I wanted to share my last two training hikes before the Iceland Trek.

Sunday Solo Hike – More Iceland Trek Training

Date: 25th February 2024

This marked another section in my journey to prepare for the upcoming Iceland trek. Despite forgetting to check the forecast (rookie mistake, I know!), I embarked on a solo hike that turned out to be quite the adventure, if a wet and windy one!

The route took me through some familiar landscapes (which I’d walked in June 2022 on my walk across Wiltshire in aid of Prospect Hospice), starting with Walkers Hill and winding through charming little villages. As I walked along the canal and passed through Honeystreet and Alton Barnes, memories of my previous walks across Wiltshire flooded back, except there was a bit more wind and rain this time around.

The highlight of the hike was the ascent up the hills, with iconic landmarks like Alton Barnes White Horse and Milk Hill punctuating the landscape. Despite the challenging weather conditions, the walk served as excellent preparation for the cold and unpredictable weather I’ll likely encounter in Iceland. Plus, it gave me the chance to test out my gear once more  and make sure everything is in top shape for the adventure ahead.

The Malverns, with the best company I could wish for

Date: 3rd March 2024

And the trek training continues!

This time, for my last hike before the big one, I was joined by my two lovely daughters. They asked to join and wanted to “go up a mountain”. We would have done Pen Y Fan but the forecast was for heavy snow and the ground conditions meant we probably wouldn’t have been able to reach the car park.

So a friend suggested the Malverns. It was closer so that’s a win, but also it’s somewhere all three of us could discover together.

We approached the hills startled and in awe. It looked stunning with the snow atop. We parked and started from British Camp. Word of warning if you ever go, the card machine wasn’t working in the car park. Bring coins. The weather couldn’t have been more perfect – a beautiful sunny day that filled us with energy and excitement for the journey ahead.

As we soaked in the breathtaking views and embraced the crisp air, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for moments like these. And while I may have forgotten to start my Garmin for the first couple of miles (oops!), the experience itself was worth more than any number on a screen. In total, we covered a solid nearly 9km, making every step count.

These hikes, despite their challenges and surprises, remind me why I fell in love with hiking in the first place. Each journey is not just about physical endurance, but also about embracing the beauty of nature, pushing past limits, and finding moments of pure joy, whether it’s when enjoying company or simply connection with the world around us, when we’re on our own or with others.

I  still am amazed by  all the support I have got from all my friends. Thank you.

Tomorrow I’ll be landing in Iceland, ready for the three-day trek in aid of Prospect Hospice.

I can’t wait to share this journey with all of you

Until then, it’s goodnight from me.