The Hill

Mondays · 5:45pm · Ide Top Car Park

We meet at the top car park in Ide and walk up the hill, breathing through the nose only; the hill does the rest. If you're new, come at 5:35pm and I'll take you through it before we set off at 5:45pm; we're back at the start point by around 7:00pm.

It is two miles up, around 570 feet of climb, tarmac the whole way, and two miles back down. It is a proper walk rather than a stroll, and a real test all the same: meeting a steepening gradient through your nose alone asks your breathing to become efficient rather than desperate, and that efficiency follows you home. My father does it at eighty.

The route

Going up

No talking, and breathe through your nose only. For those who come back wanting more there is a geared breathing system, pacing breath to steps to train your tolerance of CO2; it is encouraged, explained on the day, and entirely optional.

We walk to one rhythm and nobody gets left behind. If the nose isn't enough, take shorter steps rather than opening your mouth.

At the top you get what walking uphill has always paid: the satisfaction of having got somewhere, and the best view of Exeter and Devon there is, in company, without the small talk.

Coming down

No rules. Talk or don't. It goes ahead rain or shine.

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Free, rain or shine, bring water. Not sure? Message me first and ask me anything: wa.me/447424799151 — or join the channel and just turn up.