Walking the Walk with David & Gillian

Gillian and I started out on the 20 mile walk from Orpington Methodist Church at 7.30 on Saturday morning. There were about 100 walkers who hoped to complete the main walk. Other younger walkers joined later in the day at Eynsford to do the last six miles. We were part of the last group to leave the hall. People were quick off the mark and within the first mile there was a colourful line of fashionable rainwear snaking across Goddington Park making for the green fields of Kent. Fortunately the rain was not heavy in the morning and I guess those who finished first did not see the rain that accompanied us when we descended the last lap at about four
o’ clock. At this point I have to say that as novices the route was not altogether apparent. We made two detours; one an alternative route up Shoreham hill, no less steep or beautiful – the bluebell woods were at their best. The other was where a farmer had strewn much manure and we went marching up a hill only to find reverse gear and come marching down again. It was rewarding to walk with the back markers – the conversation was good. As a minister you need to be a good listener, that’s perfectly possible when walking because you need all your breath to keep up the pace!

The route from Orpington to Orpington has been well researched taking in some cunning paths that avoid any busy roads and allow walkers to appreciate the beauty of the Kentish villages and countryside. The Darenth Valley through Lullingstone and further across to Romney Street is especially unspoilt. It is true that at points you can hear the sound of a motorway or a practice session at Brands Hatch, but we do live in the south of England where many people are wanting to do other things apart from walk. Perhaps that’s what we were thinking later in the day! People talk about breaking through the ‘wall’ when doing the marathon, we were feeling those aches in the last miles. We were well fed and watered at every marshal point; no chance of losing much weight through our efforts!

What a great effort by everyone. Congratulations to all the walkers and organisers. Thousands of pounds have been raised for projects locally and in Zimbabwe – thanks to everyone who sponsored. I am still mobile – knee still intact and by Monday morning probably feeling the better for having walked the walk.

Thank you,
David