Introduction
After Nadti left The Pennine Way (2022) in 2022, we spoke of reconvening to complete the last half of the walk together; from Horton-in-Ribblesdale to Kirk Yetholm. Well, it didn’t exactly go to plan…
The Injury
Just a few days after the end of The Cambrian Way (2023) - which ended due to a knee injury - and on the day we arrived an unnecessary journey up Pen-y-ghent left me with the worst knee injury I’ve sustained to date.
As it turns out, exuberantly stomping down the steps of Pen-y-ghent back to the campsite the night before we set off, wasn’t a good idea at all!
The Exit
It culminated in me leaving the walk early on Great Shunner Fell - only a day later - with a horrendous exit path to the nearest train station. To make matters worse, I felt terrible for leaving Nadti to finish the walk solo.
She did amazingly though, conquering every hill and mile and I was thrilled to hear that she’d finished what we started, even if I wasn’t there to enjoy the journey as well.
Reflection
This experience definitely taught me a lesson about overconfidence and the importance of pacing yourself and maybe one day I’ll do some proper strength training!