Walking to lose weight

Q. I am 42 and overweight, I want to start walking.

How/where should I start?

Linda Whitney, Shrewsbury

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A. I was in the same predicament some two years ago, I was 18 1/2 stone smoked rollups had high colestral.

I then decided to do something about it.

I gave up smoking and set off up Coniston Old Man, walks

• c123 The Old Man of Coniston and Swirl How from Walna Scar Road, Coniston

• c179 The Seathwaite Round from Seathwaite (Duddon Valley)

• c210 The Old Man of Coniston from the Walna Scar Road, Coniston

• c254 The Old Man of Coniston and Brim Fell from Coniston

• c306 The Old Man of Coniston and Wetherlam from Coniston

• c420 The Coniston Fells from Walna Scar Road, Coniston

it was an old man climbing it!

I had to stop every couple of minutes whilst young kids passed me by - but two years later and 14 1/2 stone heavy I actually ran down the Old Man last weekend after hiking around Wetherlam, Swirl How then up to The Old Man of Coniston summit - see walk c306 The Old Man of Coniston and Wetherlam from Coniston

I felt just like Forrest Gump absolutly brilliant.

Don't think about it. DO IT

I have just turned 52 and desperately wished I had done this when in my 30's.

Go for it and good luck, you won't regret it.

Jim Bradley, Oswaldtwistle

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A. Well - and I don't mean to be flippant - why not just start.

Get a decent pair of Boots and a Waterproof Jacket and start with some shorter Grade 1 walks.

Don't try and do too much too soon - but slowly build up to a grade you find comfortable.

Most experts agree that regular exercise and a sensible diet should get you fitter and help you shed a few pounds.

Hope this helps

Mike (Editor)

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