Walking in the dark on purpose

Thursday, 23 April 2026

Starting a long route before dawn used to feel like cheating the day. Now it is my favourite part: the hour of head-torch walking before the light comes up is quiet in a way the middle of the day never is.

A decent torch with a wide beam, spare batteries kept warm in an inner pocket, and a route simple enough to follow without constant map checks. Nothing clever, just done deliberately.

By the time the sun is properly up I have the first few miles behind me and the summit to myself.