Thank you for visiting this site. We hope you find it interesting and easy to navigate.
THE MAIN PURPOSE OF THIS SITE IS TO HELP YOU, TO HELP US, RAISE MONEY FOR OUR CHARITIES, as well as keeping up to date with our walking progress and the distances we have covered.
This site will show you how you may sponsor us. Keep reading down and you will cach all the walks from the beginning right up to date – feel free to skip the boring bits!!!!
The first stage of the walk commenced in the Aberdeen area, along the Deeside Way (a disused railway line). The walk included Aberdeen to Banchory and Aboyne to Ballater a total of 30 miles. We have nowcompleted the Glasgow to Edinburgh Forth/Clyde/Union canals on Sunday 15th August approximately 65 miles making 95 miles in total. We have now returned to Cumbria and as well as updating our leaflets have completed a further 20 miles of walks making a new total of 115 miles. We have now finished the Lancashire walks. This now makes a total of 162 miles.
You can leave a message on the visitors’ book or email us on: - we will get a reply to you as soon as possible.
Regards
Lesley and John Begg
Check here for daily updates of our progress:
27th - 31st July - we left home and travelled to Banchory (near Aberdeen). Unfortunately we have had internet difficulties, so have been unable to post any updates until today. Silverbank Caravan Club site at Banchory is where we stayed during our Aberdeenshire walks.
1st August - The walk started at Duthie Park in Aberdeen at 10:30 am. Pearl and Cleo accompanied me for the first few miles and then we swapped with Nero. Finished for the day at about 3.30 pm at Drumoak and now updating an the website enjoying coffee and a scone in a lovely new garden centre called the Mains of Drum. We have managed to cover 11.2 miles today, so only 488.8 miles to go!!!!!!
Tomorrow - we hope to leave Drumoak at 10:00 am to finish this stretch of the Deesided Way at Banchory.
NOW OUT OF INTERNET DESERT - SO WILL BRING YOU UP TO DATE
2nd August - Drumoak to Banchory . A lovely quiet walk, even though parallel with the road in places. Met some lovely people both on the walk and on the caravan site. Such generosity from people is amazing. Walked 7.8 miles today.
3rd August - Rest Day: Don't really deserve one yet, but don't want to go too heavily on the tootsie's too soon. Got boring things like shopping and laundry done today. It's got to be done!!!!!
4th August - Aboyne - Ballater: WOW! WOW! WOW! The most stupendous scenery today, weather lovely, walked over 4 miles with Pearl and Cleo, then the rest with Nero. Coffee stop at Dinnet to swap them. John then drove to Ballater and walked back to meet me with Saffi. Completed 11 miles today. Had our photos taken by the station by two nice ladies, one of whom is submitting a piece about the walk for the local paper. Thanks to their lovely young sons who made their own donations to the cause. We went to Banchory-Ternan Rotary Club meeting in the evening, which was most enjoyable, as was the meal. Thanks must also go to them for their generosity.
5th August - Pack up day: Started getting things together ready to move on tomorrow. Aberdeenshire walks now completed and time to move to Edinburgh. It has been lovely here, the walks, the locals and other caravanners, very generous and supportive of what we are doing. Happy anniversary to my sister and brother-in-law.
6th August - Move to Edinburgh: Got cleared up and on the move by just after 11am. Good journey down, but wet. Found a nice corner spot on the site, so noisy Nero can't bark at everything. The dogs seem to be enjoying caravan life, particularly the sofas!! We are staying at Silverknowe Caravan Club site, Edinburgh.
7th August - Sorting day: Walked the dogs, did all the yukky jobs, loo, water shopping and laundry again. Planned our route and changeover places for tomorrow. At last we have our dongle working so we could update the website. Love to you all out there, particularly all you wonderful sponsors. Cleo is stuck to the awning window watching baby rabbits on the grass. Canine heaven!
Tomorrow hope to start at 11:00 am from the Bowling Basin on the Forth & Clyde Canal.
8th August - Bowling Basin to City Branch (and part of branch) - a beautiful day for walking lots of people about gave out leaflets and gained some sponsorship. Met lots of lovely people, all the dogs did a section and poor John drove here there and everywhere. Walked 11 miles in country and city. Saw 18 Magpies!!!!! Is this area the Magpie capital of the world? Very disappointed - never saw one single moving boat on the canal all day!
9th August - Lockburn Road Aqueduct to Kirkintilloch - late start and pouring with rain this morning. However after Nero and I getting a good soaking the sun came out and we enjoyed the walk, which once we got out of the outskirts of Glasgow, it was mainly in the country. WOW! Actually saw my first and only moving boat today. John walked the other 'girls' today. Nero and I managed 7 miles. Have taken quite a lot of photos over the walk so far, all probably slanting, because of whichever dog pulls on the lead. Very beautiful. Saw 11 Magpies!!!!! Yes it must be the capital!
10th August - Rest Day - Lots of rain and masses of computer stuff to catch up on. Dogs all nice and sleepy, really enjoying the walks and the rests afterwards. More laundry and caravan jobs done (water, loos, etc).
Tomorrow - we hope to leave Kirkintilloch at around 10:30 am.
11th August - Kirkintilloch to Bonnybridge (12.2 miles) - had a lovely walk today, all the dogs did a session and performed really well. They really seem to be enjoying it. They have slept solidly since we got back to the caravan. Saw lots of fishermen today, at various points. Met a lovely little girl called Skye with her Daddy and Uncle, she really liked Saffi, she has left a lovely message on our visitors page. Thank you Skye. Only saw 5 Magpies today!
Tomorrow - we hope to leave Bonnybridge at around 10:30 am.
12th August - Bonnybridge to Bridge 52A (9.7 miles) : Left Bonnybridge, which apparently (according to some locals) has more UFO sitings than anywhere else is Scotland. Pearl and Cleo started the walk and we walked to the Falkirk Wheel, a marvel of engineering. We met lots of people there, as it was a warm and pleasant day. One cup of coffe and a chocolatee yummy later, Saffi and I walked to the far end of the Falkirk Tunnel (without going in the tunnel as Saffi is an even bigger coward than me). John went through it just for fun. Very hot and Nero and I baked a bit this afternoon. Lovely lady we met on site came and sketched the dogs tonight, as she has been on an art course.
Tomorrow - Rest day, we hope to go into Edinburgh.
13th August - Rest Day: - Hurray!!!!!!!! We have been sponsored over £1,000, so thank you everyone who has sponsored us so far, old, young, businesses, friends, relations and strangers, you are all fantastic. Both the dogs and ourselves have had a nice rest day today, going into Edinburgh and enjoying aspects of the Festival and it's participants. Lovely looking up at the castle and wandering through the cosmopolitan atmosphere of the gardens. Back at the van for an early supper and bed, as we hope to walk the next two days. Three Magpies today.
Tomorrow - we hope to leave the picnic area alongside Canal Bridge 52A at approximately 10:15 am.
14th August - Picnic area at canal bridge 52A - left at approximately 10:20 am with Pearl and Saffi, weather hot and sunny, met John at Linlithgow Leisure Centre where we had a coffee and a scone. Yum! Saffi and I did another 5 miles before changing to Nero, who got the coolest walk as we were under lots of trees on a narrow canal path. Completed 11.5 miles in total. We now have about 14 miles to finish the canal at Edinburgh Quay. It would be nice to do it tomorrow, but I think we may have to do a few miles on Monday. Time will tell. 11 Magpies.
Tomorrow - we hope to leave Broxburn (Bridge 28), at about 10:00am
15th August - Broxburn (Bridge 28) to Edinburgh (The End) - A glorious morning as we set off, Pearl and Cleo eager to start again. Had to laugh when poor Cleo decided to dip her head in the canal and fell in, what a shock she got. Think she liked it as she tried a few times more. Kept her cool as it was a very hot day for walking. Saffi took over and had a shorter day today. Nero was the hero of the day and walked 5 or 6 miles, bless him and Pearl did the last mile. Met lots of lovely people on the route, some on bikes, or boats. Some lovely dogs too. We hope Ollie and Sophie enjoyed their swim. Hi to the great couple ((Simon and Lynn), who we chatted to at the end of the walk at Edinburgh Quays, who were very taken with Pearl.
Thanks to the manager at the Bridge Inn at Ratho www.bridgeinn.com for his kind donation, what a lovely place and a lovely setting. Fab ice cream too.
Looking at visitors book tonight, lovely message from Les Thomson who I met at Dinnet. Thanks for your comments Les, you are an inspiration, enjoy that bike. Scottish walks now complete.
Tomorrow - Rest Day
16th August - Rest Day: had a well deserved lie-in, leisurely breakfast and then went into Edinburgh city centre. Parked in nice cool multi-storey for the dogs and went for lunch. The city is alive with the buzz of the Edinburgh Festival and the atmosphere is electric. Went along George Street which was a first for me, but not for John. Met Lynn(from yesterday - thanks for yours and Simon's donation) and Kathleen at Arran Aromatics www.arranaromatics.com What a lovely store, lovely gifts and smells. (Contact me via the website Lynn and I'll try and get a copy of the photos to you as an attachment).
Went and got Pearl and Nero from the car to walk back to the shop for Lynn to meet the pup. We were swamped by people along the road, surprised we didn't get moved on for causing an obstruction. The cast of one of the fringe plays went past banging drums etc and still the boy behaved himself, even kissing one of the leading ladies, and petted by the rest of the cast! Another Dane owner struck up a friendship with Nero and Pearl charmed all she met, particularly two Spanish ladies. Lots of children also stopped for a stroke, smiling faces and laughter were abundant, some people even had photos taken with them. A good afternoon was had by all. Thanks for your encouraging message in the visitors' book Sylvia and Jeff, it was lovely meeting you both at Edinburgh.
Tomorrow - Pack up day ready for move to Cumbria on Wednesday morning.
17th August - Pack up day: good to to have a later start this morning. After heavy rain overnight it was nice to see the sun so that the awning and annexe would dry out. Annexe now packed away, roof boot back on the car and filled and two great loads of laundry done. Success! All the dogs had a fabulous run on the beach and in the tide today (bit of a shock for Nero who hasn't experienced it before). Had our meal out tonight, a last treat before going home tomorrow. Thanks for all the new visitors messages, Lynn I am loving my treats, thanks again. Five Magpies!
FAREWELL TO SCOTLAND - It is with mixed feelings that we leave Scotland, where we have had 3 wonderful weeks. We have met some lovely generous people, enjoyed some magnificent scenery and lovely walks and made lots of memories. However, we look forward to returning to Cumbria for the next series of walks.
Tomorrow - we hope to leave the site between 10 and 11 am.
18th August - moving on day: fortunately is stayed dry overnight so we were able to get the awning down dry. Packed all away and made our way back to Cumbria. A couple of stops on the way, one for a bite of lunch and a second for a short snooze mid-afternoon. Arrived home to a nice supper of chilli, yummo!
19th August - A level results day: Success! University confirmed and a 'happy bunny' in our household. Food shopping and haircut, laundry etc. Tai Chi to finish off the day.
20th August - more of the same: Preparing van to leave next week, dog food restocke, dentists etc all the run of the mill things in life.
Tomorrow - walking from Junction of B6261 and the link road to M6 Junction 39 (across the common from Shap to Orton and possibly beyond) at approximately 2:30 pm
21st August - Across the common from Shap to the Chocolate Shop Orton: IF ANYBODY TRIED TO JOIN ME FOR THIS SECTION I AM VERY SORRY - GOT SNARLED UP IN TRAFFIC AT GARSTANG AND LANCASTER AND DIDN'T GET THERE TILL 4 PM. (4.4 miles). Have been unable to sort a caravan site for the weekend so will commence canal walks from home and leave it until Bank Holiday Monday before we go with the caravan.
Tomorrow - walking from the Chocolate Shop at Orton at approximately 10:30 am.
22nd August - Kennedy's Chocolate Shop (unfortunately closed) www.kennedyschocolates.co.uk through Raisbeck, Kelleth, Newbiggin-on-Lune, Ravenstonedale to the Tommy Road (10.1 miles). Weather very hot bottles of water emptied regularly. Had a nice refreshing shandy at the Black Swan (Ravenstonedale) www.blackswanhotel.com before tackling the end of the walk. We have now completed over 100 miles.
Tomorrow - we hope to leave the top end of the Tommy Road at approximately 09:30 am in the direction of Pendragon Castle.
23rd August - Tommy Road to Frank's Bridge, via Pendragon Castle, Nateby and the viaducts: left the top end of the Tommy Road at 09:40 am in the direction of Pendragon Castle. Only I could choose the morning when the sheep were being gathered and all coming in our direction. However, with a bit of careful sidewalking and some cheerful banter with the farmer, we found our way through. The weather was dull and grey to start off with, but soon changed to torrential rain - what fun! Saffi who 'loves' the rain, managed to get her bit finished before it got really bad, and poor Nero had to have a coat on and we both got completely drowned, which was when I realised my jacket needs re-proofing! That's a job before we move on again. Saffi and I passed Dale Foot where there is an impressive, award winning local bakery business, Country Fare www.country-fare.co.uk waved to some of the staff as we passed. Nero and I started our wet walk off with a tussle with a five-barred gate at a cattle grid, but did manage to get through it successfully. We then walked through Nateby and onto our favourite viaduct walk (two viaducts kept up by the Northern Viaduct Trust www.nvt.org.uk ).
My son-in-law has set me up on Twitter, which I am a bit ignorant about, but any tweeters out there, you will probably know what to do.
Tomorrow - Rest Day
24th August - Rest Day: normal dog walks, caught up with friends, jobs, jobs, jobs. Had an enjoyable evening at a Rotary club BBQ and gave updates on the walk.
Tomorrow - hoping to leave Tewitfield Lock near Burton-in-Kendal about 11:30 am
25th August - left for Tewitfield after dropping daughter number four at the station for a day out with friends and made our way to the M6, where 6 miles down the road we had a puncture. Great!!!! Had a spare - wonderful! Where was the jack? In it's locker behind the cage at the back of the car!!!! Would you like to take 3 Great Danes and a Collie cross out of the car on a busy motorway? No, neither did we so we called Brittania Rescue, who in due course alerted a local breakdown service, (Mark Johns Garage www.markjohnsmotors.co.uk )which came out promptly and sorted us out very quickly. Well done James, you did an amazing job, it can't be easy trying to drop the spare tyre under the surveillance of a nosey Great Dane. Walking abandoned in favour of sorting new tyre etc
Tomorrow - weather and tyres permitting we hope to walk from Tewitfield at approximately 10:30 am
26th August - Tewitfield to Bridge 110 (under the A6, north of Lancaster), 10miles: After getting the newly delivered tyres fitted, we made our way to Tewitfield and started walking at about 11:00 am. The weather was lovely and it was interesting to see the contrasts in the canal and banks to those of the Firth/Clyde and Union canals we had walked in Scotland. Met lots and lots of lovely people today and dogs too, stopping for an excellent cup of coffee at the Canal Turn Inn at Carnforth www.thecanalturn.co.uk which was in a lovely spot and quite busy. This was a good dog swap point and we continued to Lancaster via Hest Bank, with some glorious views over Morecambe Bay. Thanks to today's sponosrs. Nero had lots of opportunities to lie down and greet other dogs and is getting much better at it. Having one or two problems, booking caravan sites in the Chester area, which will be our next destination , when we move on from Garstang next Friday.
Tomorrow - Dentist, caravan repacking and more publicity arrangements.
27th August - Busy day: Dentist for myself and our daughter, then organised some stuff for uni'. Vets for Cleo's booster.
Tomorrow - hope to leave Bridge 110 (under the A6, north of Lancaster) at approximately 11:00 am traffic permitting.
28th August - Bridge 110 (under the A6, north of Lancaster) to Glasson Dock (10.3miles): made our way south on the M6, raining heavily, so we called in at one of the fantastic kennels that we use, (Glaneils www.gleneilskennels.co.uk), to give them some of our publicity leaflets, met another gorgeous Great Dane when we were there. Commenced our walk slightly later because of the weather, met lots of lovely people and dogs today and spent time chatting and giving out our leaflets. Hi to anyone who has logged on, the lady with the lovely standard poodle in Lancaster, as promised, a big "Hello," to the three teenagers I met at Lancaster Kris, Emma and Josh, who had a good play with Nero, also to the ladies we met at the Canaside Craft Centre at Galgate, (www.canalsidecraftcentre.com) Enjoy your weekend. Total mileage now at 135 miles.
Tomorrow - getting the caravan finished ready to move to Garstang on Monday.
29th August - busy day ironing and getting everything packed, few friends popped in and out to say cheerio, Lu made a nice Cumbrian supper of 'Tatie pot.'
30th August - moved from Cumbria to Garstang to a lovely little site, in a very pleasant situation by a marina. My sister, husband and family dropped in for a cuppa on their way home from a weekend north of Carlisle. Got ourselves sorted and prepared for an early night ready for a walking day tomorrow.
Tomorrow - hope to leave the Canal Craft Centre, Galgate, between 10:00 and 10:30 am.
31 August - Canal Craft Centre, Galgate to Barton Grange Garden Centre (www.bartongrange.co.uk 13 miles) - left the Canal Craft Centre on schedule and walked with Pearl and Cleo to bridge 78. Thank you to the two children who very kindly gave dog treats to them along the way. Changed over to Saffi and did about 4 miles back to the caravan site for a coffee and ice cream. Cheerio to the young man who fell in love with our dogs despite being a little 'dog shy.' The last stage was walked by Nero and it was very amusing to see his face when a Yorkshire Terrier told him off in no uncertain terms. We finished the day in the car park of the garden centre where we met two lovely couples, who kindly sponsored us, one of whom turned out to be the local newsagent in Garstang.
Tomorrow - we hope to leave Barton Grange Garden Centre at approximately 10:30 when we will hopefully have sampled the delights of their coffee shop to set me on my way.
1st September - Barton Grange Garden Centre to Preston (13 miles): set off after a delicious scone and coffee at Barton Grange coffee shop. It was yet another glorious sunny day. As usual met loads of interesting people along the way. Hi to Peter, Imogen and their grandma, who had a good chat to Pearl and Cleo. I hope the poor man I met who had had the motor stolen from his boat has managed to get things sorted out. Hi to the two guys Saffi and I had a chat with about canals, dogs and whatever else in the boatyard and cafe. Thanks for the sponsorship and chat to the lovely man I met with the fantastic collie, Biscuit, I wish you good luck with her she is a lovely dog. Stopped for liquid refreshment at the Hand and Dagger pub, near bridge 26, so Hi to Martin the landlord, who made us very welcome. The last section was with Nero, this took a little longer than expected when we met a lone swan in the path. We have seen loads of swans and cygnets on all the canals so far, however, this one was on its own. When we got close it hissed at Nero who immediately sat down and refused to budge. (Can't say I blame him). Tried throwing dog titbits towards thecanal in the hope it would go in the water, no such luck! Tried the same with pebbles, again, no luck. Text John to see if he could come back with a loaf of bread. Whilst waiting, had a brainwave, I had an apple in my bag. Started throwing bits of apple towards swan and the canal, aha, a little interest. Just when we had a moment to rush past, Nero sat down again and went on strike. Back to the drawing board! Had just enough apple left to try one more time. Eureka! Just when it dipped it's head in the river, dragged Nero past before he knew what was happening. Cancelled the cavalry and proceeded to the end of the canal without further incident. Lancashire canals now finished. Cheshire here we come!
Tomorrow - Rest Day and preparation to move to Chester on Friday
2nd September - Hurray a rest day! Another beautiful day, lazed about, short dog walks, sleepy dogs, laundry done, annexe down and roof boot loaded in preparation for tomorrow'w move to Chester. This has been a lovely site. ( Bridge House Marina and caravan park www.bridgehousemarina.co.uk ).
Tomorrow - Moving to Chester
3rd September - said goodbye to the lovely neighbours on the caravan site and made our way to a Caravan Club Certified Location outside Chester. Beautiful setting, nice shady corner, some fabulous horses and a very 'lively' Labrador. Walked Nero down the lane when we arrived and he decided to accompany us and made amorous overtures to Nero en route! Poor old Nero spent his time either jumping in the air or sitting down. Sorted it out by squirting our lab friend with some water and told him to "Heel!" which he did (obviously has been trained), and we all walked back up the lane in a much more relaxed fashion, until I found his chain and attached him to it for a while. Good job it wasn't Saffi, she would have died of fright, she won't be impressed that there is a Jack Russell here as well. Cleo thinks it's great.
Tomorrow - hope to leave the Boat Museum at Ellesmere Port by 11 am at the latest. We hope to get there about 10:30 am.