2009 has been a helter-skelter ride of a year – and it’s far from over yet. It is sad that my Dad, Phil, died before I started the walk. Regrettably, he also missed the arrival of his first Great-Grandchild (am I being presumptive in assuming there might be more?) although, as the eloquent priest at Dad’s funeral service suggested, they will surely have caught sight of each other on their respective journeys between heaven and earth, and waved as they passed by.

Anyway, with such dramatic recent changes in the family ‘line-up’, I feel compelled to dedicate my walk to them both

To DAD, who was a keen walker himself until illness got in the way. I know that he would have taken considerable pride in what I am doing and monitored my progress with great interest.	To ISAAC GEOFFREY, because he shouldn’t have any problem remembering the year his Grandad went on an epic walk. In an age of computer games and zillions of TV channels, I hope I can encourage his interest in the outdoors.