Mrs Three Points of the Compass joins me for part of my week on the London Countryway

Each year I keep a walk record. More recently this has acted as a pain diary; recording my progress through recovery from Plantar fasciitis. I only record ‘proper’ walks of five miles or more on this so it does not take into account shorter rambles or any time on a daily work or leisure basis. As a result of continued injury, my miles are limited but I do set a target. That for 2016 is a modest 400 miles, of which 399 have been completed to date.

Taking time off to explore The Cathedral and Abbey Church of St. Alban- the site of the execution of England’s first Christian martyr in 209

Having had to take a weeks holiday and finding that I had foolishly allowed my passport to lapse, meaning no visit to the Mediterranean sun was possible, I decided to knock off a few more miles of the London Countryway. I have chatted before on this personal challenge. This is a small charity raising exercise in aid of the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme.

With Mrs Three Points of the Compass joining me, a decent meal each night is a necessity

… and seeing this is a gentle walking week, always time for the odd pint or two. Local brew in Ye Olde Fighting Cocks, this pub is a living reminder of a former barbaric sporting practice

I was lucky enough to persuade Mrs Three Points of the Compass to join me for three of my four days walking. The good lady doesn’t appreciate camping in these colder months so overnight accommodation was a necessity, in addition, daily mileage was modest, giving us enough time to explore sites of local interest and enjoy a decent meal most nights. However I was especially pleased to find that I have now reached the milestone two hundred mile mark. Probably just another four days to complete this particular walk now.

Days are short at this time of year

This walk is almost complete, what shall be my challenge for 2017…

Three Points of the Compass does not always blog on the trails walked. Links to those that have been covered can be found here.