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Main Boards => Long Distance Walks => Topic started by: Warbler on 13:30:38, 07/03/19

Title: Planning my first multi-day walk for some time
Post by: Warbler on 13:30:38, 07/03/19

Having deliberated for some time over which LDP to tackle this year, I've more or less decided to go for Offa's Dyke Path.
I've not been on a multi-day walk for nearly 2 years, so it seems a bit of a daunting prospect for me right now.


I have a rough idea of where I intend to camp each night, plus one night in a b&b (probably in Oswestry). I'll be going south to north, and apart from a short 1st day to Beeches Farm near Brockweir, I'll be walking 11 to 18 miles a day, taking 13 days in total.


As a warm up for this I intend doing the last 2/3rds of the South Downs Way (Cocking to Eastbourne) in an attempt to get me back into it.


To all you Offa's Dyke path "veterans" out there, does this seem feasible for one so rusty.



Title: Re: Planning my first multi-day walk for some time
Post by: sussamb on 13:37:18, 07/03/19
Offas Dyke is a relatively easy walk though the last section is the toughest if you're going South to North but by then you should have settled into it.  Your schedule should be doable if you're able to walk similar distances over the SDW.
Title: Re: Planning my first multi-day walk for some time
Post by: Warbler on 14:03:12, 07/03/19

Thanks sussamb


For the partial SDW I'll be averaging about 14 miles a day over 5 days. This walk will be dependant on campsites being open in mid April though. Hoping to do ODP starting mid May.
Title: Re: Planning my first multi-day walk for some time
Post by: ron6632 on 08:50:21, 08/03/19
A few years ago now, but I walked a similar itinerary, backpacking it too and probably at a similar level of fitness.  You should be fine - the switchback section was the toughest (and nearly killed me at the time :) ), but there’s a couple of easy days after it.  By the end I was tramping up the hills without a second thought.


It’s a wonderful route - if you’re interested my blog shows my itinerary- using mostly campsites, the YHA at Knighton (or Kingston - I always get the two mixed up) and a B&B.


Also camped in the beer garden at The Offa’s Dyke Brewery.


Have a great walk, and I hope the weather’s kind.  O0
Title: Re: Planning my first multi-day walk for some time
Post by: richardh1905 on 11:25:42, 08/03/19
Seems like a reasonable daily mileage to aim for - just get plenty of training walks in beforehand. And good luck!
Title: Re: Planning my first multi-day walk for some time
Post by: Warbler on 16:16:37, 08/03/19

Thanks Richard.


And thanks Ron, that's a great site you have there. I've just finished reading your Offa's Dyke blog, very insightful, and gives me a good feel of what to expect. I realise you did this a few years ago now, and the route has probably become more popular since, but did you pre book your camp sites beforehand or just turn up on the day?


You seem to have a similar approach to me, as in it's imperative to be within reasonable walking distance to a pub at the end of each day.  :)
Title: Re: Planning my first multi-day walk for some time
Post by: Slogger on 16:18:44, 08/03/19
Yes doable in the schedule you planned, but easy - Hm, no not easy. I have done many long distance paths including Offa's Dyke and many are easier. Be prepared for some long and short steep ascents, the route very much is up and down, with a few flatter area's.
Title: Re: Planning my first multi-day walk for some time
Post by: ron6632 on 17:12:34, 08/03/19
Thanks Richard.


And thanks Ron, that's a great site you have there. I've just finished reading your Offa's Dyke blog, very insightful, and gives me a good feel of what to expect. I realise you did this a few years ago now, and the route has probably become more popular since, but did you pre book your camp sites beforehand or just turn up on the day?


You seem to have a similar approach to me, as in it's imperative to be within reasonable walking distance to a pub at the end of each day.  :)


I think most of them I’d pre-booked, or at least phoned well in advance.  You could probably get away without booking - most of the sites I stayed at were fairly quiet, and at least one I was the only one there. Many seem to be geared for just turning up.  Just be aware you’ll probably end up sharing a site with DoE at least once!


I would add that it’s a good idea to keep some pound coins back in the evening as many of the sites had meters on the showers.  There’s a bunkhouse now at the end of the penultimate day - it may actually be attached to the pub!


Surprisingly there weren’t many backpackers on the route - I don’t think that’s changed much, but at the time there was a nice steady trickle of walkers.  I certainly wouldn’t expect it to be West Highland Way Busy!



Title: Re: Planning my first multi-day walk for some time
Post by: Warbler on 12:35:53, 09/03/19

In terms of walks carrying a pack with camping equipment, I have only done the Cleveland Way and Dales Highway. I found CW to be fairly easy but DH more challenging. I'm expecting OD to be more challenging still, and also being 80 miles longer I'll be in new territory. Time will tell, as the saying goes,


I looked into the bunkhouse suggestion in Bodfari. There was one there before it changed hands, a couple of years ago from what I can gather, and became part of a chain, but now there is no mention of one on their website. I'll ring them nearer the date to find out.
Title: Re: Planning my first multi-day walk for some time
Post by: Warbler on 16:53:31, 20/04/19

I did the last 2/3rds of the South Downs Way a couple of weeks ago (Cocking to Eastbourne). All went well, and thoroughly enjoyed it, apart from the second day when it rained throughout the day, and visibility was down to less than 50 yards at places up on the ridge. I walked past Chanctonbury Ring without even knowing it was there, it was a day to just put your head down and steam through it. The eastern end of this path is so much more enjoyable than at the Winchester end with far more expansive views.


All in all a good work out before attempting Offa's Dyke next month.  O0
Title: Re: Planning my first multi-day walk for some time
Post by: rural roamer on 19:34:32, 20/04/19
I looked into the bunkhouse suggestion in Bodfari. There was one there before it changed hands, a couple of years ago from what I can gather, and became part of a chain, but now there is no mention of one on their website. I'll ring them nearer the date to find out.
There is a caravan park there which take tents as well as touring caravans. Didn’t use it mind as we stayed in B&Bs. It’s called Station House.
Title: Re: Planning my first multi-day walk for some time
Post by: ron6632 on 21:16:36, 20/04/19
There is a caravan park there which take tents as well as touring caravans. Didn’t use it mind as we stayed in B&Bs. It’s called Station House.


They have a bit set aside for backpacking there.  It was quite busy when I stopped.  The down side is it’s about as far away from the path as you could get in the village
Title: Re: Planning my first multi-day walk for some time
Post by: Warbler on 21:30:08, 20/04/19


"There is a caravan park there which take tents as well as touring caravans. Didn’t use it mind as we stayed in B&Bs. It’s called Station House."


Yes, I have that pencilled into my itinerary, cheers. Always good to have a back up though.
Title: Re: Planning my first multi-day walk for some time
Post by: Warbler on 17:59:52, 05/05/19

Right.....Decision made. I'm catching an early train to Chepstow on Tuesday morning and start walking Offa's Dyke about mid-day.


I've rang around all the campsites on route and most have said, no booking required, just turn up on the day, or give a days notice. I'll probably use a b&b a couple of nights if and when I feel like it. It'll be great to do this walk with no time pressures as has been the case on my previous LDW's, and I may even tag on a couple of rest days, or half days, to do some touristy stuff at my leisure.


The weather forecast looks a tad unpredictable though  :-\


Can't wait to get moving.
Title: Re: Planning my first multi-day walk for some time
Post by: sussamb on 19:14:41, 05/05/19
Have a great time, it's a lovely walk  O0
Title: Re: Planning my first multi-day walk for some time
Post by: bricam2096 on 19:18:52, 05/05/19
I look forward to hearing about your trip, I'm doing it in June, same direction  O0
Title: Re: Planning my first multi-day walk for some time
Post by: Warbler on 22:35:33, 06/05/19

Cheers sussamb.


bricam…...Hopefully I'll be back by June  ;D
Title: Re: Planning my first multi-day walk for some time
Post by: happyhelen on 02:10:03, 09/05/19
Best of luck and enjoy!
Title: Re: Planning my first multi-day walk for some time
Post by: and101 on 11:53:00, 09/05/19
Right.....Decision made. I'm catching an early train to Chepstow on Tuesday morning and start walking Offa's Dyke about mid-day.


.......


The weather forecast looks a tad unpredictable though  :-\


Can't wait to get moving.


As someone completely inexperienced in multi-day walks, I'm really interested to see how you get on. Please share your experiences here if you could. Best of luck!
Title: Re: Planning my first multi-day walk for some time
Post by: Warbler on 20:14:32, 14/05/19

Well...…...everything was going too well. I was really enjoying the walk and felt I was getting stronger and coping with the terrain. Then on day 6 starting from Kington, I started to feel a strain in the right Achilles tendon, and after 4.5 miles I realised it was game over  >:( .


I'd arrived at a minor road and rather than risk continuing back up into the hills, I headed for the nearest village to get transport to Knighton. A man who was working at the front of his house very kindly offered me a ride to Knighton, an unbelievably kind gesture and very much appreciated as there was no Sunday bus service.


I am putting the strain down to carrying too much weight in my pack, about 13kg, though as I said, I thought I was managing quite well with it.


The most annoying thing about this outcome is that I had decided to have a rest day when I reached Knighton  ::)


I am now at home licking my wounds, and planning to return and finish this marvellous route when I've recovered. I won't be camping, I'll be booking b&b's along the route instead.



Title: Re: Planning my first multi-day walk for some time
Post by: sussamb on 20:56:34, 14/05/19
Sorry to hear that but you made the right decision. It'll be there another day  O0
Title: Re: Planning my first multi-day walk for some time
Post by: Bigfoot_Mike on 20:58:21, 14/05/19
Achilles tendonitis is literally a pain. I think you made the right choice in stopping, as once the pain starts it only goes one way. Tendons are slow to heal and lead to lots of frustration. I first suffered when I used to run. I tried running shorter distances and less often, but the pain gradually got worse so that I couldn’t walk on the flat without pain. Make sure you give yourself enough time to recover, so that you don’t suffer pain longer term.
Title: Re: Planning my first multi-day walk for some time
Post by: Warbler on 21:24:36, 14/05/19
Yes, I'm pleased with the decision I made. It would have been futile to carry on. I'm still struggling to get up and down the stairs at home. I'll definitely give it plenty of time to recover. I have no previous history of tendonitis but have read enough recent posts here to realise it's not worth rushing back from.
Title: Re: Planning my first multi-day walk for some time
Post by: and101 on 22:32:49, 14/05/19
Yes, I'm pleased with the decision I made. It would have been futile to carry on. I'm still struggling to get up and down the stairs at home. I'll definitely give it plenty of time to recover. I have no previous history of tendonitis but have read enough recent posts here to realise it's not worth rushing back from.


I feel your pain (no pun intended), my tendonitis is really getting me down right now and even if I think I’ve rested enough it flares up again. So difficult to rest from something basic like walking especially when it’s a hobby. Rest well.
Title: Re: Planning my first multi-day walk for some time
Post by: tonyk on 09:49:15, 15/05/19
Yes, I'm pleased with the decision I made. It would have been futile to carry on. I'm still struggling to get up and down the stairs at home. I'll definitely give it plenty of time to recover. I have no previous history of tendonitis but have read enough recent posts here to realise it's not worth rushing back from.
Been in the same situation myself.When walking the Pennine Way N-S I had to retire after 200 miles  due to tendonitis.Plenty of rest,icing three times a day and things should get back to normal after a couple of months.Since being in that situation I have walked thousands of miles and not had any major issues.If its not happened before it might be a strained tendon rather than the type of tendonitis runners get where the tendon and sheath become inflamed.
Title: Re: Planning my first multi-day walk for some time
Post by: Warbler on 11:07:38, 16/05/19

I feel your pain (no pun intended), my tendonitis is really getting me down right now and even if I think I’ve rested enough it flares up again. So difficult to rest from something basic like walking especially when it’s a hobby. Rest well.

Thanks and101. I intend resting it for as long as it takes, but I think patience will be stretched.


Been in the same situation myself.When walking the Pennine Way N-S I had to retire after 200 miles  due to tendonitis.Plenty of rest,icing three times a day and things should get back to normal after a couple of months.Since being in that situation I have walked thousands of miles and not had any major issues.If its not happened before it might be a strained tendon rather than the type of tendonitis runners get where the tendon and sheath become inflamed.

I'm pretty sure it's just a strain as it's not happened before. It's eased up quite a bit already. Just needs time and patience. I have a weekend planned in the Malvern's in early July, so hoping to be fully mobile by then. My first challenge however will be a mile level walk to the local and back this weekend. O0
Title: Re: Planning my first multi-day walk for some time
Post by: richardh1905 on 07:56:44, 17/05/19
Bad luck getting the injury, Warbler, but good decision to call a halt. Get well soon!  :)