This was a modest but deeply enjoyable start to my challenge.

It’s become something of a tradition now that my very good friend Nigel Vardy organises a group walk shortly after the New Year, and somehow seems to manage to arrange glorious sunshine, copious mud, and a pub stop.  What more could anyone want…?

This year was true to form and he was joined by around 40 people, plus a range of dogs.  My younger Springer Spaniel and I were only too happy to join the throng, and it was great to see friends from previous walks, and also other friends who were on the same expedition to Mount Elbrus as Nigel and I had joined.

The route was typically undulating and fortunately one of the other participants was far more organised than I, and had the foresight to track the route with Strava…

Here is our route for the day.  A great day and a very enjoyable start to my #EverestAnywhere

Total Ascent: 247m / 812ft