Can I change my mind??

August 10th 2006
I've got a couple of (much needed) days off work - so today I did my first "serious" walk.
I took Tyson with me for moral support....
We headed off to Beechenhust Lodge in the Forest of Dean - equipped with 4.5 litres of
water and the trusty pedometer.

On arriving at said destination (half an hour drive away) I bundled Ty out of the car and
headed towards the lodge and the maps....
I could've chickened out and gone for the "Beechenhurst Trail" which it was stated was 0.6miles
well - as easy as that would've been, I walk further than that when I take Ty for a "quick" walk.
So, we settled for the "Speculators trail" which said it was 2.5miles. The guidelines suggested that an "able walker" would be able to complete it in 2 hours.

Off we set - the first part of the walk was fairly tame - nice to be in the Forest again, it seems like ages since I was last there (and in fairness, probably was!) but as the walk progressed, at a fair pace, I'm pleased to say (walking on your own has it's advantages) It was quite hot - I'm guessing about 22-23 degreees, and not all of the walk benefits from the woodland shade!

One particular part of the walk was quite steep - deep breath at the bottom and I powered up it - stopping at the top to take in the magnificent views. After a short breather (I really need to do some more fitness training!!) we carried on our walk - dodging the cyclists on the way.
Before we knew it, we'd got back to the car in a record time of 1.5 hours. (Chuffed?? Me??)
The pedometer states that we had walked just over 2.5 miles, which was 7067 steps.

I am far from fit - I know that, but the time it took to walk the trail today has spurred me on. I didn't find it easy - but it is exactly the sort of walk I need - multi terrain, and well signed!
Now I'm going to have a look at where we can walk tomorrow.....