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Main Boards => Long Distance Walks => Topic started by: Decani on 08:55:06, 16/07/17

Title: Newb soon to walk PW
Post by: Decani on 08:55:06, 16/07/17
HI all,  




I've just joined as my son (22) and I (50 last week) are walking the first week of the PW in September and I'm desperate for some advice!



My father passed away soon after discussing walking the PW, so I'd like to do it with MY son before I get too old.


He wants (and I'm mostly game) to camp the whole thing (and carry everything). He scoffed when I suggested 16 miles per day (with 15kg+ rucksacks). His D of E group managed 10 miles per day.


I did a calibration walk around Edale last weekend and only managed 12 miles on the Saturday. I was pretty much dead at the end of it, crying for my mummy ;), though I managed a lighter walk on the Sunday.


I can manage weekly shorter (5 miles) training walks beforehand in my locality (Epping Forest = mostly flat).


If we can only manage 10 miles then we'll have to wild camp - I'd rather stay at Crowden, etc.


I managed 20 miles yesterday (day sack only).


So, my question is: can we get fit enough before then to do 16 miles everyday for a week, and carry 15kg+?


Or should I change our plans, and only carry a day sack? My son would be disappointed.


Thanks in advance!
Title: Re: Newb soon to walk PW
Post by: tonyk on 09:43:54, 16/07/17
 There are guys on here who are in their sixties and seventies and they still manage to backpack the PW.Keep your pack weight as light as possible and stick to around 15-17 miles a day.Not saying its going to be comfortable but its certainly within the ability of the average walker.The PW has plenty of places to obtain supplies so don't make the mistake of carrying too much food.

 
Title: Re: Newb soon to walk PW
Post by: Islandplodder on 10:32:48, 16/07/17

Perhaps you could compromise.  The Old House at Torside does a 2 night package where they run you to Edale the first morning and you walk back there.  I remember the first day as long and hard even without camping gear, and that would get you over the first day, and you could sort of work yourself in to the walk, and wild camp from there on.  I think you need to get your pack weight down a bit, 15 kg is a lot to carry up all those hills, especially if you are not used to it.
I wouldn't worry about age - I reckon I may not have the speed I had when I was young, but have more staying power, and was over 60 when I did the PW.   Mind you, I did b&b and hostels, not camping, and kept things like spare clothes to a minimum, not sure I could lift 15 kg without doing something irreparable to my back, leave alone carry it.  Lots of people do though.
Title: Re: Newb soon to walk PW
Post by: fit old bird on 12:28:14, 16/07/17
Well I am 68 and can do 140 miles in 7 days, but I don't camp, I look for B & B's, and I have been doing it for a while. I think what you propose is doable, but I would say get some training in now, practice getting your pack size down to the minimum, you don't need as much as you think you do, and could you work out a compromise with your son, find a B & B for a couple of nights. A good nights sleep in a real bed will refresh you.


Ilona
Title: Re: Newb soon to walk PW
Post by: rural roamer on 20:10:00, 16/07/17
I can't comment on camping and pack weight as we always B&B and use a baggage transfer service, but we have now done 6 LDWs and made sure we have done enough training beforehand. We're not youngsters, we are in our late 50s and living in Suffolk struggle to get enough hill practice in. 


A couple of months before the walk while maybe only walking 7 or 8 miles I wonder if I'll be prepared in time, but touch wood have always been ok in the end! You need to gradually increase the miles as well as pack weight.  If you can get out most weekends between now and September you should be ok.  Aim to walk 2 days in a row a slightly higher mileage than each of your first couple of days, 1-2 weeks before you go.


The suggestions of maybe B&Bing the first night is a good one.  The first day is not easy,it's 16 miles and over Kinder Scout and Bleaklow, but is easily manageable if you have put in the training.  Another thing to think about is maybe doing 16 miles on the first 2 or 3 days and then having an easier day of say 10- 12 miles. It all depends on where you are hoping to get to in the week, Malham or further? 
Title: Re: Newb soon to walk PW
Post by: alewife on 20:24:10, 16/07/17
Rural roamer, I was going to say similar about varying it a bit. I haven't done the PW but on a multiday trip its nice to mix it up a bit, have some shorter days and also consider the odd non camping night to wash gear, dry out, gather your thoughts etc. I believe you can also book luggage transfer on an ad hoc basis (but you should check with Packhorse or similar to be sure) so if you need a break from carrying the weight for a day, you can just ring the night before. Lots of training including some overnighters will certainly help. Enjoy. And welcome to the forum O0
Title: Re: Newb soon to walk PW
Post by: Yorkshiremarv on 21:13:19, 16/07/17
I was in a similar situation last april, altho i was only 39. I walked the pw and it was my first long distance walk, i did it for charity and for my own personnel gains so when the going is very tough and [censored] just keep thinking why your doing it! i also only trained on flat land and i was camping/ carrying all my own gear, what got me the most was the excess weight bearing down on my knees, something i had not expected. My pack weight at the start was 13kg so anything above that is crazy, maybe get your son to help by carrying the heaviest stuff! Crowden was my only goal for the first day and i staggered into there like a drunkered in agony, set yourself simple goals, dont over think it and take the time to actually enjoy it, for me it was just to get to my next overnight spot and in reality i didnt get to enjoy the sights. Make sure you have walking poles, plenty of fresh socks and book a bnb for say the 3rd night, a hot shower/bath will work wonders,(on your 2nd day stop at the carriage house at standedge as they have a campsite round back AND a bath, that saved my bacon.
Title: Re: Newb soon to walk PW
Post by: johhnyp on 23:53:07, 16/07/17
It is clearly more comfortable covering ground if you are "trail fit". If you aren't I reckon you can still achieve a lot by marshalling your energy, so don't agonize too much if you cant put a lot of training miles in. As some of the guys have said, much of it is a mental resolve. Recognise that; say; 20 mile days mean 10 hours on the trail and don't rush. Walk steadily; and more slowly up hills. Don't keep stopping and starting. Plan your breaks for certain points ( a reward for ground covered). The steady pace means you can still take in the views.
I couldn't practise for an LDP I did in May and got in a proper lather about it. In the event I managed it well. Am doing the PW again in August and my domestic situation again means I cant train.
Start early, don't rush, enjoy it ...and pamper your feet! You will be fine.
Title: Re: Newb soon to walk PW
Post by: Decani on 23:35:43, 17/07/17

Thanks for the advice. I'm intending to eat in whatever pubs, restaurants and cafes come along and (to my son's disgust) have a night or 2 in a b&b. I'm still keen to camp the rest and I initially felt we could achieve 16 miles/day, but he insists on only 10 which will mean wild camping (which sounds fun if we can find the right locations).


I shall be walking every weekend until we go in September and walking to the station and 20+ flights of stairs at work every day.


I've had an expensive summer with a Kaleigh for my 50th and walking kit - I don't really want to spend £100's more on a super light tent to get the weight well below 15kg. Hopefully I can lose 5kg body weight (6' and currently 85kg) beforehand. I might need to buy new boots if I keep getting blisters with my current boots (Meindl from 10 years ago).


Thanks again!
Title: Re: Newb soon to walk PW
Post by: harland on 08:48:17, 18/07/17
The only thing I would wish to add is what a guy said to me the first morning I was to start my first LDP, the Pennine Way, when he asked how I felt about the walk ahead I said that I hoped my feet would be OK.  He replied it is not your feet that will decide whether you succeed it is your head.  He was right as despite not knowing at that stage how to look after my feet when I did get blisters it was certainly my head that got me through, thinking about walking to lunchtime, the B&B at the end of the day and the shower in the evening, the pub. 

The Pennine Way is a truly wonderful walk, meeting lots of new people along the way and chatting with them in the evening.  Whilst wild camping is OK and is good "to be away from it all" I hope that you don't miss out on the comradeship of your fellow walkers.
Title: Re: Newb soon to walk PW
Post by: fit old bird on 09:14:36, 18/07/17
Thanks for the advice. I'm intending to eat in whatever pubs, restaurants and cafes come along and (to my son's disgust) have a night or 2 in a b&b.

Thanks again!


He can always pitch his tent on the lawn if he is that keen on camping.  ;D


Ilona
Title: Re: Newb soon to walk PW
Post by: rural roamer on 22:22:42, 18/07/17
Harland - i agree with you that you need to be mentally as well as physically 'fit'. Your feet may be fine but you might need to cope with a day of bad weather, and then be ready to get up and do it again the next day. And yes, chatting with others along the way in the same situation certainly helps.

Fit old bird - thats not a bad idea!- I can think of a few places in the first part of the PW that offer B&B and camping - Miresfield Farm Malham, Ponden House Ponden, Carriage House Marsden.

Decani - if you are going to get new boots, get them sooner rather then later. If your 10 year old boots are leather and you haven't worn thrm for a while, the leather has probably stiffened up.
Title: Re: Newb soon to walk PW
Post by: Marshy Pete on 11:20:50, 20/07/17
Hi
As another newbie on here (who has yet to say hello in the appropriate section)
The PW is tough over the first section to Crowden.
It depends when you get into edale and if you want to start walking. There are some wild camp sites  after kinder.


If you are walking from Edale to Crowden on the first day take it easy, give plenty of time, it will be a hard time.


The next day is not so hard.




However you need to train as much as you can, especially using your camping gear in adverse conditions.


Cheers
Marshy Pete
Title: Re: Newb soon to walk PW
Post by: sussamb on 11:49:51, 20/07/17
Having done the PW twice now I wouldn't call the first section hard, at least not physically.  The worst part is the climb onto the Kinder plateau. I think the real issue is getting the mind sorted, as has been said many times it's the mind that will fail first on these longer walks.  There are far harder days than the first one  O0
Title: Re: Newb soon to walk PW
Post by: Stube on 11:58:44, 20/07/17
The stretch from Edale to Crowden is the hardest you'll have in a weeks walking, especially if the weather's bad. Mind you the climb out of "Hebden" is vicious.

One option is to split it by taking the Snake path, after descending from the Kinder plateau, to the Snake Inn - there is/was an unofficial camping area there.

I was 64 when I walked the PW camping all the way (with an occasional YH) doing 12-15 miles a day carrying around 13+kg
Title: Re: Newb soon to walk PW
Post by: Marshy Pete on 12:06:36, 20/07/17
It depends on your physical and mental fitness. Once the first couple of days have been overcome, hopefully,
Confidence will see you to the finish.
Hopefully I have responded in the correct place on this thread
Title: Re: Newb soon to walk PW
Post by: Murphy on 14:21:28, 20/07/17
I agree with Sussamb. Mind first And harder days than first one.  Have walked PW numerous times and mind over matter is priority especially in the weather!
Title: Re: Newb soon to walk PW
Post by: bricam2096 on 14:27:58, 20/07/17
I didn't find the first day hard as my mind and body were fresh and ready to go, it might have been different if it was later on into the journey.
Title: Re: Newb soon to walk PW
Post by: rural roamer on 14:45:37, 20/07/17
The hardest day can depend on the weather....
Title: Re: Newb soon to walk PW
Post by: Dyffryn Ardudwy on 17:45:27, 25/07/17
Blimey, 50 is hardly old, with luck you should have years of walking ahead of you.
Attempting any Long Distance Path, especially one as long as the Pennine Way, needs time and longterm preparation.
By what you are saying, you seem to be struggling with long distance fitness.
Attempting a large section of the Pennine Way, when one is not used to long distance walking, is not advisable.

Now if you said you were 70, and suffering with painful feet, then i would understand your concern.

Obviously you do not want to disappoint your son, but the Pennine Way will be there in the future, and being only 50, aim for the walk in the near future.

Over thirty years ago, i could walk 50+miles a day, over tough terrain, and hunger for more.

Even though i am still extremely fit, and approaching my 60th birthday very soon, i could not cope with such a distance, simply because my legs are no longer used to walking that far.

I run regularly every week, still walk distances of 20+miles most months, but i would struggle on the Pennine Way, simple because i no longer do challenge walks, that involve time on your legs, for mile after mile, on a weekly basis.


I can easily cope with 20miles, but getting up the next day, and doing it again, and again, i would eventually call it a day.

Remember, you do not have to wild camp any sections of the Pennine Way, as its such a popular walk accommodation for most of its length is readily available.


Wild camping is more an adventure, but getting out into the bleak Pennines knowing there's a warm bead waiting every evening, has its benefits.

Build up to it, not jump head first, and even though a lot of the route is straight forward, you still have to get accustomed to walking long distances, day after day.


That can only be achieved with longterm practice.

A walk as long as the Pennine Way is meant to be savoured, not dreaded.

Good luck with the training.
Title: Re: Newb soon to walk PW
Post by: sussamb on 18:56:09, 25/07/17
Even though i am still extremely fit, and approaching my 60th birthday very soon, i could not cope with such a distance, simply because my legs are no longer used to walking that far.

I run regularly every week, still walk distances of 20+miles most months, but i would struggle on the Pennine Way, simple because i no longer do challenge walks, that involve time on your legs, for mile after mile, on a weekly basis.

DA, your posts really are getting worse.  If you can really walk 20+ miles it isn't your legs 'simply not being used to walking that far' that would prevent you walking the PW but your mind.  I'm older than you by around 5 years, and did my first PW when I was 60 and my second this year.  I walk at most 15 miles a week. Any reasonably fit and determined person can do it, but many fail because the mind fails.
Title: Re: Newb soon to walk PW
Post by: Slogger on 19:38:58, 25/07/17
I think Dyffryn has a point though. Yes any reasonably fit person can walk the PW depending on how long they plan to spend on it. His point of no longer regularly walking distances that he used to, affecting his performance is quite valid.
I have found this is the case. As I have older, certainly since the age of 65 years, still working full time physically hard, I am spending less and less time out in the hills. This has had a dramatic effect on my hill climbing and speed. Things I could do just a few years ago that I used to take for granted that I would succeed, I am now not so confident. Sure I can still outdo most others of my age and younger but still perform the same as I used to - no, but I'm still trying. Now if I were retired that would be another story.
Title: Re: Newb soon to walk PW
Post by: sussamb on 19:59:14, 25/07/17
His point of no longer regularly walking distances that he used to, affecting his performance is quite valid.


Well that point I didn't disagree with  O0


Someone may walk slower than they did but should still be perfectly capable of long distance walking, but may just take more days to complete something like the PW.
Title: Re: Newb soon to walk PW
Post by: rural roamer on 22:36:30, 25/07/17
I too don't generally walk many miles in a week, just when we are on holiday.  But most years we will do a LDW and train for it. So for example the Pennine Way, we walked 19 days plus 1 rest day about two thirds of the way through.  Training for it was mainly weekends building up the miles, so you can't really train for the whole walk as most people don't have that much time on their hands! I think if you are generally fit and aim a week or two before to walk at least 2 days in a row covering the miles you will do on your first 2 days on the actual walk (or a bit more if like us you don't live near hills!), and carrying your full pack, you should be fine. You will "walk into the walk" , but do prepare for it mentally as well.
Title: Re: Newb soon to walk PW
Post by: Dyffryn Ardudwy on 11:21:53, 26/07/17
Completing 20miles in one day is within the capabilities of most fit walkers, but repeating that process day after day, for up to two weeks, possibly more, wold destroy most walkers not used to long distance walking.
However slowly you walk, 270 miles in a long way, with every weather imaginable thrown at you for good measure.


My best time for the 53mile South Wales Marathon walk, back in 1992, was 13hrs 28min, i was dead chuffed with such a good effort.
If the Challenge walk was still going, i know i would fail to complete it, as your legs begin to tire quickly once you pass 40+miles over hard terrain in the Brecons, and its been years since ive attempted such a long distance.



You have to train hard, to successfully complete the very long Long Distance Paths, attempting one thinking you will be successful, with little or no preparation, is most unwise.
Its a bit like training for a marathon, when the person in mind cannot yet complete a mile without stopping for breath, its a very unrealistic target.

Put in the months of training, getting regular long walks, over various terrain, and then contemplate an attempt on the Pennine Way, thats the sensible approach to this classic LDW.
Title: Re: Newb soon to walk PW
Post by: sussamb on 12:16:27, 26/07/17
... as your legs begin to tire quickly once you pass 40+miles over hard terrain in the Brecons, and its been years since ive attempted such a long distance.


Please, it's the Beacons or the Brecon Beacons, it is most definitely NOT the Brecons  >:(
Title: Re: Newb soon to walk PW
Post by: rural roamer on 13:15:37, 26/07/17

Put in the months of training, getting regular long walks, over various terrain, and then contemplate an attempt on the Pennine Way, thats the sensible approach to this classic LDW.


DA you're risking putting off the OP completely. He's obviously not taking it lightly hence why he is asking for advice on here.  He is only doing a week of it anyway.  I managed the whole Pennine Way and I' m not superwoman! (Not young either - 58). We only walked long distances in the last month and very little in the hills as we simply don't have that option.  Yes train and be sensible about it but don't go overboard.
Title: Re: Newb soon to walk PW
Post by: sussamb on 13:46:35, 26/07/17
 O0 O0 O0
Title: Re: Newb soon to walk PW
Post by: tonyk on 19:48:07, 26/07/17

DA you're risking putting off the OP completely.

 I am quite sure the original poster is intelligent enough to realise that walking the Pennine Way isn't on par with storming the beaches on D-day. ;)
Title: Re: Newb soon to walk PW
Post by: Dyffryn Ardudwy on 19:56:11, 26/07/17
He is struggling with his current mileage, how does he expect to walk half the distance of the Pennine Way, without considerable effort.
By the looks of things, he will have to let his son down, or contemplate putting off the walk until walking regularly long distances, comes naturally to him.
For the average walker, that could be a very long time.
Title: Re: Newb soon to walk PW
Post by: sussamb on 20:18:08, 26/07/17
He is struggling with his current mileage, how does he expect to walk half the distance of the Pennine Way, without considerable effort.
By the looks of things, he will have to let his son down, or contemplate putting off the walk until walking regularly long distances, comes naturally to him.
For the average walker, that could be a very long time.

b*ll*cks as usual  ;D

Remind me DA, when did you last walk the PW?  Or any other LDW?
Title: Re: Newb soon to walk PW
Post by: tonyk on 20:37:44, 26/07/17
He is struggling with his current mileage, how does he expect to walk half the distance of the Pennine Way, without considerable effort.


 Who said that long distance walking didn't require considerable effort? If it was easy it wouldn't be rewarding.
Title: Re: Newb soon to walk PW
Post by: bricam2096 on 20:47:34, 26/07/17
Sometimes I read posts where certain members sound like they are trying to put people off walks and I wonder if it's a case of jealousy as they maybe are no longer able to do the longer walks and therefore try and advise people against doing them.  >:(

Give people encouragement and help, that's why they have come here. He obviously knows it will be hard but a little help would be nice.

You'll find that the excitement of actually being on the walk will help you as will the weather if good and also the company you walk with and see on regular occasions on multi day walks.

And, if you feel after a few days you've had enough for whatever reason, you have still done better than all those that talk about doing it but never have.

Title: Re: Newb soon to walk PW
Post by: Islandplodder on 21:06:03, 26/07/17

I think there is quite a difference between doing a lot of miles in one day and walking an LDP.  I can walk 20 miles in a day if I have to but I'd much rather not, and certainly wouldn't like to do it 2 days running.  On the other hand I am quite happy doing 14 - 16 mile days, and can keep that up for 3 weeks,  and you can do most LDPs  like that.
I did the PW when over 60 with a fellow Granny.  We are both reasonably fit, but didn't train that much, as such.  We both reckon that we might not be quite as quick up hills as we were 40 years ago, but we have more staying power.  Yes, some evenings we were a bit tired (the first night nearly dead might be a better way of putting it.)  But we made it, and felt pretty proud of ourselves at the end.  We didn't do any 20 mile days I don't think.  We meant to do the Cheviot ridge in a oner but wimped out when we realised the advantages of spending 2 nights at Forest View.
OK we weren't carrying camping stuff, but we didn't do baggage transfer either.  Carrying a lot of gear might have meant shorter days, but if you are camping and not depending on the next b&b you can make the day as short as you want.  There isn't a time limit after all.
As has been said, some of it is mind over matter.  Actually, I think I would have found the Pennine Way harder at 20 than I did at 60-odd.  And not just because there weren't any slabs on the paths then.
Title: Re: Newb soon to walk PW
Post by: johhnyp on 23:48:31, 26/07/17
As a Boy Scout in 1967 ( I think it was), I dropped out of a sponsored Lyke Wake Walk at Ralphs Cross, feigning a knee injury. Truth to tell I was a bit tired and didn't fancy the effort. This comes back to haunt me every now and again even 50 years later :-\. As I said earlier in thread and others have repeated, it is mostly in the head and the head keeps going longest into old age ( well for most of us!). As Slogger points out there are physical upper limits that diminish without regular effort (did a fastish yorkshire three peaks four years ago but couldn't drive the car home afterwards).
I was going to say to Decani that I do think he and his son will comfortably do more than 10 miles per day without pushing these high level pain barriers, even without  lots of training.
I hope mental fortitude is the key as I am starting what I hope to be a 14 day PW a fortnight on Saturday from KY without any practise since May; although I have walked to Tesco a couple of times :D
Title: Re: Newb soon to walk PW
Post by: sussamb on 06:02:27, 27/07/17
Have fun. Hope it's not too hot for you, 14 days will keep you busy  :)
Title: Re: Newb soon to walk PW
Post by: tonyk on 09:37:37, 27/07/17
johnnyp wrote
Quote
I hope mental fortitude is the key as I am starting what I hope to be a 14 day PW a fortnight on Saturday from KY without any practise since May; although I have walked to Tesco a couple of times

 Don't do it! In your condition there is huge risk of failure and then coming on the forum and writing comments about how difficult the PW really is.There is even the risk of ending up in A&E with a sprained eyebrow. ;)

 Here again,it might go well as it did for me when my own "training" was a 6 mile walk around a wlidlife park four days before starting the walk.The mental fortitude is enjoying what you do and appreciating being outside in the open spaces.
Title: Re: Newb soon to walk PW
Post by: johhnyp on 09:45:42, 27/07/17
Into the breach and all that O0. btw the forecast has swung from heatwave to very moist in about two days, so will have to carry the flippers too..
Title: Re: Newb soon to walk PW
Post by: sussamb on 09:53:57, 27/07/17
Don't do it! In your condition there is huge risk of failure and then coming on the forum and writing comments about how difficult the PW really is.There is even the risk of ending up in A&E with a sprained eyebrow. ;)


 ;D ;D O0