On Saturday 26th July I took on the first of 2 MacMillan Mighty Hikes to raise money for this amazing charity. Having been in the midst of a mini heatwave in the UK I was apprehensive about the conditions but I needn’t have worried, it was an overcast day, 22 degrees tops – perfect for a mighty hike!

I have to say I was bowled over by the organisation of the event, from sign up to the start line everything about the communications, instructions, set up and facilities were incredible. I parked at the finish point then hopped on one of the coaches taking people back to the start line. 1200 people were taking part in this particularly mighty hike, some doing a half marathon, the others the full 26 miles. Start times were staggered by 20mins to prevent bottlenecking and so with much excitement and about 2 litres of water, bananas, energy bars and pot of talc, we made our way to the start line at 08:50.

I’d signed up for the Thames Path event because, frankly, I just couldn’t manage 26 miles in the hilly Lake District or South Downs, flat was good! The first few miles confirmed I’d made the right choice as we fairly breezed through to the first checkpoint at 8.2 miles. Snacks and water were available in abundance as me and my walking pal made the most of the array of options. From here it was only another 6 miles until lunch most of which was along tree lined paths so very easy walking. The crowds of walkers had started to line a little as people found their own pace and it wasn’t long before we emerged at the lunch stop at 14 miles. The lunch set up was incredible, pasta, salads, sandwiches, doughnuts and so much fruit. We both took the opportunity for a good rest and make the most of the chance to air the feet! I reckon we stopped for around 40 mins, after all we were already over halfway!

Throughout the route there are various bridge crossings as it follows the Thames but there is also a fair amount of road walking which is becomes quite tough on the feet. The 6 or 7 miles after lunch was brutal on aching feet and I developed a couple of blisters on the soles of my feet. Nothing major but I guess it’s what happens with hot feet and hard surfaces. Anyway before we knew it we’d made it to the 3rd checkpoint at the 21 miles mark and yet more snacks!

The final 5 miles meandered close to the river, mostly on grass which we were both very grateful for, before rejoining the road back down for the big finish!

I really enjoyed my first Mighty Hike – If you’re thinking about taking on one yourself, do it, do it now, you won’t regret it.

Next up: Northumberland Coast Path Mighty Hike (14th Sep).

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/rustyoutside