Distance: 33.5 km (20.85 mi)
Time: 6 hours, 38 minutes (including lunch break)
Average speed: 5.05 km/h (3.13 mph)
Soundtrack (chosen by RNG): Signify, Candlelight in Fog, Live at Katie Fitzgerald's, Communion (Disc 2), Travelling Wilburys Vol. 1, Supernatural (Disc 2).
This was the first of the 20 mile warm-ups, or 32.2 km if I'm being consistent. As the longest so far this year, I decided on a mostly flat route so the Trent & Mersey Canal was ideal.
I headed north out of Stafford on the Sandon Road. On the edge of Sandon I picked up the canal and headed towards Stone. This first half was pretty uneventful.
It didn't seem too long before I reached my intended half-way point, bridge 102 in sight of Barlaston. After a couple of minutes on the bridge itself looking around I headed back the way I came.
Between Stone town centre and Aston I saw something rodent like swimming in the canal before reaching the far side and hiding under a tree stump. At the time I thought it was a stoat or weasel, but it was all brown without a white chest so Goggle Images reckons it was a mink.
At Aston I left the canal, just to vary the journey back. A short leg along the side of the noisy A32, then down a quiet lane to a public footpath I'd used before. There was one change this time. Stretched across the middle of one field there was a single wire. I walked up the wire and looked along it both ways to see if there was a stile I'd missed before I clambered over or under it. It was then I noticed the large car battery at one end with the flying lead going to the wire across the path. I detached the croc clip, climbed under then had a brief internal debate before reattaching the battery. Aren't they supposed to put up a) warning signs and b) someway for walkers to cross safely?
The far end of the footpath is at Marston village. As I was passing through the last field I met a nice gentleman who remarked that he didn't often see people walking across his fields. Maybe I should have told him the reason for that, but we just had a little chat. It wasn't his electric wire, it was his neighbour's.
From Marston I followed the road to Beaconside, then along the Common Road back into Stafford.
I felt a bit tired, and had a nice blister on the side of my right heel. By the time I took my boots off it had already burst, taking the decision away from me.
The current plan for the Easter weekend is Shuttlingsloe on the Sunday, then with Mick and Gayle on the Tuesday.
Monday 29 March 2010
Sunday 21 March 2010
The Wrekin and The Ercall
Time: 1 hour, 54 minutes
Distance: 8.42 km (5.23 mi)
Average Speed: 4.4 km/h (2.75 mph)
Time to top: 30 minutes, 7 seconds
Total ascent: 340 m
A proper spring day this morning. I started off wearing my waterproof but was carrying it once I got past the tea shop.
I got to the car park north of the Wrekin just in time to get one of the last two places. Once I got the boots on I set the stopwatch on my watch going and headed for the trig point at the top. I reached it in 30 minutes and 7 seconds, which is my best time since April 2008 and the second best time I have recorded.
After a short breather at the top and a good look around (good visibility in all directions), I headed south to descend the other side, then came around the west to head up the Ercall for an encore. I was walking around the base when I almost stepped on a frog. Looking around I saw about a half-dozen more frogs on the path. Then in a nearby pool I spotted why they were there, a large mass of frog spawn..
A quick trip to the top of the Ercall then back to the car, mentioning the frogs on the way to a chap walking his dog. Huge numbers of cars back at the car park and along the access roads, there was one bloke lurking there with his engine idling waiting for a spot, so I let him have mine.
Next weekend I've got the first 20 mile walk scheduled. That means I've now got less than 7 weeks until the Keswick to Barrow!
Distance: 8.42 km (5.23 mi)
Average Speed: 4.4 km/h (2.75 mph)
Time to top: 30 minutes, 7 seconds
Total ascent: 340 m
A proper spring day this morning. I started off wearing my waterproof but was carrying it once I got past the tea shop.
I got to the car park north of the Wrekin just in time to get one of the last two places. Once I got the boots on I set the stopwatch on my watch going and headed for the trig point at the top. I reached it in 30 minutes and 7 seconds, which is my best time since April 2008 and the second best time I have recorded.
After a short breather at the top and a good look around (good visibility in all directions), I headed south to descend the other side, then came around the west to head up the Ercall for an encore. I was walking around the base when I almost stepped on a frog. Looking around I saw about a half-dozen more frogs on the path. Then in a nearby pool I spotted why they were there, a large mass of frog spawn..
A quick trip to the top of the Ercall then back to the car, mentioning the frogs on the way to a chap walking his dog. Huge numbers of cars back at the car park and along the access roads, there was one bloke lurking there with his engine idling waiting for a spot, so I let him have mine.
Next weekend I've got the first 20 mile walk scheduled. That means I've now got less than 7 weeks until the Keswick to Barrow!
Friday: Rugeley to Stafford
Time: 4 hours, 21 minutes
Distance: 22.9 km (14.23 mi)
Average speed: 5.26 km/h (3.27 mph)
Soundtrack: Insurgentes, Lightbulb Sun, The Wall
Friday was either the last day of winter or the 20th day of spring depending on who you believe. It felt more spring-like than winter-like.
Rather than the easy route along the canals I went for the scenic route heading up to Stile Cop and across the Chase to Brocton. By the time I reached the trig point overlooking Rugeley I was warm enough to pack away the waterproof and continue in short sleeves.
Descending for Stile Cop you have to keep a lookout as it's one of the main mountain bike routes, with jumps and everything. There was a half-dozen guys there but we saw each other well in advance.
A fairly normal trip across the chase. There was a group of about 8 deer near Anson's Bank including some stags, one with a good set of antlers.
From Brocton it was across the fields (via footpath) to Walton-on-the-Hill, then down to the canal, joining between Baswich Bridge and Walton Bridge. From there it's the same route as a few weeks back.
It waited until I left the canal before the spots of rain started. I paused under the railway line to get the waterproof out again, but it really didn't rain properly until after I reached home.
Distance: 22.9 km (14.23 mi)
Average speed: 5.26 km/h (3.27 mph)
Soundtrack: Insurgentes, Lightbulb Sun, The Wall
Friday was either the last day of winter or the 20th day of spring depending on who you believe. It felt more spring-like than winter-like.
Rather than the easy route along the canals I went for the scenic route heading up to Stile Cop and across the Chase to Brocton. By the time I reached the trig point overlooking Rugeley I was warm enough to pack away the waterproof and continue in short sleeves.
Descending for Stile Cop you have to keep a lookout as it's one of the main mountain bike routes, with jumps and everything. There was a half-dozen guys there but we saw each other well in advance.
A fairly normal trip across the chase. There was a group of about 8 deer near Anson's Bank including some stags, one with a good set of antlers.
From Brocton it was across the fields (via footpath) to Walton-on-the-Hill, then down to the canal, joining between Baswich Bridge and Walton Bridge. From there it's the same route as a few weeks back.
It waited until I left the canal before the spots of rain started. I paused under the railway line to get the waterproof out again, but it really didn't rain properly until after I reached home.
Tuesday 16 March 2010
Monday 15 March 2010
Another Sunday on the Chase
Time: 3 hours, 14 minutes
Distance: 16.7 km (10.38 mi)
Average speed: 5.15 km/h (3.21 mph)
Started a little later than usual, I didn't get to Chase Road Corner until twenty past eight. I was the third car there and as I was putting my boots on I could see the cyclists going past.
The route was a typical pick-a-direction-and-keep-wandering-until-it's-time-to-head-back-to-the-car one. I headed off past the German cemetary then on towards Brindley Heath. There was lots of dogs barking around near Broadhurst Green, so I guess the dog sledders were out in force, although I didn't actually see them. On Brindley Heath itself was where it started to become populated.
I went around Brindley Heath, then past the Visitor Centre (lots of cars parked) and on up to Fairoak Lodge. Across to Penkridge Bank then past the Rifle Range buildings, where the cadets were on parade. I followed the ridge overlooking the Sherbrook Valley (cold wind!), then down into the valley itself to come to the Stepping Stones. There was a large group of grey-haired walkers sipping from their thermos's at the picnic table.
Up Coppice Hill, then back to the car park.
The weather has picked up these last two weeks. No need for hat or gloves, and it was quite mild when out of the wind. When exposed, however, it was definitely one of those lazy winds.
I didn't take the pedometer on that trip, although now I wish I had. I'd liked to have compare the distance as I don't think the GPS credits me with the distance going up and down, I think it just logs it as the crow flies.
Maybe I should find somewhere to post the .gpx file.
Distance: 16.7 km (10.38 mi)
Average speed: 5.15 km/h (3.21 mph)
Started a little later than usual, I didn't get to Chase Road Corner until twenty past eight. I was the third car there and as I was putting my boots on I could see the cyclists going past.
The route was a typical pick-a-direction-and-keep-wandering-until-it's-time-to-head-back-to-the-car one. I headed off past the German cemetary then on towards Brindley Heath. There was lots of dogs barking around near Broadhurst Green, so I guess the dog sledders were out in force, although I didn't actually see them. On Brindley Heath itself was where it started to become populated.
I went around Brindley Heath, then past the Visitor Centre (lots of cars parked) and on up to Fairoak Lodge. Across to Penkridge Bank then past the Rifle Range buildings, where the cadets were on parade. I followed the ridge overlooking the Sherbrook Valley (cold wind!), then down into the valley itself to come to the Stepping Stones. There was a large group of grey-haired walkers sipping from their thermos's at the picnic table.
Up Coppice Hill, then back to the car park.
The weather has picked up these last two weeks. No need for hat or gloves, and it was quite mild when out of the wind. When exposed, however, it was definitely one of those lazy winds.
I didn't take the pedometer on that trip, although now I wish I had. I'd liked to have compare the distance as I don't think the GPS credits me with the distance going up and down, I think it just logs it as the crow flies.
Maybe I should find somewhere to post the .gpx file.
Friday 12 March 2010
Sunday Morning on The Roaches
View from the trig point on The Roaches, looking north. Shutlingsloe on the left.
Guide says: 9 miles (14.5 km), 4.5 hours
Pedometer says: 11.18 miles (18 km), 3 hours 23 minutes, average 3.3 mph
GPS says: 13.6 km (8.45 mi), average 4.02 km/h (2.5 mph)
I always thought that the pedometer overestimated the distance when going up and down, but I never expected quite that margin of error (although the guide distance should have given me a clue).
I parked at the foot of the Roaches early and was ready to set offby 0845. I had the GPS all set up, but had managed to forget the guide book (a rather battered Jarrold Pathfinder Guide 16) and the OS map. I've done the route a few times before so I knew where I was going, even without the waypoints programmed in.
It was a beautiful morning, as the photo shows. Clear blue sky, but since clear sky had preceeded dawn by some time it was cold and frosty. This had the advantage that most of the muddy ground on the route was solid for once.
The first half hour I saw 4 people, two where I'd parked having their coffee by their camper van, one at the trig point in the distance and one man walking his greyhounds just as I reached Roach End. As the morning went on there were more and more people. Returning to the car just after noon everyone seemed to have arrived and the rock faces were busy.
As it turned out, one of the aching soles from Friday's trip along the canals was due to another blister which started complaining late into Sunday's walk. That wasn't too bad; good fitting boots, thick socks and a blister plaster kept it under control. It was Thursday that was bad thanks to work shoes, rubbish socks and forgetting to put another plaster on after the previous had come off. It was hell using the clutch on the way home.
Next walk will be this Sunday, another roam across the Chase.
Saturday 6 March 2010
Another trip along the tow path
Pedometer said: 13.28 miles, 3 hours 44 minutes, average 3.56 mph
GPS said: 21.1 km (13.11 mi), average speed 5.6 km/h (3.51 mph)
Soundtrack (chosen by iPod): Deadwing, Magical Mystery Tour, IV (Led Zeppelin, not Peter Gabriel), Plant & Krauss 2008-06-13, Candlelight In Fog
This was the same route as last time, it's only shorter because the pedometer can at best be no more accurate than +/- 0.4 mi over that distance. I'm going to take the GPS as gospel.
Dry this time, although that wind was a bit harsh coming along the Trent Valley. The slippy bits from last time were still slippy, although less so. For whatever reason the feet came off worse this time, my soles ached until this afternoon and I have a decent blister on my right heel. I think they got soft over the winter and need to be punished.
I also came to a decision. I complain at work when people don't use SI and I sometimes experience mild irritation that road signs in this country still use yards and miles. So, to be consistent and because that's what the GPS defaulted to, I'm now measuring my walking using metric.
GPS said: 21.1 km (13.11 mi), average speed 5.6 km/h (3.51 mph)
Soundtrack (chosen by iPod): Deadwing, Magical Mystery Tour, IV (Led Zeppelin, not Peter Gabriel), Plant & Krauss 2008-06-13, Candlelight In Fog
This was the same route as last time, it's only shorter because the pedometer can at best be no more accurate than +/- 0.4 mi over that distance. I'm going to take the GPS as gospel.
Dry this time, although that wind was a bit harsh coming along the Trent Valley. The slippy bits from last time were still slippy, although less so. For whatever reason the feet came off worse this time, my soles ached until this afternoon and I have a decent blister on my right heel. I think they got soft over the winter and need to be punished.
I also came to a decision. I complain at work when people don't use SI and I sometimes experience mild irritation that road signs in this country still use yards and miles. So, to be consistent and because that's what the GPS defaulted to, I'm now measuring my walking using metric.
Thursday 4 March 2010
New Toy
As threatened, I bought a GPS earlier this week. It's a Memory Map Adventurer 2800, from Stafford Outdoor Leisure who stock that or a Garmin unit as the two they'd recommend.
I'm still getting used to it but it seems to work nicely. You get a full UK 1:250k map, plus the national parks at 1:50k and you can download up to 10,000km2 of the 1:50k free. After that you have to pay.
The two problems I've found so far are it only has an 8 hour battery life (and I've got a 9 hour and a 12 hour walk planned) and the client software runs under windows. To solve the first I need some sort of on-the-move USB charger. The second was solved by wine. That's wine the software, not wine the rather nice red alcoholic drink.
A proper road test along the canals tomorrow, then for Sunday I think it'll be the Roaches.
I'm still getting used to it but it seems to work nicely. You get a full UK 1:250k map, plus the national parks at 1:50k and you can download up to 10,000km2 of the 1:50k free. After that you have to pay.
The two problems I've found so far are it only has an 8 hour battery life (and I've got a 9 hour and a 12 hour walk planned) and the client software runs under windows. To solve the first I need some sort of on-the-move USB charger. The second was solved by wine. That's wine the software, not wine the rather nice red alcoholic drink.
A proper road test along the canals tomorrow, then for Sunday I think it'll be the Roaches.
Monday 1 March 2010
Best laid plans
I was up at my parent's this weekend. What with two 220 mile drives and some rotten weather I didn't get any training done at all.
Plus the nice meal at The White Swan for my Aunt's 80th pretty much stuffed the diet as well.
Plus the nice meal at The White Swan for my Aunt's 80th pretty much stuffed the diet as well.
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