One step at a time: Peace, Perseverance and Panoramas on Long Distance Footpaths

May is national walking month and with several bank holidays and more hours of daylight it is a lovely time of year to get out and about. The hedgerows are full of blues, pinks and shades of white at the moment having gone through the yellows of spring. I enjoy walking whatever the weather and find that the space can often help with studying especially if I have been struggling with the phrasing of a paragraph or how to lay out an idea clearly. I have had to find ways to stop and record my idea (I usually dictate an email to myself - until I find a better option) so that I can then use it later.

Long distance trails are getting lots of attention at the moment as The salt path is due to be released at the end of this month. This is a film of a book about a couple who, at their lowest point in life felt they had no choices left and started walking on the South West Coast Path, when the book was released in 2017 it won many accolades. Raynor Wynn has now written three books documenting their story, her second is The Wild Silence and I found them all quite thought provoking and challenging in some ways. 

The South West Coast Path itself is the longest national trail in the UK. Starting at Minehead in Somerset it follows the south west peninsular through Devon and Cornwall finishing 360 miles later in Poole, Dorset. Based on old smugglers ways, coastguard paths and through cities the route is breath taking in both meanings of the word. Some sections are remote with steep climbs from sea level to cliff tops and back again, other sections are flat and paved promenades along busy sea fronts. The coast path is a favourite of mine as I have been slowly covering sections of it over recent years. For me it has been beneficial to both my physical and mental well being and I appreciate that I have many privileges which mean I can get out and enjoy it.

Whilst some people do follow the whole path from start to finish (it can be done in 52 days) many more enjoy shorter trips on small sections of the path, dipping in and out of the path and its adjoining byways. There is nothing special needed to get walking on the path (although do consider your clothing and footwear) and no rules on which way to follow it or where to start. Work is currently underway to make more sections of the path accessible for people using walking aids, wheelchairs and mobility scooters and many parts have good parking near by.  Do spend some time looking into being prepared if you want to walk on the coast path as weather can change quickly and there are dangers such as cliff edges. I have no intention of gatekeeping, it is lovely walking but some sections are very challenging and it is always best to be prepared and know what you are letting yourself in for.

Further afield, maybe one of the most famous long distance trails is the Camino de Santiago (The way of St James) running through France and Spain. There are many routes and many starting points to this walk. The most popular route is 180 miles long and marked with both the scallop emblem and the red and white national trail emblem as it meanders through the countryside. People walk the camino for many reasons, and many are profoundly changed by the experience. A quick search will show you a huge number of books written about 'The way' if you like reading memoirs.  

This is an old pilgrims way, ending at Santiago de Compostela with its old legends of a field full of stars that led a hermit to the discovery of the bones of St James. The cathedral with its fantastical architecture is said to have been built on the spot of the burial. The scallop is key in the lore surrounding St James and is worn by many on backpacks, walking sticks and around necks. It can also be seen on signs, walls and many other places along and around the camino.

Back in the UK, there are many ancient footpaths throughout this country and the fascinating book 'The lost paths' by Jack Cornish explores how our society, history and paths are intertwined. There are many interesting footnotes throughout for those who (like me) enjoy finding out random facts. I'm only part way through this one at the moment but it is interesting and very readable with lovely descriptions of different areas of the country. 

 

As the 'shelfie' in the first picture shows, there is a wide range of guides and supporting books for those wanting to either plan for adventures or enjoy them from a comfy chair. Walking the South West Coast path by Butler and Carter adds interesting information to walks along the path whilst books by Cicerone and Ordnance Survey are generally well laid out, informative and useful. Byways, boots and blisters by Bill Laws is still on my to read list and is one I'm looking forward to. 

I'm always interested to hear about books about walking, adventuring or interesting paths - Books for walking, walking for wellbeing. Whether you're enjoying the adventure through a book, a few steps along a path or many miles, enjoy the peace and the views.

                                                            ~ Thanks for reading ~