Hi again! When I last posted, I was waiting for an appointment with my lovely, local physiotherapist and to see if I would be stopped in my tracks…

My appointment revealed Achilles’ tendinitis and fluid in both my knees, all caused by my hiking. I was advised to rest completely for at least a month-no exercise, AT ALL!! No walking, no weight lifting, no training, nothing!! I explained why I was tackling this massive challenge and Sian (my physio) gave me the go ahead for my next planned walk, which was a version of the Snowdon Horseshoe, albeit with restrictions: use a lighter pack, take it steady, DO NOT SLIP AND FALL!! We would see how my poor joints reacted following treatment and a decent hike out. My treatment was in the form of ultrasound and interferential (an electrical current sent through my knee to try and reduce the fluidy inflammation, feels a bit fizzy)

The Snowdon Horseshoe was good, very VERY busy! There were hundreds of people in the mountains for work related activities. As we climbed Crib Goch and crossed the ridge to Crib-y-Ddysgul, we looked down on the Pyg Track to the conga-line of people heading up to the summit, it was something to behold! Our route took us across the saddle towards Snowdon and down the Llanberis path towards Nant Peris as this would be the route we will follow to take us onto the Glyderau, although we would have reached Snowdon’s summit before descending! We followed a lesser known route alongside the famous Snowdon train’s tracks and came down a very steep ridge, through a hole in a wall in a bog and eventually met the main road. After a quick bite to eat, we found the bottom of the Llanberis path and started up once more. A couple of hours later and we were glad to see a much quieter summit, the trig point and clear skies. As we left Snowdon, planning to be back very soon I kept my fingers crossed for sound knees and Achilles on the final descent. 12 hours, 17 miles and almost four peaks later, I’ve now been on all of the 3000’s this year, very exciting!!

I’ve had two follow up sessions with Sian, where she’s repeated her treatment and she’s given me the all clear for our next hike up into Snowdonia: Crib Goch, Crib-y-Ddysgul, Snowdon, Elidr Fawr, Y Garn, Glyder Fach, Glyder Fawr and finally Tryfan. Keep your fingers crossed for my happy joints and please do visit my donating pages, every single penny helps!

You can donate to any of the two charities through these links below: Search and Rescue Dogs Association (SARDA) and Sarah’s Lyme Recovery

Thanks Laura