LJN member walk from Lands End to John O'Groats November/December 2011?

I'm in the early stages of planning for a walk in aid of the British Heart Foundation for the end of 2011 (probably Nov/Dec).

At this stage, Mike Seaton, a good friend of mine (we met when he worked at Rigby Taylor in Peasmarsh nr,. Guildford in about 1989) has indicated that he's willing to walk too and Camp in aVDub have indicated they are willing to provide a support vehicle for the walk.

As I say, it's early days but I'd like to ask LJN members if there is anyone who'd be willing to walk/support - I'm kind of thinking that there will be a core of 3-7 walkers for the whole journey and others (hopefully LJN members) will join us for the sections that pass close to or through their own territory.

If anyone has any thoughts or suggestions then please feel free to leave a comment.

I won't pretend that this will be anything than a hard and painful slog but I want to do it for personal reasons and too help others by raising some money.

If you are interested then please note that you can support whatever cause that suits you or you can do the walk purely for the achievement.

Just to reiterate, this is early days and there's no certainty the walk will go ahead.

Hi Rowly

I've gone for the winter months because:

a) It will not interfere with LJN' members' work schedules should they choose to participate in a section of the walk.

b) The day length will ensure that we do not try to overdo the daily mileage and it will allow me and others to work/blog during the evenings.

The route isn't set in stone but to stray too far from the obvious shortest route will increase the length and time of the walk.

Crows can fly over mountains but at 'our age', we'd find the low road a little easier ;-0)

ROWLY HILL said:

First question Phil- why choose the winter months?

Dodgy weather, poor light, possibly poor under foot conditions.

Short days restricting walking time - perhaps that's a good thing.

2nd - have you got an initial idea of a route or will that be determined by possible LJ members joining in?

At our age "as the crow flies" is a phrase that comes to mind:-)

Replies

Philip Blair November 28, 2010 at 8:39pm

How far is it? How long do you expect it to take?
PRO

Stephen @ SJS November 28, 2010 at 8:45pm

Although the other side of the country for us would be interested in walking part of the way up here in Scotland could have picked a better time of year to do it though all will depend greatly on dates though! Know of Mike Seaton through speaking with him some time ago regarding a franchise up here.
PRO

Phil Voice November 28, 2010 at 9:05pm

Hi Philip It's about 837 miles and I'd expect it to take between 40-50 days

Philip Blair said:
How far is it? How long do you expect it to take?
Matt Brown November 28, 2010 at 9:10pm

i would be interested in doing a short part of it but i'm not very fit,
PRO

Phil Voice November 28, 2010 at 9:10pm

Hi Rowly

I've gone for the winter months because:

a) It will not interfere with LJN' members' work schedules should they choose to participate in a section of the walk.

b) The day length will ensure that we do not try to overdo the daily mileage and it will allow me and others to work/blog during the evenings.

The route isn't set in stone but to stray too far from the obvious shortest route will increase the length and time of the walk.

Crows can fly over mountains but at 'our age', we'd find the low road a little easier ;-0)

ROWLY HILL said:
First question Phil- why choose the winter months?

Dodgy weather, poor light, possibly poor under foot conditions.

Short days restricting walking time - perhaps that's a good thing.

2nd - have you got an initial idea of a route or will that be determined by possible LJ members joining in?

At our age "as the crow flies" is a phrase that comes to mind:-)
PRO

Phil Voice November 28, 2010 at 9:11pm

Hi John

Here's what the Google map route looks like:

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Land%27s...(John+O%27+Groats+Ferries)&hl=en&geocode=FY7z-wId0AKp_ymLdFfTQLhqSDERX0fQLq4OJg%3BFdPTfgMdjy_R_yFKf7nrkaQEFw&mra=ls&sll=54.110943,-3.47168&sspn=14.378111,46.538086&ie=UTF8&t=h&z=5

john grass roots home and garden said:
does any of the route go threw wales ???not good with ography ???
T & S Plants November 28, 2010 at 9:18pm

I have got Tina's consent to put myself forward as one of your walkers, should you go ahead.

Previously I have organised and done a 100 miler, and a 350 miler for the things that I believe in.

They are hard graft, and on both I managed around 30 miles a day, 10 hours walking, but that was in the Summer with long sunny days. Never done one in the Winter, but I'm up for it.

If you need any help on planning etc. be happy to help.
Angela Lambert November 28, 2010 at 9:18pm

Sounds like a fabulous adventure. I can't devote a lot of time at that time of year (marketing plan to write + Xmas preparations) but I would happily walk and/or support for a couple of days. My son's friend cycled from Lands End to John O'Groats 3 years ago. She was just 16 years old, raised £3K for Children in Need, and thoroughly enjoyed herself. Said it was a fabulous way of experiencing all that the UK countryside had to offer
PRO

Phil Voice November 28, 2010 at 9:24pm

Thanks Matt

Even if were to be a mile it would help and be part of the fun.

Philip Voice said:
Hi John

Here's what the Google map route looks like:

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Land%27s...(John+O%27+Groats+Ferries)&hl=en&geocode=FY7z-wId0AKp_ymLdFfTQLhqSDERX0fQLq4OJg%3BFdPTfgMdjy_R_yFKf7nrkaQEFw&mra=ls&sll=54.110943,-3.47168&sspn=14.378111,46.538086&ie=UTF8&t=h&z=5

john grass roots home and garden said:
does any of the route go threw wales ???not good with ography ???
PRO

Phil Voice November 28, 2010 at 9:26pm

Thanks Steve

Keep an eye on this thread and we'll see how it develops.

T & S Plants said:
I have got Tina's consent to put myself forward as one of your walkers, should you go ahead.

Previously I have organised and done a 100 miler, and a 350 miler for the things that I believe in.

They are hard graft, and on both I managed around 30 miles a day, 10 hours walking, but that was in the Summer with long sunny days. Never done one in the Winter, but I'm up for it.

If you need any help on planning etc. be happy to help.