Walking Forum

Main Boards => General Walking Discussion => Topic started by: gunwharfman on 15:06:10, 24/11/19

Title: Any hiking plans for 2020?
Post by: gunwharfman on 15:06:10, 24/11/19
2019 for me was my least busy year in the last 10 years. My wife and I took on responsibility for looking after her elderly mother so it kinda used the summer up. I did manage to walk across Gran Canaria in February, hiked from Keswick to Edinburgh in April and finish my year by walking the Two Moors Way in August, so I do feel satisfied with my effort. I wanted to do more but it just didn't work out.

2020 is now on the horizon, my mother in law is now in a residential home and we are now confident that its a good one, the staff are excellent and she and the rest of the family are very pleased with it. I'm looking forward to December 21st and then looking forward to January 2nd and I'll be miserable in between those dates! I'm not going to make too many advanced plans this winter as I'm still not sure if Brexit will complicate my life but I hope to fit something in before January 31st by getting a reasonably priced flight to Tenerife and then hiking the GR131 route.

The only other idea that I'm keeping on my list of possibles is to hike in the volcano region in France from Clermont Ferrand. NinthAce suggested it last year (thanks again) and its been stuck in my mind ever since.
Title: Re: Any hiking plans for 2020?
Post by: pdstsp on 16:16:25, 24/11/19
I've had quite a good 2019 so far - Coast to Coast, lots of Lakes and Snowdonia walks, and a long weekend in Chamonix.  Highlight was meeting you, GWM on the forum meet, of course. O0


2020 plans yet to be made, other than a week in Samoens with a few old friends in June - day walks, with maybe an overnighter to one of the local refuges.


I also hope to do one of the shorter trails - maybe the Cleveland Way, at some point.  And, as Mrs pdstsp's PhD gathers pace, we will be visiting lots of Bronze age sites in Northumberland, an area I have never walked in. 
Title: Re: Any hiking plans for 2020?
Post by: rural roamer on 16:54:45, 24/11/19
May see you on the Cleveland Way pdstsp. We narrowed it down to the Two Moors Way and Cleveland Way for this year and we did the Two Moors Way, so logically.....
Though we are saving up to go to New Zealand so no overspending for us for a couple of years!
Title: Re: Any hiking plans for 2020?
Post by: Owen on 17:24:50, 24/11/19
A few vague ideas but nothing definite, a cycle tour of the Hebrides another Scandinavian walk or one or two other options. It mostly depends on money and time as usual.   
Title: Re: Any hiking plans for 2020?
Post by: Sleepy on 22:18:24, 24/11/19
I'm not sure I'll manage it in 2020 but I've been inspired to do some of one of the American ldws.....


Soo, maybe the ctc should be my plan for 2020 but.... who knows  ::)
Title: Re: Any hiking plans for 2020?
Post by: Bigfoot_Mike on 22:51:05, 24/11/19
I had hoped to attempt the a Welsh 3000s in 3030, after getting fit this year. Injury has ruled that out. Hopefully, I will get some hiking in this year as a start to getting hill fit again. The only walking I did this year was relatively short, while on Safari in a South Africa for my silver wedding anniversary.
Title: Re: Any hiking plans for 2020?
Post by: BuzyG on 23:38:42, 24/11/19
I had hoped to attempt the a Welsh 3000s in 3030, after getting fit this year. Injury has ruled that out. Hopefully, I will get some hiking in this year as a start to getting hill fit again. The only walking I did this year was relatively short, while on Safari in a South Africa for my silver wedding anniversary.


Mike, you  could do the South West 2000s for 2020 instead.  Not to tricky those.  ;)


I had so much planned for the later half of 2019, still several walks on the list before new year most notably Ruapehu next week.  Not given 2020 too much thought.  I have a walk to lead in January on Dartmoor, in search of Snow.    After that if I am able to maintain my fitness then I would love to attempt the Scottish 4000s over a few days and possibly the Dartmoor Highground 50 mile race following on from the marathon last year. Very much fitness dependent though. I'm not getting any younger.  ;D
Title: Re: Any hiking plans for 2020?
Post by: Sleepy on 07:38:57, 25/11/19
I don't think he needs to worry too much, he's got 1010 years to prepare  ;D
Title: Re: Any hiking plans for 2020?
Post by: sussamb on 07:51:36, 25/11/19
C2C in March for me  O0
Title: Re: Any hiking plans for 2020?
Post by: Wayne s on 08:41:29, 25/11/19
I just need to start walking  again, it’s been almost two tears since I lost all motivation and coupled with staring smoking again I am so unfit. So the plan is give up the fags and get back out there.
Title: Re: Any hiking plans for 2020?
Post by: gunwharfman on 10:28:29, 25/11/19
You do need to start walking again, life is precious, give up the fags and get out there!  O0
Title: Re: Any hiking plans for 2020?
Post by: pauldawes on 12:29:14, 25/11/19
Will aim to do Herriot Way at some point..52 miles..will aim to do in four walking days. Definitely using B and B’s and bag courier service! (Or maybe use one of the B and B’s in  the area that ferry you to start of days walking and collect from end each day...think there are a couple of places in area that do that.)


Apart from that will certainly do a day walk most Thursdays, and go to Shropshire two or three times for mini 3 day walking holidays.
Title: Re: Any hiking plans for 2020?
Post by: snoopdawg on 13:18:36, 25/11/19
2019 was good for me with the GGW in March,CWT in April and TGO in May then several lengthy Cairngorm trips in Sept/Oct. Planning a Northumbria and Scottish border bothy backpacking trip in March and the SNT over 27 days In April. No other plans for the rest of the year just yet
Title: Re: Any hiking plans for 2020?
Post by: Mel on 13:19:51, 25/11/19
WOW, Bigfoot Mike is drinking the Elixir of Life me thinks   :D    




For me, 2020 will be my Year Of Mountains.  Whernside (as the last one of my Y3P to do), Helvellyn (because I like the name), and Snowdon (because I've found some cheap saddo singleton for one accommodation) should get me off the starting blocks.


Plus I want to finish off Bagging the County of Durham and making a start on a new County  :)
Title: Re: Any hiking plans for 2020?
Post by: Slowcoach on 13:31:50, 25/11/19
I have scheduled and booked 3 separate weeks in the Lake District, a week in the North Yorkshire dales. About to book a week in the Peak District for October snd am waiting for reports of snow in the Lake District for an ad hoc excursion.
Title: Re: Any hiking plans for 2020?
Post by: andyapanel on 16:10:38, 25/11/19
I am returning to my Western Front walk in March (I reached Verdun last year) and then the C2C end of April/ beginning of May.
Being retired is Fab :D
Title: Re: Any hiking plans for 2020?
Post by: Bigfoot_Mike on 18:25:13, 25/11/19
I assume the southwest 2000s are going to be quite a long way from me in the north east of Scotland.


I shall have to check my typing, as I doubt I will be up to climbing much in 3030. I don’t have an Elixir of Life, but I do have some Water of Life - 15 year old Bowmore and Talisker :)
Title: Re: Any hiking plans for 2020?
Post by: forgotmyoldpassword on 19:06:00, 25/11/19
A lot more camping this year.  I feel I've not done much of it this year and it's frustrated me - even if it is due to legitmate reasons like sick family and work.  I'm not talking epic long trips, but a series of 3 days / 2 night trips are doable and let you find a bit of space in the outdoors without the need to drive as much as you do with day hikes.


Would be nice to book a trip to Patagonia too since I've wanted to do a few technical routes there for a while now.
Title: Re: Any hiking plans for 2020?
Post by: sunnydale on 19:31:33, 25/11/19
A few....


A couple of walking holidays abroad, although I haven't decided where yet. More research needed.


Hope to have a week or two in Scotland....and a week somewhere new (coastal) in Wales.
I'd really like to get over to Ireland next year.  I'd planned to go this year but what with one thing and another, I ran out of time/opportunity ::)


I'll also have a few long weekends away, which could be anywhere! Depends what comes up with my walking group.


 :)
Title: Re: Any hiking plans for 2020?
Post by: Stube on 20:42:25, 26/11/19
MacMillan Way for me - or at least the first 150 miles of it. Boston to Oxford roughly. It'll take me through half a dozen counties I've never walked in -  new vistas.
Title: Re: Any hiking plans for 2020?
Post by: Doddy on 11:46:13, 27/11/19
My plans are to do the Three Lochs Way and another section of the GR5. I have done 5 or 600 miles on the GR5, particularly Geneva to Nice and the Netherlands. I am looking at the Vosges and Jura section.
Title: Re: Any hiking plans for 2020?
Post by: burntfruit on 20:39:11, 01/12/19
I have two trips already booked.


Walking in Hydra Island Greece in March.


Exploring the Black Forest in May.


Also want to do a cycle tour of the Isle of Skye, or may do a UK hiking trip. Not sure yet.  :)
Title: Re: Any hiking plans for 2020?
Post by: Little Foot on 09:59:00, 02/12/19
I'm hoping to do the Yorkshire Wolds Way in May, with my son, who will just about be 13 then. Still at the beginning of the planning stage for it as it is hindered by the lack of accommodation and me not wanting to cart a tent about!
Title: Re: Any hiking plans for 2020?
Post by: gunwharfman on 11:32:59, 02/12/19
My original plan was to hike the GR131 on Tenerife, in January and to do it before the 31st of the month. I just couldn't get the price or the take-off times that I wanted and most dates were sold out anyway.

So I changed plans and have now booked a 5-day hike to La Palma instead, setting off in the second week of January 2020. The two dates were the only ones on offer from Easyjet, Gatwick so I grabbed at them.

Interestingly I started my search by looking at Skyscanner and their on-screen display read that there were NO return flights from La Palma to Gatwick at all in January 2020. So I went directly to Easyjet and my two dates were displayed right in front of me. Does this mean that airline companies may not release all of their flight details to Skyscanner?

I'd be very grateful for those who have hiked on the island for any tips. My primary route will be from the southern tip of the island straight up the mountain spine in the centre. Looking forward to the volcano area, haven't done one of those before. It also looks like I will have to equip myself well with water and food though, haven't yet had time to look at the shopping and eating opportunities that might or might not be availble to be away from the coastline.
Title: Re: Any hiking plans for 2020?
Post by: mow1701 on 20:08:21, 02/12/19
Main backpacking project will be walking the Cambrian Way. Guidebook bought, itinary planned and strip maps at 1:25k printed and laminated by daily stages.


In terms of regular walking I want to bagged all the mountain peaks in Snowdonia. Went there earlier this year and reminded how good Snowdonia is. Probably doing a mix of day walks and weekend backpacking wild camps.

Title: Re: Any hiking plans for 2020?
Post by: Agentorange on 07:15:24, 22/12/19
Plan A: don't put foot down concealed rabbit hole on Bank Holiday thus breaking bone and doing muscle damage

Plan B : assuming plan A goes ok, just get out and do some walking.  ;D

I've a few short walks ( 4-5 ) miles already planned. From Rye to Winchelsea and back going via camber castle on the way out and via the Padiam Sewer ( a drainage channel in reality ) path returning. I mean, an enjoyable walk and forts and castles what's not to like ?

Hope to get to Devon in Spring and want to do a few bits of the SWCP definitely the bit from Seaton to Branscombe . If the foots behaving the Undercliff walk from Lyme Regis to Seaton.

From High Halstow out to Allhallows on the Hoo peninsular.
Title: Re: Any hiking plans for 2020?
Post by: richardh1905 on 08:48:54, 22/12/19
Now that we are settling into our new house in south Cumbria, I'm starting to think of the year ahead:

As well as lots of local walks, I/We have the following in mind:

- More winter forays - I get a real buzz from getting up onto the fells in full winter conditions!
- A trip up Helvellyn with my 12 year old son - I'll have to wait until spring for this one.
- Short weekend family camping trips in the Lakes and Yorkshire Dales.
- Wild camping, probably on my own. I'm particularly interested in doing 2-3 day through trips using public transport - Threlkeld to Ambleside, Ravenglass to Keswick, Penrith to Kendal; that sort of thing.
- A trip to the Cheviot. After following the Spine Race last year I really fancy that long border ridge between Byrness and The Cheviot.
- Family holiday in Snowdonia, possibly some long weekends too. Revisit old stomping grounds, Carneddau, Rhinogs, Lleyn. And my son wants to climb Snowdon, of course.
- Galloway hills.
- Would love a trip over to the Mourne Mountains, but not sure whether that will happen.
- Would also like to get into the Highlands, but no specific plans.
Title: Re: Any hiking plans for 2020?
Post by: GnP on 09:25:30, 22/12/19
If the weather ever dries out I plan some walks in and around Knighton on the Welsh border, Clun & the lovely Blaen Y Glyn again.

 I enjoy repeat walks at different times of the year. Also hoping to walk Helvellyn around April with my Bro.  O0 
Title: Re: Any hiking plans for 2020?
Post by: Owen on 09:54:42, 22/12/19
I'm not sure what's going to happen at the end of next month, will the pound plummet? Will it bounce back quickly or slowly?


I'd like to book flights to Sweden but at the moment it looks like their only taking bookings six months in advance. I'm looking at July/August.


Closer to home, a weekend backpacking trip through Glen Kinglas using the trains from Crianlarich.


Cycling the Hebridean way and returning via Skye and Moidart.
Title: Re: Any hiking plans for 2020?
Post by: Tame Camper on 15:47:48, 22/12/19
For 2020 I would like a week in North Wales, not exactly sure where, but there is plenty of inspiration on this forum. It will probably be the end of May or early June, so I have plenty of time to prepare and enjoy looking at maps. Need to buy new ones, my current maps are from the 1980's. The hills won't have changed much, but everything else may have.
Title: Re: Any hiking plans for 2020?
Post by: Dyffryn Ardudwy on 17:27:16, 25/12/19
Snowdon for New Year  AGAIN.
I simply cannot believe how quickly this year has flown.

It only seemed like a few months ago, that i was walking up the mountain in pea soup conditions, but its been a year.

Quite scary how time has flown this year, but weather permitting, Snowdon again.
Title: Re: Any hiking plans for 2020?
Post by: gunwharfman on 11:23:15, 26/12/19
I was bored last night after watching Guardians of the Galaxy V2, not as good as the first in my view. A great film to watch after having a few glasses of wine though. Anyway, I digress, I then watched a few YouTube films about hiking trips, one bloke I viewed reckons that when we pitch our tents we should save our urine and sprinkle it around the tent in a circle to 'make our mark!' He claims it keeps any animals away. What do you think?
Title: Re: Any hiking plans for 2020?
Post by: Owen on 11:44:08, 26/12/19
. What do you think?


I think that there are some real weirdos on the internet!!!
Title: Re: Any hiking plans for 2020?
Post by: Bigfoot_Mike on 14:14:20, 26/12/19
What animals do we need to keep away from the tent in the UK? As far as I know we don’t have bears, wolves, lynx, big cats or any other large predators. Assuming you don’t pitch your tent in the middle of a field of cows, you should be OK.
Title: Re: Any hiking plans for 2020?
Post by: gunwharfman on 19:03:24, 26/12/19
My biggest fear is 'wild women' disturbing me in the night!  :-[
Title: Re: Any hiking plans for 2020?
Post by: Owen on 19:15:34, 26/12/19
My biggest fear is 'wild women' disturbing me in the night!  :-[


Wishful thinking!
Title: Re: Any hiking plans for 2020?
Post by: Ridge on 19:02:51, 28/12/19
I hardly dare type this in case I jinx it but I am hoping to walk the Pennine Way this year.
Title: Re: Any hiking plans for 2020?
Post by: richardh1905 on 22:33:32, 28/12/19
Good luck with the Pennine Way :)
Title: Re: Any hiking plans for 2020?
Post by: BuzyG on 00:27:50, 07/01/20
I assume the southwest 2000s are going to be quite a long way from me in the north east of Scotland.


I shall have to check my typing, as I doubt I will be up to climbing much in 3030. I don’t have an Elixir of Life, but I do have some Water of Life - 15 year old Bowmore and Talisker :)


Indeed they are and not much of a challenge once you get here.  There is only one mountain in SW England and that has two peaks Yes tor and High Willhays.  I did them both yesterday. Doesn't take long.  I love the climb though and it's easy to add in a few more local tors if you enjoy a bit more climbing.


We have the Dartmoor 600s for the metrically minded.  That is a decent days walking at about 18 miles.
Title: Re: Any hiking plans for 2020?
Post by: Ridge on 21:19:25, 07/01/20
I hardly dare type this in case I jinx it but I am hoping to walk the Pennine Way this year.
Work finally agreed the dates I want off today, so I started to book accommodation only to find that Forrest View is fully booked for the day I have to be there. AAaaaargh!


After much discussion with the lovely Joyce I am going to post a tent and sleeping bags to them so that we can pitch on the lawn.

Title: Re: Any hiking plans for 2020?
Post by: Yorkshiremarv on 21:32:50, 07/01/20
I hardly dare type this in case I jinx it but I am hoping to walk the Pennine Way this year.


 O0
Title: Re: Any hiking plans for 2020?
Post by: taxino8 on 22:03:12, 07/01/20
I’m going for an overnighter in the North Lakes with two lads who I joined the Army with in 1975, no doubt drink will play a big part as well as lots of tales of daring do’s and remembering mates who are no longer with us.
I’m really looking forward to it.


Title: Re: Any hiking plans for 2020?
Post by: Bhod on 09:33:14, 19/01/20
Hiking plans for 2020?  Well, the first plan was to get out more in 2020 than in 2019 which I've already accomplished with a Whernside circular.  The only major plan in place at the moment is a double Lyke Wake Walk attempt later in the year, also toying with the idea of doing the Y3P in reverse to the traditional route.  I'm hoping to have plenty of walks in between now and then though,  looking to pick up a couple of more Wainrights to add to the list (with a couple of wild camps thrown in), will probably do some walking in Northumbria (again hopefully with a couple of wild camps) and I'd like to spend a little more time in the NYM and the Yorkshire Dales.   

As for next walk, the Cleveland 3 peaks, something I've only recently discovered, have walked Roseberry Topping and Cook's Monument (Easby summit) both singularly and as a pair many times but never Highcliff Nab.
Title: Re: Any hiking plans for 2020?
Post by: gunwharfman on 10:13:43, 19/01/20
Although I hiked in La Palma recently I was handicapped somewhat by a nagging pain in my right lower calf, which I coped with by using my left leg more strongly and used my Pacerpoles a lot to help cope with this weakness. I know that if I didn't have them with me at the time I couldn't have hiked as far as I did.

This worked well enough but it's not the same as having two normal functioning legs. Yesterday was the best my right leg has been for ages, I could actually walk without limping. I'm going to plod on 'resting' it for a few more days and if I feel good by the end of this week I'm going to attempt to hike from Winchester to Queen Elizabeth Country Park, via the South Downs Way. If I need to cut it short them my wife will come and pick me up.

I hope this will be a good test for me and if it works out well I can then, I hope, plan confidently ahead into 2020. I particularly want to hike west of Clermont Ferrand to visit some of the extinct volcanoes (plus bars and restaurants of course) in the area. I also want to try cycle camping (now that my Hunker bivi, due to the recent zip that was fitted to it, it now is a much more usable item) I have already made a plan to cycle from Caen to the direction of Rennes, just got to decide when is the best time to do it. I think my thinking is OK, the only potential problem on the horizon (which may not be a problem at all) is the possibility of being snookered by unforeseen Brexit difficulties? Luckily this all kicks off at the end of January which is good for me because I have no plans for February anyway.   :)
Title: Re: Any hiking plans for 2020?
Post by: ninthace on 10:55:45, 19/01/20
I think you will be OK during the transition period.  European travel problems, if any, are more likely to arise when our masters find that while they are able to do the impossible, miracles may take a little longer.  Hopefully I will be proved wrong.
My 2020 plans are on hold.  On the first walk of the year the tendons round by left knee started to feel sore. I tried to walk through it but had to give up after 4 miles.  That night the knee gave way completely as I went upstairs.  Since then I have trying to bring it back but it is slow going.
Title: Re: Any hiking plans for 2020?
Post by: GordonHorwich on 13:08:30, 05/02/20
Just in the stage of planning Robert Louis Stevenson (GR70) in late June. Planning to get there by train so still too early to book.