Lessons Learned and Memories Made
Last October (2023), I set out to complete ‘The Dales Way’, a 78-mile journey that took me from Ilkley to Windermere (UK). With a self-supported approach, I had to carry all my gear – tent (Lanshan), food, water, and essentials.
Keeping my pack weight down was key, and I managed to get it under 15kg, which helped tremendously. Every piece of kit had to earn its place, there was no taggers on
Training: Training was essential, and one of my best strategies was walking the ‘long way’ to work and back – clocking twelve miles each day. This gave me a solid foundation of mileage and allowed me to test out the gear I’d be relying on during the trek. When it came time to hit the trail, the preparation really paid off.
Navigation: For research and navigation, I relied on Dales Way (Trailblazer British Walking Guides) by Henry Stedman – an excellent resource that I highly recommend if you’re considering this route. Coupled with a waterproof map and my Garmin, I was set.
Barefoot? One piece of gear that stood out was my Vivobarefoot trail running shoes. They were incredibly comfortable throughout the trek – due to the fact they ‘move’ with you – and I’m happy to say that blisters weren’t an issue. In hindsight, though, I wish I’d worn the boot version for better waterproofing. If you’re considering barefoot footwear, here’s my golden rule: get used to them. And by this, I mean build up your mileage slowly over several months before attempting any long-distance hikes. Why? Most of us have grown up wearing traditional soled footwear, which means our feet haven’t developed the strength nature intended. Your foot is designed to provide all the support and impact softening you need, but if you jump straight into long distances without proper adaptation, you risk injury. There’s emerging evidence that modern back and knee problems can be linked to the fact that we’re not using our feet as nature intended. To get back to a level playing field, you must allow your body time to adapt.
Good Times: Tiredness and the odd drop in moral were more than compensated by the spectacular scenery along the route. Not forgetting the sense of achievement at the end of each day.
Sad times: But not every day was smooth sailing. Day three, the stretch to Cowgill, completely drained me. There were literal tears in the tent that night – one of those moments where you question why you’re doing it. But after a good night’s sleep, I was ready to continue. Sometimes, all you need is a break to recharge – a good lesson in life.
The End: At the end of the journey, arriving in Bowness-on-Windermere, seeing my family waiting for me was pure joy. The final stretch behind me, I stood there with a profound sense of achievement. The weight of the pack lifted – not just from my shoulders, but from my spirit. It was the perfect ending to a tough but rewarding adventure.
Side note: Interestingly, Windermere is also the setting of my upcoming historical novel. For those interested, you can find more details here.
This blog post is a whistle-stop tour of my experience on the trail. To see the full video of my Dales Way journey, check it out on my YouTube channel. Don’t forget to like and follow for more adventures!
About me:
If you’d like to check out some of my other creative endeavors beyond writing, take a look at my YouTube channel, where I share my long-distance hiking adventures. For stunning nature photography, you can visit my Shutterstock portfolio.
Exciting news! My debut historical novel, set in the breathtaking landscapes of Windermere, is coming soon. It’s a gripping tale of mystery and betrayal that’s sure to captivate. Don’t miss out, subscribe for the latest updates and sneak peeks here.
- Scrib.
Paul J. Scribbans — Author 