2025 - A Year in Preview

I don't normally write a post about my plans for the year. But my highly unscientific theory is, if I write it, it must happen! Wishful thinking perhaps, but efficient hill-bagging requires planning. For the most part I will be discussing my plans for hikes, bike rides, camps and other outdoor exploits, because that is the bread and butter of this blog. But at the end, I will write down some of my other aims for the year. 

Wainwright Bagging

Last year, I bagged 24 Wainwrights, a paltry figure compared to the previous year, but an acceptable one, given that I was less narrowly focused on the Wainwrights last year. The previous year, I bagged 45. My current tally is 124, leaving 90 remaining. If I can put my head down and clock 45 a year, that will be the Wainwrights completed by the end of 2026. To be more efficient, I am currently plotting routes for the remaining Wainwrights. This isn't a straightforward business. In some cases, I have been able to devise routes covering a large number of Wainwrights. But there are others where the fells are too far apart, necessitating driving to each one. 

I have booked my two solo camping expeditions. I know it is early, but it gives me something to look forward to in these cold, dark and mildly depressing January days. I have booked a site in Borrowdale, south of Derwent Water and one in Buttermere. I am expecting a decent haul from these trips, at least 30 in total. I'll provide further details closer to the time. 

Other Walking Goals

For the last few years I have been walking the river Wyre in sections from source to mouth (not in order). I usually do a section of the Wyre close to Christmas. I don't know why, it is just a tradition I have fallen into. I have almost completed it now with just a couple of sections near the Forest of Bowland left and I hope to have this done by the end of the year.  

It's also high time that I completed more of the Wear, the river closest to where I grew up in County Durham. The last time was during lockdown five years ago when I did a section between Witton and Escombe. I have been reading The River Wear from Source to Mouth by Robert Bishop. It is a very comprehensive book which covers the area's history, geology and environment and it is giving me some great ideas of places to visit. I am still on the part which covers Weardale but it has sparked my interest in visiting the source of the Wear, which is near Killhope Lead mine, at the confluence of Burnhope and Killhope burns. I could tie this in with some hill walking. Burnhope Seat marks the highest point in historic County Durham, although the actual summit of the hill lies within Cumbria. I would also like to climb Killhope Law. From what I have read, the terrain is quite difficult and paths can be hard to come by on hills around the north Pennines. It is not an area I have explored much but it would be good to visit there at least once this year.  

Cycling

Realistically, I am not going to be doing the big cycling trip I planned last year. I had hoped to do a cycle tour taking in the Lakes and the Yorkshire Dales, camping along the way. The blueprint is there for when I do eventually decide to do it, but it won't be this year. I will, however, be getting out on the bike and I hope to increase my mileage and try and beat the 65 miles I did last year. Ideally I'd like to get to 100 but we'll see how things go. 

Lifestyle Changes

I am doing dry January this year. I am not what most would consider a "heavy drinker." I never drink mid-week. But I almost always drink on both friday and saturday. Not massive quantities: I usually have two beers on each day. Though sometimes I venture into the whiskey cupboard and end up having more than I should. Compared to the average drinker, my habits would probably be considered quite mild. But they do have an impact in that the following day I usually feel more lethargic, dehydrated and if the whiskey has had an outing, mildly hungover. This has an impact on motivation. It results in me getting out of bed later and just not feeling as good. It is well established that alcohol is an anxiety-inducing depressive. Even a small amount can negatively impact sleep by supressing the Rapid Eye Movement (REM) phase (not that you need science to tell you that you feel less rested having imbibed the previous evening).

I am just starting to think that maybe the enjoyment I get from drinking is becoming outweighed by the negative consequences. Last year, I did around a month of no drinking and I definitely felt better as a result. I do not want to go completely teetotal. Or at least, I'd rather not if I can help it. I suppose my aim is to become teetotal-ish, if that is not a bit of a misnomer. In other words, for the most part I am hoping to abstain, but will still allow myself a few drinks when the occasion warrants it. After all, it is hard to top a lovely pint of real ale in a rural pub after an epic walk. 

Anyway, that's about enough rambling from the Northern Rambler. But as my old pal Robert Johnson used to say, "I've got rambling... I've got rambling all on my mind." I certainly have got rambling on my mind. I can't wait to hit the fells full throttle this year!