walking lately

I;ve been walking lately in an area where there are many many walkers. I enjoy it

I'm glad you're enjoying walking.

I generally prefer not to have a lot of people around me when I'm out walking. I find the paths are less intrusive on the countryside, there is more wildlife to see, less noise and it is generally just 'wilder' - whihc is odd because the most remote places attract a lot of walkers each seeking that wildness. Fewest people are found in that middling countryside between the truly wild and the urban areas. At least in the UK where there are very few places more than 1 hour from a road. However each to their own.

What area were you walking in?

4 AM is my favorite time to wander, though I'm rarely awake then. The streets are empty and dark, and the world seems quiet and peaceful. I don't get many chances to get out into true wilderness, as I live and work in a medium-large city.

The other weekend I had a very nice time on the South Downs. A quick walk from Hassocks up on to the downs, and heading eastwards. We came down in to Lewes for a cup of tea, and then back up and over Mount Caburn to Glynde. From there it was a steepish trog up the top of Beddingham Hill. We walked along the top and came down in Alfriston for beers and some food. We carried on to the hill above the Long Man Of Wilmington - where we bivvied for the night. The following morning we went down into Jevington and then up again for the quick hop to Eastbourne and the train back.

For such a walk near to the south coast and within easy access of London we saw very few people out and about. Maybe 20 or 30 near Firle Beacon (there is a car park near there) and a few between Lewes and Glynde. We also saw about a dozen people on bikes as it was the BHF 2008 South Downs Way Randonnee (again mostly up near Firle Beacon).

Where I walk depends completely on the purpose of my walking. For simple enjoyment, I like hiking trails, nature walks, or walking around our farm. If I'm in the exercise, walk so fast I'm almost running, walk this three miles faster today than yesterday mode then I would rather go to our local track. For some reason (and I have no idea why) I walk on the track faster and longer if other people are there.

I also listen to audio books when walking on the track. When I'm walking/hiking for enjoyment, I seldom listen to anything other than nature itself.

I starting walking to help me lose weight and be more fit

I walk because I don't own a car, and also because it's good exercise.

My partner and I are trying to do the Wainwright peaks of the Lake District. So far we have managed to do 188 out of 214.
Some of the nicest walks we have done are peaks that we probably would not have looked at doing had we not been doing the Wainwrights. These are often more remote and much quieter, there have been many walks where we have not met anyone on the way despite it being a nice bank holiday weekend. It is nice to find that peace in the busy Lake District.

You're doing very well if you can find a quiet spot in the Lakes on a sunny Bank Holiday! It is great to have a reason to explore those corners that you wouldn't otherwise feel inclinded to look at.- Are you using the original guides, or just planning your own routes around those peaks?

You are so close to finishing the Wainwrights you need to start thinking about what you;ll do afterwards!

Thanks!
I have Wainwrights guides but we also use the The Lakeland Fells: The Fell and Rock Climbing Club's Complete Illustrated Guide for Walkers as well to decide on the routes.

I think I would like to do the Welsh 3000's afterwards as it is easier to get to than the Munro's!

Another lovely weekend camping in the Lakes, and again despite it being a busy sunny bank holiday we covered some peaks and did not meet anyone up top!
We have now completed 193 of the Wainwrights!