The decision to embark on this brilliant, life affirming long distance walk through Cumbria was without doubt influenced by a bit of bravado and some fine wine during our Christmas together in 2019. A date was chosen for May 2020 and the booking was made during the return journey from Perth somewhere on the M6.

Then rumours started of a virus in China called Covid-19. It spread around the globe and everyone’s plans and lives changed. The walk was postponed for a year.

We all started ‘training’ for the Cumbria Way, getting our feet used to new boots and our legs prepared for walking all day. We gathered various bits of kit to assist our daily exertions and protect us from the elements. There was some trepidation, would our bodies hold out? Max, the border terrier had no idea, but in truth he was the fittest and most able of us all. It felt good to have a purpose and a challenge and we were going to cherish every single moment of this week walking together through the Lake District. I couldn’t wait for the day where we would meet and hug, we’d all been jabbed after all. And cherish it we did.

There is a beautiful simplicity to an endeavour such as this. Everyday we had a destination and to get there we simply needed to walk. Our bodies did ache but it was a beautiful ache, for blisters we had Compeed plasters and for tired bodies we had the pub.

The weather must not go without mention. It was kind, the near constant warm sun made the colours and the incredible landscape vivid, the vistas long and water clear and inviting for those brave enough. And our waterproofs stayed packed.

It was such a joyous week, with truly wonderful company, full of easy chat and laughter, it was a bittersweet moment when we arrived in Caldbeck, our final destination. I would have quite happily carried on walking. Maybe we’ll all do another one soon?