfully the very kind owners of the campsite upgraded the canvas tent to a wooden "tent" for free.  If you want a holiday in Cornwall, I recommend you book with these guys.

Refuge from the Cold.

I have another big walk on Thursday before taking a rest day Friday.

St Day on Mother's Day

18 miles uphill today as I made my way to St Day.  My legs are holding up but I'm in need of a rest.  The reward for getting to the "tops" was spectacular views over St. Ives Bay.

St Ives Bay - wish you were here?

The picture below is of the old church at St. Day. 

The Old Church at St Day

I also want to say "Happy Mother's Day" to my Mum.  She has something of the travel bug herself and is setting off to Egypt on Thursday.  It would be impolite of me to mention her age but as you know I am 60 I'll leave it to you to do the math !

Sleeping under canvas tonight, it's quite some time since I've done that!  I've practised putting the tent up in the back garden at home so it should be fine.  Curry for dinner tonight - yum!

Inside our tent - (at least in our dreams!)

Thanks for all your recent comments, I love reading them and they do keep me going.  Hope you are all enjoying the blog as much as I am enjoying the walk.  More updates soon...

Ups & Downs to Cannonstown

18 miles (it felt like more!) from Lands End to Canonstown today. 

View from the bridge

This was a bit tough today, more in terms of geography than psychology.  There were some spectacular views to keep me inspired.  Use my Google Maps page and the street view / Google Earth facilities to explore this part of my journey.

Distance today -Terrain map courtesy of Google

The weather held out for me and it was hot and sunny all day.

I'll be putting a tick in the box for a Good Day today.

Press Coverage

Got some coverage in the Liverpool Echo, to read it click here

You're never too old...

... or too young to learn!  I've now updated this blog so it links to other websites that will give more information about the places I travel through and the things I see.  Do pop back each day and who knows what we'll discover?  Just click on the highlighted words in the blog to go to another website for more info.

For those of you who get updates by e-mail please do remember to check the blog site to get full access to all the features.

Flying High

Today I walked 20 miles.  Crowdy Reservoir to Ruthern Bridge.  I wanted to ensure this part of the long walk was covered as we had omitted it during the planning stage.  Although the weather was grey, wet and windy (like the rest of the UK I'm told) I felt lifted by the majestic sight of a falcon on part of the walk called Camel Trail

Majestic!

I've not long arrived at the actual start of the walk, Land's End.

Now it's chow and rest time before the big setting off tomorrow.

April Fools?

Spoke to a couple of people via the mobile this morning as we were driving down a single lane country track to the start of the walk.  Stayed in a lovely hotel last night and quite well rested but obviously I'm nervous!  I'll try and update later, right now, I'm just about to take that proverbial small step on a long journey.

By the way, contrary to some rumours, this isn't an April Fools Day prank.  I'm actually doing this!

Off we go then

Well it is finally here.  This is my last day at home now for some time - the walk is upon me.  Both Anne-Marie and I are looking forward to it with both anticipation and trepidation.  Will be updating soon, take care all, and please do make comments as I will be checking regularly. It helps to keep me going. Cheers!

Your comments please!

It will be great to hear from you when I'm on the journey.

I've made it easier for you to post comments on the blog now.  Please, please do - they'll help keep me going.

Follow me on Google Maps

We've set up a Google Map that will let you follow my progress and see all the planned stops along the way. 
You can follow it on the blog or here is the link for you to copy, paste and add to your favourites!

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=201191246738209850827.00049f799da7cd0c4b440&ll=53.383328,-10.83252&spn=6.987794,19.665527&z=6

Formby Hall Golf Resort and Spa

Hi everyone, just thought I would like to say a BIG THANK YOU to Formby Hall for helping me with my training for the walk by allowing me to use their leisure facilities. This has made it so much easier for me to get up to the right fitness level for the walk. If you don't know Formby Hall check out their site at www.formyhallgolfresortandspa.co.uk

Less than 1 week to go

Well here we are on a Saturday am, the last free one before the walk starts! In fact, this time next week I will have left Lands End and be heading for Cannons town 20ish miles away. Please if you are reading this, all start praying for some good weather.I will be talking to you all via Simon, one of my sons who will update the blog when I can't. I will do one more post before setting off in the mean time Bless you all.

The ROYAL OAK

My friends in the pub had a fund raising night last night to help me with the cost of the walk. I am sooo lucky to know these people their kindness is beyond the bounds of friendship!! When I have a bad day on the walk, just thinking of these very special people and their support will keep me going. THANKS to you all

I'll get this right one day

In my last report I said that Liverpool Unites was trying to raise £5000 for Alder Hey. The correct figure is £500k so just a little extra!! Dumb or what!?

Well the other thing that has just struck me is, only 6 more sessions in the gym and 3 more good walks before the start of the BIG WALK oh boy it's nearly on me!!

Wish me luck all.

Alder Hey Childrens Hospital

Liverpool Unities has decided that all fundraising efforts should now be aimed at raising £5000.00 for the Alder Hey Children's Playground Fund. I am delighted that all the funds raised by this walk will go to Alder Hey. What a fantastic cause.!!

Time is getting near

At the time of writing, it is only a 20days before we arrive in Lands End for the start of the walk. The nerves are starting to come on a bit now, I know I'll be okay but it is always like this before a major challenge.

Lands End to John O'Groats

Hi everyone I'm back again.

This time walking from Lands End to John O'Groats. A distance of more than 1200 miles.

I'm raising money for Liverpool Unites which is a charity set up to help young people.
It would be great if you could help.

As on my last walk, I will update as often as possible to let you all know how the walk is going.

Cheers all