On Sunday morning we jumped in the car and headed over the bridge to Manly Dam to gain familiarity with our shiny new hiking sticks and ultra lightweight water-proof hiking boots – both of which are an absolute marvel!

The plan is to practice twice a month (other commitments permitting) and build up hiking stamina ahead of our planned hiking week in Switzerland mid-2023.

We’d not been to this area before and it is really quite gorgeous, though with recent rains is very muddy indeed. There are a couple of different hiking loops, but we chose a shorter out and back route because we’d parked in time-limited parking area.

obligatory hiking pose photo

We’ll definitely be back to try the 7km route.

Hiking sticks! I cannot recommend them highly enough – they’ve made such a difference, particularly for stepping up and down. I’m invariably hurting a knee or my lower back when hiking – this time, not a thing! I felt wonderfully stable and supported. Get yourself some – you’ll thank me later.

I was totally knackered afterward, so there is quite some work to do before the hiking holiday!

The last three years have been really appalling for exercise and any residual fitness from Action Carolbaby has long gone. Jelly – I am it.