I’d hoped to write an update sooner than this, but adjusting back to life was as expected – hard! I’d always said that the hardest part of the challenge for me would be adjusting back afterwards, I expected it, but that didn’t stop the reality.
Quite a lot has happened, so I’m going to write an update in a few parts. Spoiler Alert: I’m writing this post from a train on my way up to Scotland.
Waking up in my bed the following day, was definitely the weirdest feeling. I lay in bed in exactly the same position as before I set off. The same blankets, the same room and I couldn’t help thinking, was that a really long dream?! Then the realisation hit and I had completed something totally amazing, that I’ve dreamt of for so long.
I felt so proud, mostly that I had, had an idea for 7 years and made it a reality. Even two months later I still look at the map of my route in disbelief. Whilst I was walking I knew that I was moving across the country, the landscape was changing and I could count off the counties. Despite that it could sometimes feel like I was walking on a treadmill. I was putting one foot in front of the other and travelling the distance, but there was a disconnect between that and my actual progress as I walked up the country. I think some of that remains when I look at my map, I try to imagine myself at the different points. I know that I did it, but there’s part of me that has such amazement that I question if I actually did. It’s a magical feeling really, to feel so in awe of something. I hope it stays forever. The map of my route now hangs on my kitchen wall. Everyday starts with a reminder of this trip of a lifetime.
My first week back was quite a whirlwind. I had kit to wash, a tent to dry and boots to clean. Importantly, I got to spend time with my family. I got to have tea with them again. It was amazing how quickly things that had not been normal for a few months, feel so normal again.
In my final couple of months walking, with help from my family, I planned a zigzag completion party. I wanted an opportunity to share my adventure with my friends and loved ones. I knew that people would ask me how my trip was and I would probably, hopelessly, say it was amazing, or incredible but be terrible at giving any detail. So the hall was booked and I spent my first week back procrastinating then finally putting some photos into a coherent order to share with everybody.
It was really lovely evening. It was so lovely to see everybody and I was amazed at the effort that people had made to come.
From spending time with my family to planning a party and fitting in an outdoor first aid course, I didn’t really take time to sit down and process anything very much those first couple of weeks. Though I think the distraction was definitely a good one.
I’d planned myself two weeks off before going back to work. It gave me flexibility to finish behind schedule (if needed), but also two weeks to adjust back to normal life.
Importantly it also meant that I could go petaling! Like many other towns and villages in Derbyshire, but has an annual Well Dressing Festival. It’s my favourite time of year in the town. I’ve helped petal since I was 18 and there’s no way they’re getting rid of me! The well dressings are made by pushing leaves, petals and other natural materials into boards of clay, slowly building the design. I love the repetitive nature of the craft and at the same time, being able to make something so beautiful. This year I had lots of fun making a chimpanzee, two meerkats and working on some of the frog. It was lovely to celebrate the beauty of nature, after spending so much time in it.
After that, it was time to return to work. It was nice to see everyone and nice that people were glad to see me. The oddest part was definitely when someone says “it’s nice to have you back”, it’s lovely to be wanted and I felt grateful for that but on the flip side it meant that I wasn’t walking, so could I really be glad to be back?! It felt odd to have both feelings at the same time, but I came to accept that both are as valid as each other.
After my first full week at work, I definitely had my biggest dip. The reality of not walking each day hit me, and I have lots to be grateful about in life, but my life wasn’t outdoors anymore. I’d felt so comfortable outdoors and the sensory aspects of normal life were starting to grate on me.
With the heatwave, I’d struggled to get outside. I’d gone from 13°C in John O’Groats to 30°C+ in Buxton! It was a shock to the system and I’d spent any available time hiding in my house. This definitely hadn’t helped, with the couped up feeling.
I’d experienced such freedom whilst walking. I only had myself to rely on, but I also got the freedom of only having nature and myself to live by. It had been such an amazing feeling and definitely one that I missed after coming back.
Even though the dip was a challenge, I would definitely go and do the whole experience again, if I could have the chance. It was absolutely incredible and something that I’ll never forget.
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