Am I too old to start hillwalking?

Have you been tempted to have a go at hillwalking but thought that maybe you might be too old? Have a read of Ronnie's story - hopefully she will help you change your mind and encourage you to give it a go!

Ronnie first joined SUP & Summit on a guided walk back in August 2020, a hillwalking taster event, designed to give clients insight into what it's like to be in the hills whilst challenging their heart, lungs and calves! Routes are approximately 5-6 miles in length and take around 4 hours - all on undulating ground.

It was a hot day. The 6 mile-ish route started at Moel Famau lower car park and took us along the lower slopes of Foel Fenlli. With stunning views and great banter, the group had no complaints. Ronnie started to feel the effects of the heat and the effort once we started to walk uphill toward the start of the Offas Dyke Path from the top Moel Famau car park, needing to have regular stops for a drink and a breather. She had the option of walking down the road back to the lower car park but was determined to keep going. The group were very supportive and given that the path was direct to the summit, had the option of walking at their own pace, later meeting us at the summit.

As we reached the half-way point, Ronnie was really starting to struggle. She turned to me and said "I don't think I can do it". Knowing that we weren't far from the Jubilee Tower at the summit and that physically, I believed Ronnie was capable - her breathing recovering quickly after a short stop. With encouragement from the group, regular stops and Ronnie's determination, she made it to the summit of Moel Famau. The look of delight on her face told me exactly what this achievement meant to her.

Since that August day in 2020, Ronnie is now an accomplished hillwalker, having completed most of the Clwydians and ticked off 12 Wainwrights in the Lakes. She has signed up for several SUP & Summit events this year and is on target to complete her January challenge - walking 15,000 steps every day, raising money for charity. What an inspiration.

One thing that I haven't mentioned is that Ronnie turns 70 years of age this coming July - absolutely incredible - and is planning to stand on the summit of Snowdon, the highest mountain in England & Wales on her birthday.

If you fancy dipping your toe in the heather on one of our friendly hillwalking taster events, what are you waiting for??!!! Visit www.supandsummit.com

This photo of Ronnie was taken on the summit of Barrow in the Lakes at the end of mammoth day, having completed SUP & Summit's 'Braithwaite 6 Wainwright Challenge'.