An ambition of mine since I was at school is to cycle ‘End to End’. It’s 874 miles by road, but more like 1,000 miles if you cycle avoiding major roads, and aprox 1,200 if you walk it.
The first person did it pushing a wheelbarrow, then it became popular by motor vehicle. Celebrities (eg. Jimmy Savile, Ian Botham) high profile walks have made it famous. Most people prefer cycling because you can do it in 2 weeks, rather than the 2 to 3 months to walk it.

I plan to start training for this once I’ve got my running challenges out of my system, so hopefully May 2010, after London (or Edinburgh) Marathon and a couple of weeks rest. I’ll train for 3 months, starting off about 40 mp/week building up to 140 mp/w. The longest training cycle might be 70 miles.
I’ve begun researching equipment and intend travelling light. I’ve also sketched out a rough route and penciled in the hotels and inns I’ll be staying in.
Apparently the challenge is the weather, not the distance.
I’m really excited about this. I hope to do this with my sons, creating and sharing a memorable experience, and seeing this country in a unique way. You can follow my daily progress on Twitter.

I did some research for this last year and sent for a couple of brochures. the one that sounds best is a 10 days starting and ending in Lima, including a 4 day treck along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. It also appeals because I get to avoid most of the tourists who want to see the ruins.
My cousin actualy went to Peru last year for her honeymoon and sent me a couple of photos from Machu picchu, definately the holiday of a lifetime.
It’s also important to me that I can speak Spanish when in Peru. So look out for a blog about learning Spanish soon.

Apart from the ultimate trek in Peru, I also have some challenges nearer to home that I’d like to share.

A Few Adventures On My List:

WALK THE HADRIAN’S WALL PATH 84-miles (134 Km) following the line of Hadrian’s Wall, the world’s finest surviving Roman frontier, and right on my doorstep too.

WALK THE PENNINE WAY 271-miles Made famous by Wainright, and there’s a free pint at the end (well there should be)

HIKE THE GREAT GLEN WAY 73-miles (117 Km) Fort William to Inverness, passing the caledonian Canal, Loch Ness, Castles, etc

WALK THE WEST HIGHLAND WAY 95 miles/152 kms from Milngavie (Glasgow) to Fort William. Highly recommended by a good friend.

Munro Bagging:

A munro (named after Sir Hugh Thoma Munro) is a Scottish peak higher than 3000ft. There are 284 in total. The highest is Ben Nevis, the lowest is Ben Vane. With some planning you can bag several in one day, but basicaly it’s a commitment that’ll take years to complete.