My 'Scope 400 challenge' . I will walk a minimum of 6.6 hours a week (that's 400 minutes) over 4 weeks. This will be 3 or 4 walks of around 2 hours each.

"EASY" I hear you chorus...NO - the mud is deep, the routes will change, the maps will get wet, I will take wrong turns through woodland and farmland with absolutely no idea where home is - and my boots will inevitably leak......

I'm 72 with a replacement knee and an uncanny inability to follow maps....

Up til now I have been walking with my trusty guide and friend, an experienced map reader. He will vouch for my lack of directional sense. We stand in fields, compass on map, with me nervous and clueless as to which hedge is hiding the elusive yellow arrow that will point to the next bit of footpath. No arrow...no chance !

Saturday 6th will be my first solo walk. I will stay on familiar territory but the weather forecast is not good. Onward !