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It's taken me several weeks to write this report. There was a lot to consider following this walk!
Following knee surgery just over a year ago I had been gradually trying to push my distances and walk speed; this walk was a sobering lesson in how NOT to do it.
Parking was no problem at the spot recommended by McMole, and then a short walk back up the road took me to the start of the track up towards the wind farm. Going up was no problem at all and I was really pleased with my progress.
- Summit mists and light rain. Very poor visibility - couldn't even see most of the turbines!
However - while retracing my steps down the track, my leg began to ache. What I should have done was slow down, and take smaller steps. What I did was push on down - fast pace, long steps. WRONG.
By the time I got back to the car I couldn't bend my knee and had to sit over on the hand brake to slide my leg in. Fortunately I was able to drive back to my B&B.
The planned walk for the next day was postponed - the hills will be there another time.
Recovery has been slow but steady. Following a visit to a physio I was given an exercise plan (walk backwards for 10 mins everyday, short walks 3 - 4 km, eventually doing 3 short walks a day).
Happy to report I am now back on smaller hills.
PS. Walking backwards is interesting - stretches out different muscles - I chose the local rugby field and a set of white lines, several bewildered spectators ..................... I didn't mind - it worked.
