Stupid mental health walk | Ivinghoe Beacon - Pitstone Windmill Circular walk
I’m not gonna lie when I say I’m not well, haven’t been for a while. From physical health issues relating to a number of things to mental health struggles. I suffer from adenomyosis, endometriosis, pcos and on top of that, few years ago I’ve had my thyroid removed due to a massive goitre that was growing on my neck. I was finally diagnosed last year and I’m currently on some medication that help to manage and minimise my ovarian pain and on thyroid hormones that I will have to take for the rest of my life. So basically my autoimmune system is screwed and my hormones are all over the place. As you can imagine my mental health has been under a lot of pressure lately.
Being outdoors always brings smile to my face. I like solo walks. I love to bring my dog and my camera with me. It’s my form of meditation. Never miss a good chance to shut up (Will Rodgers) is my favourite quote! In-between of being a mum and freelancing, it’s important to switch off, restart and reload from time to time.
Planning my adventures also helps to take my mind off of things. Unfortunately last year (2022) I didn’t do as much travelling as I would like to, but at least I was active locally, and working loads photographing events and properties – something that I really enjoy doing even if I have to take a lot of painkillers to survive the day...
On that sunny August Sunday I decided to go for a solo walk to test my new walking boots. These are Merrell Women’s Erie Mid Walking Boots and I am super happy with them. I haven’t had a chance to test them on more serious hikes yet but I’m sure they will be fine. So far after owning them for 6 months I can tell that they are super light and comfortable and I am really impressed with their quality. My last boots lasted me 10 years, will see how long those ones will survive – bear in mind I usually wash my boots in lakes/seas/springs and only apply Nivea cream or natural shoe bee wax for extra protection. I’ll include an affiliate link here (I’ll earn a microscopic commission if you buy them via link provided, no extra cost to you).
Go to Circular walks section on my map to check out the route
Back to the walk, I started my little stroll on top of Ivinghoe Beacons where I left my car. I made my way down to Pitstone Windmill. I decided to walk on a public footpath that I never noticed before, along the Incombe Hole - steep sided dry valley immediately to the south of Steps Hill. The views were spectacular. After arriving at Pitstone windmill and taking few obligatory photos I headed towards Pitstone Hill and back up to Ivinghoe Beacons. The whole walk only took me about 2h. It was pretty easy but I did manage to break some sweat and get my heart pumping a little faster. According to google maps it only was 5k so not a long walk, but it was very enjoyable. All photos were taken with my iPhone.
