Training Walk One

Having decided to climb a mountain we decided we ought to practise this walking lark. As a gentle introduction we decided to walk around some local woods. Route plotted and maps in hand off we headed only to be greeted by pouring rain and lots of mud. Undaunted we set off in good spirits and munched our way through some energy giving supplies (lollies!). About an hour later the path ran out and we were faced with a rather busy looking road. The rain had become heavier and our mood had changed somewhat. After trekking along the verge for what seemed like forever and ignoring the puzzled looks of speeding drivers we finally found a route off the main road. We then encountered another problem with a rather friendly dog that followed us for at least a mile before finally losing interest.
Back on muddy footpaths once again we felt very wet but increasingly pleased with our progress.We walked on happily chatting and ignoring the rising mud levels before realising we were now ankle deep in it and finding it increasingly difficult to move at all. As we struggled on we came across a sign declaring that the footpath was closed due to muddy conditions under foot. After wondering how we ended up on a closed route we forged a route through some bushes and brambles onto a sturdier and drier path. We checked the map carefully and concluded we must be at that particular spot. Happier now we confidently strode on ignoring the strange feeling of deja vu. However it became impossible to ignore the fact that we had gone in a complete circle and were now back where we started only significantly wetter and muddier. Clearly we need to work on our map reading skills!