Went for a good walk yesterday with a walking group. Started at South Kenton Station (all free travel for OAP's) and walked some of the Capital Ring. Talking too much to my friend and got separated from the group. No problem there as it was all signposted. Went to Barn Hill and had coffee on a seat by a small lake. Followed the signs and after walking round came back to the same lake, well it was quite nice there. Followed different paths and met a man with a dog, and he directed us. Well we ended up at the lake again, and then we met the same man with the dog and asked him how to get to the Welsh Harp/Brent Reservoir. He gave us very detailed directions and we set off. Well to cut a long story short, after meeting him for the 4th time (so embarrassing), he said he would take us to his house and he would drive us there. We thanked him but did say that we were OK, although my friend has limited sight and I am stupid at directions. We went back to the lake and spoke to a lovely couple and they were quite worried about us, and we followed them to the car park and they also offered us a lift. The man had an Iphone that he looked up directions for us, which was very kind and they said I should get an Iphone (want on earth is that, and could I use it). Anyway we got to the road, and asked directions all the way and arrived at the Reservoir/Welsh Harp where we met up with the group, who had all finished lunch in a garden centre and no-one had missed us.
Look on e-bay and get yourself a £20 mini GPS, simple to use just turn on and start walking it will always take you back to your start point, :)
That sounds like one of ower Tones mystery tours Borlotti.When the kids were little they used to sit in the back and ask to go on one of his mystery tours ;D Glad you got back ok in the end
So, care in the community does work then.
Yes, people are very kind, they don't seem to believe that old people can walk, this was only 6/7 miles, but we did more as went to the lake 3 or 4 times. We usually do about 10/12 miles with the Ramblers as they have a back marker if case anyone has problems. My friend is 10 years older than me and walks faster than me, but has a problem with eyesight now. Just phoned her to see if she is OK and remind her to watch 'Call the midwife' as she was a nurse and has read the book/s. She was out, and had been walking today, but she went with her husband as he likes to see that she gets home OK, so she can take the dog out. ;D ;D ;D. Wish I had been taught to read a map at school, instead of all the useless stuff, but it is never too late, and the Ramblers do have map reading courses.
I sympathise as I have no sense of direction that why I go on walks with the Ramblers and U3A who as you say have backmarkers. what happened in your case?
I am impressed that you do 10//12 miles. I have done that distance but prefer 6/7 talking all the way of course ;D
marg