Pennine Way Preparations Part 1- Route Planning

 I have wanted to hike the Pennine Way for a long time, I almost did it a few years ago in April but unfortunately that year we had late snow and decided to do a closer trail (St Kenelms Way) which we could complete as day hikes thanks to 'Dad's Taxi'.

It has been 3 years since I completed the Coast to Coast walk, which means 3 years since I began writing a blog about it and never got round to finishing it and publishing! For various reasons, life has been pretty difficult in that time and I haven't been able to complete much of anything. The Pennine Way is my opportunity to reset the clock, take some time out and hopefully figure out what I want to do.

I began seriously considering getting out and completing the Way during lockdown. I had been working pretty crazy hours and caring for my Dad who has mixed type dementia, and suddenly it stopped. After I had my mini breakdown (which I think was coming lockdown or not) I realised that I needed to make some changes. So far I have changed my working hours- down to 'not much', got a live in carer for Dad and have begun to tidy up my home (I hate clutter but am also incredibly disorganised). This has freed up some brain space so that I can really start to think about how I want to make a living; enter two weeks of thinking time!

I was not intending to write all that but I'll leave it in- it gives you some context to my journey! 

My preparations began with purchasing two Harvey maps (North and South) and the Trailblazer Guide - I tend to use Trailblazer as they are updated regularly and I like the hand drawn maps- feels more personal. Using these I came up with a rough itinerary.

I then started looking at possible camping spots, I knew right from the start that I wanted to included some wild camping in there as I missed my opportunity on the Coast to Coast and I feel ready to give it a go now. Also, with the coronavirus there are some campsites not open or not accepting tents so I will have go wild. 

I then went through the route using OS maps and blogs to come up with more options to allow for short or longer days as required. I don't want to get stuck in a schedule and am quite happy to take the chance of campsites being full as it seems possible to walk the entire route wild camping. While researching I also stumbled across a Pennine Way walkers group on Facebook which I think will be invaluable for up to the minute information. I have done a more detailed spreadsheet with landmarks, campsites, restock points etc which I will share in a blog once I have completed and refined it. I have planned mainly campsites as I don't know how I'll get on with wild camping- if I love it I can adjust the plan easily.

I intended to just set out and 'wing it' initially but for two reasons this didn't happen; first, with the coronavirus pandemic I needed to know it would be possible to camp in campsites if necessary (it is, with the exception of the first night) and second, I love planning!!

I am looking forward to writing up my adventure- procrastination allowing!

Next: Preparation Part 2 - The Kit!