How would we record the experience?

Over the last five years Ash and I have been capturing the memories of our walks in a more than unusual way. Whether we are at the top of a mountain; on the edge of a craggy out crop, enjoying the tranquillity of a tarn or caught in a blizzard with the pain of the hail beating down on my face, an energetically performed star jump makes the day! With the technology available today we would keep our families and growing circle of friends up to date on our progress by uploading photos and keeping a virtual diary using Blogs and Twitter. If we are successful and get to complete The Pennine Way, then we will capture all the breathtaking views I've heard about from my parents and read about in the guides in full star-jumping glory.

Who would I walk with?

At the end of this year I will be saying goodbye to a close friend as he increases the miles between us moving to Australia to live. I've learnt over the years that true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest of distances, and I know this will be true of my friendship with Ash. We've been walking together for years, and know that nothing matters more than having friends to share the journey ahead with. We have never attempted something as challenging as this but have often talkied, as you do during the many hours spent hiking together, about taking on one of the great walks in the country. I believe that this would be a fitting way for him to start his journey, and for the bond of our friendship to be secured. Since he told me about this competiton I started thinking how great it would be to complete The Pennine Way together, of how much fun we would have and of the great stories we would have to share.

The Competition Entry

Since my parents told me of their journey completing The Pennine Way almost 30 years ago. I have wanted to walk the 270 mile route and experience it for myself. I have many happy childhood memories of time spent with my family in The Lake District camping, walking and exploring the countryside together. Whether we needed to wrap up from the cold, put on the waterproofs of apply suncream all in the same day, I never tired of the awe inspiring journey's I took as a child. Even now as I enter my 30's I continue to thrive on the freedom the countryside has to offer, hiking virtually every weekend with great friends. Success in this competition would give me the last chance I will have to share the experiences of The Pennine Way with my friend before him emigreates to Australia later this year.