nickletjog

LETJOG – Thank You All!

Before I leave for Cornwall I would like to say a massive thank you, to !!! EVERYBODY !!! When I set out, in earnest, to proceed with LETJOG, I had absolutely no idea of how the walk would be received by family and friends. I have to say that the response, from so many, hasContinue reading “LETJOG – Thank You All!”

The Hospice of St Francis

Having reflected earlier this week on the mission and work of Mind and of Parkinson’s UK, this morning, whilst I finish the packing of my rucksack, I am taking a few moments to reflect on The Hospice of St Francis, the third charity that LETJOG is supporting. The Hospice of St Francis website can beContinue reading “The Hospice of St Francis”

Turning Water into Beer

The brewery drop-ins, and once in Scotland the distillery visits, that I am proposing during LETJOG, do not represent my central challenge, rather the indulgence of a passion for real ale (and the occasional whisky), and an excuse for conversation, common interest and camaraderie on my northward journey. For such a simple product, usually comprisingContinue reading “Turning Water into Beer”

Parkinson’s UK

On Wednesday, I referred you all to Mind, one of the charities that LETJOG is supporting, and to their support of Mental Health Awareness Week. Parkinson’s UK is the second of the charities that LETJOG is aiding, and, as I put in place final preparations for my journey to Cornwall on Monday, I am spendingContinue reading “Parkinson’s UK”

The Discipline and Mindfulness of Nordic Walking

Over the years, and during the last few days especially, many folk have asked me what nordic walking is, and why I seem to be so fanatical about it. In the blog on my training, last Friday, I explained that I took up nordic walking around 12 years ago, and that I soon discovered theContinue reading “The Discipline and Mindfulness of Nordic Walking”

Mind – Mental Health Awareness Week

As you may have seen from fairly extensive media coverage over the last few days, we are now into Mental Health Awareness Week. Mind, one of the three excellent charities that LETJOG is supporting, is a key organisation behind this initiative, so today I am taking a little time to reflect on their mission andContinue reading “Mind – Mental Health Awareness Week”

Getting Ready for LETJOG (5) Communication

Making a commitment to oneself to undertake a project such as LETJOG is the easy bit. Over some months, as I looked at the detail and feasibility of the walk, I pondered my ability, both physically and mentally, to cope with the demands of a long solo trek each day for two to three months.Continue reading “Getting Ready for LETJOG (5) Communication”

Getting Ready for LETJOG (4) Logistics

Having planned the route, arranging accommodation in the right places is all-important, as every mile off route is potentially two miles further to walk! Add to this the desire to coincide my walking with the opening times of breweries and distilleries, where possible, and quite a complex picture presents. Arranging suitable accommodation in the rightContinue reading “Getting Ready for LETJOG (4) Logistics”

Getting Ready for LETJOG (3) Kit

The topic of clothing and equipment might be a little mundane for most, but I have included it for those who might be planning walking trips of their own. The summary, for all others, is that I will be travelling light, with the exception of lots of (hopefully) surplus things to keep me safe, dryContinue reading “Getting Ready for LETJOG (3) Kit”

Getting Ready for LETJOG (2) Route Planning

As a geographer, I have always had a fascination for maps, and I sometimes like to think that I can sit and read them like a story, letting my imagination run wild as I traverse plains, climb hills, and follow rivers from source to mouth. My first ‘real’ job was based opposite Stanfords map shopContinue reading “Getting Ready for LETJOG (2) Route Planning”