A Walk in the Park

‘Not far now. The car park’s just at the top of this hill.’

‘Phew, that’s good.’ wheezed Colin. ‘I’m struggling a bit.’

‘Let me walk this last bit with you. My name’s Sue. Is it your first time out rambling?’

‘Yes. Had a 50-plus health check last week. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, overweight, bit of a couch potato. My GP said I’d not make 60 unless I made some changes to my diet and lifestyle.’

Colin had gone online and found a walking group that met every Saturday morning for a five-mile circular walk at various venues around the county. Easy enough, he thought. He’d noted down the details, turned up at the correct time and place, and tagged on to the end of the group.

He had felt a little out of place in his jeans, T-shirt, trainers and can of Coke with everyone else kitted out in stout boots, walking trousers, checked shirts, hats, rucksacks, walking poles and shiny metal water bottles.

Colin had soon fallen behind.

Breathless, perspiring, and exhausted, and cursing his GP for being right, he was now beginning to regret every fry-up, every takeaway, and every pint of beer he’d ever had in his life.

‘Here we are.’ Sue announced. ‘I said it wasn’t far.’

To Colin’s surprise, the path came out into a pub car park. This was not where his walk had started and this was not, he realized, the group he’d started out with.

‘You must have lost your group.’ Sue laughed. ‘Or they lost you. You’re welcome to join us. We’re having a pub lunch. Then we’re off on the next four-mile leg. One of us can drop you back at your car afterwards, if you like.’

The prospect of a sit-down with a pie and a pint (or two) was very tempting. He must have burned off a few calories this morning. And it was important to rehydrate. And if he didn’t fancy another four miles he could always phone for a taxi to take him back to his car.

Colin was suddenly starting to feel quite enthusiastic about taking up rambling.