“You know what I’ve noticed? Nobody panics when things go “according to plan”. Even if the plan is horrifying!” Joker, Batman: The Dark Knight

8th Feb – Days to go on 100 days dry: 63. Days until the Dartmoor Way: 96

It took me all Sunday before my legs stopped aching from the monster 20km walk the previous day, but in all honesty, I felt really good. I had planned to run the first session of week 4 in the morning, but settled for taking the dog out for 30 minutes. He had been confined to the house for a few days after his lump-ectomy earlier in the week, so it was a joy to spend some time outside with him.

I finally gave in and replaced my waterproof in the afternoon, setlling on a 3 – 1 Berghaus Goretex jacket with a removable fleece lining. This should be adaptable enough to cater for most of the weather that we encounter on Dartmoor. It’s nice. Bloody expensive though, but my last Berghaus lasted me something like 10 ish years, so should get my money out of this one.

So I am all set, bar a few bits and pieces. The boots are working out, waterproof and fleece, day sack, woolly hat.

So far I have been building my distance up from 2 x 8km walks, 2 x 18 km walks and last week clocked in at 20km. My aim for this coming walk is 25km. I am aiming to get to 40km comfortably and then at least 1 back to back 40km distance weekend.

The map from the official Dartmoor Way website shows the route. It’s a little unsettling to see it laid out like this, but we need to know what we’re letting outselves in for. Mapping it out previously helped a great deal.

I mentioned in a previous post that whilst the ‘official’ starting point is Ivybridge, we’ve gone for a start at Stage 7 (Okehampton) because it’s the furthest north. It made sense to us.

Next step for us is to book the B&B’s. From the get together that we had as a group we have some requirements when it comes to the accomodation. Must have, or be near to an eatery, must have a bar. I maybe on an alcohol free kick at the moment, but I will be drinking one of Devon’s best products. Jail Ale, straight from the Dartmoor Brewery.

“Homer no function beer well without”, Homer Simpson, The Simpsons.