Firstly, some exciting news. This week is Nature Photography week. On your travels take pictures of the beautiful nature you encounter and send them to me. I’ll create a gallery!

Now for the weekly update:

Carlin – Three Burrows (28 Miles) – Stuck in roadworks

Chris – Warrington (363 Miles) – Near Manchester at a KFC

Dave – Taunton (132Miles)

Johnny – Sourton Down (83 Miles) – Very pleasant

Kevin – Banbury (253 Miles) – Leaving the south

Matt – Sourton Down (83 Miles) – Exactly the same place as Johnny

Tom – Lapford (99 Miles) – Nice little bridge

Keep it up!

A new player has entered the challenge: Super Kev. Previously the most dangerous goalkeeper Gosford’s “red gra'” has ever seen, he is now a keen runner. Despite someone (who shan’t be named, Johnny) suggesting he begin back at Land’s End due to his late acceptance into the run/walk/bike challenge, he joins with 149 miles in the bank, having reached Walton, Somerset.

Since the last update everyone has made some progress, albeit all but Kev and Chris reaching the per-week quota required. It is still early days.

You will notice that Chris isn’t on that map. He now gets his own, having passed his home in Witney, the Six Bells in Kidlington, and is now headed to the midlands, currently nearing Royal Leamington Spa.

Next week let’s all try and surpass the 16M needed to stay on target. Keep up the good work.

As we begin week 6 of the challenge, it’s time to take stock of our progress.

Unsurprisingly, the Silver Fox continues to shoot ahead, having passed through Cornwall, Devon, and Somerset.

Chris is now cruising through Wiltshire passed Little Drew, along what appears to be the first real countryside footpath.

I am in Devon near Kellacot, still on the A30, which if I’m being honest, is an incredibly boring road.

Tom is two miles behind in Stourscombe (Devon), receiving support from passers by.

Johnny is passing by Millpool…

… which is apparently impossible to find according to Cornwall’s #1 news site, CornwallLive.

Matt remains in Pool, unseen for a few weeks and potentially lost down a mine.

While Carlin is visiting Hayle beach, where I would holiday as a child. I definitely peed in those sand dunes.

Keep up the good work, there’s a long way to go.

A brief update on everyone’s progress at the end of the fourth week.

Carlin (8.5M) is in Gulval, checking out the local Sainsburys (wishing it was an M&S).

Matt (21.3M) remains in Pool, stuck on the endless A30.

Johnny (46.9M) is in Lanivet, 28 miles further up the road from his brother.

Tom (58.3M) is in Bolventor…

…along with Dave (60M), who is one mile further up the road.

Finally, Chris (148.8M) is outside the Royal Oak in Walton, Sommerset.

Keep it up everyone, there’s a long way to go.

In collating the data for the virtual challenge, I created a list of all counties along the route and how many miles we cover in each. In doing so I discovered that the concept of a County is not quite as simple as I thought. There are the historic counties that have changed over time (including going out of existence) and administrative counties which may, or may not, be focused purely on a large city. Historic and administrative counties may also be used interchangeably, at least from what I can tell. I’m mostly confused.

All that said, here’s the route based (from what I can tell) on “historic” counties:

I also discovered that my knowledge of county locations is dreadful. So, feel free to review the map below and see how many you can name.

Answers can be found here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Counties_of_England

To close, I’d like to announce that Chris is now in Somerset.

Keep up the good work, there’s a long way to go!

Three weeks down and people are settling down into their routines. The totals to date are:

• Carlin – Gulval (9 Miles)
• Chris – Withleigh (111 Miles)
• Dave – Belowda (43 Miles)
• Johnny – Marazanvose (32 Miles)
• Matt – Pool (21 Miles)
• Tom – Victoria (44 Miles)

Hardy continues to make a mockery of the concept of pacing or weekly quotas, blasting through Devon, only stopping for a Devonshire cream. Meanwhile the rest of the pack wind their way up through Cornwall. Here’s a close look:

Some niggles have begun to creep in with Carlin complaining about two flat tires, David of a gammy knee, and Matt taking a week off. Johnny has adopted the slow and steady wins the race approach, with leisurely lunchtime walks.

I’ll drop some screenshots of where each of us is later this week.

Keep up the good work, there’s a long way to go!

Dropping another half marathon, Chris has now entered the second county on the route. Covering 49 miles of the journey, Devon (or Devonshire) marks the first time we leave the beautiful A30, for more rural roads, like the B3215.

So, what else does Devon have to offer? Here’s what Chat GPT says are the highlights of Devon summarized in one paragraph:

“Devon is a county in southwestern England, known for its picturesque landscapes, rugged coastline, and charming villages. With a rich history dating back to prehistoric times, Devon boasts historic sites such as Dartmoor National Park, famous for its granite tors and wild ponies. The stunning Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcases dramatic cliffs and fossil-rich beaches. Visitors can explore the historic city of Exeter, with its medieval cathedral and Roman city walls, or relax in the quaint seaside towns like Torquay and Salcombe. Devon offers a mix of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and outdoor activities, making it a popular destination for those seeking a diverse and captivating experience in the heart of the English countryside.”

None of these sights feature on our route.

Keep it up!