by In August 1970 I went with a school friend at the age of 16 (The Guardian View on The Pennine Way: a pioneer of long-distance soul therapy, April 9). Wainwright’s guide and a stack of Ornance Surnance Maps were in our metal frame backpacks. Equipped from the Army & Navy Store, lumpy leather boots and without a gore tex. We did it in 21 days, which would be mocked in these more macho times, but experience was formative and transformative.
A lasting memory was our encounter with the M62, which is still under construction. The Pennine Way Footbridge climbed over a swampy cut, but had barbed wire and no handrails at every end. We cut off the naked earth and avoided bulldozer to get to the other side. The Majesty of the Traverse by Blackstone Edge soon left it behind. I hope many people are inspired to go to this 60-year celebration. So many highlights and so few lows.
Paul Ince
Smalldale, derbyshire
• I went on the Pennine Way in 1998 with one of my best friends. We were also medical students and later emigrated to the USA. I think the Pennine Way is one of our best national paths and we have completed it this year. Unfortunately, she died two years later at the age of 58.
In one of our last conversations, she said to me: “Think of all the good times we shared, especially on the Pennine path.” I have this wonderful memory, among others, to support myself through our current times when we are bombarded with depressing messages.
We all have to focus on better memories and events to combat current psychological health problems and sadness.
Dr. Angela Hilton
Altrincham, Greater Manchester
• I am very happy that you celebrate the Pennine Weg, but you are wrong that Chaucers pilgrims have gone through a hard endurance test. They didn’t work, they strolled from London to Canterbury on horseback and covered the 56 miles in a leisurely four days.
Tony Hufton
Norwich
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