I’ve been slowly gathering walking kit over the last few months, and have had my new boots for a few weeks now without wearing them much, other than in and around the house and one local jaunt to the pub and back. With another weekend upon us, and only two weeks until Team Ubuntu go off to the Lake District for a weekend of walking, I thought it was about time I put them to the test, with a trip to local beauty spot Leith Hill (the second highest point in south east England, fact fans). The wife and I planned for an early morning start, in order to get back in time to do the regular weekend chores, so the alarm was set for 6.00, with the intention to get to Leith Hill early doors. With everything required for a two hour hike dumped in the car, we arrived at one of the many Leith Hill car parks in readiness for our stroll. One thing, however, was missing – my new boots. I then realised I had stupidly left them in the hallway at home. What a donut!

Rather than go home to get them, we started off on the walk, me now in my tried and tested old Adidas trainers, and not the spanking new boots. Hey ho!

We still enjoyed a nice wander, and completed a 10k circular route of the area, taking in the slightly underwhelming I have to admit Tillingbourne Waterfall (it’s no Niagara, believe me!), amongst other sights and sounds. A pleasant morning spent, although I now need to try and plan another walk before the Lakes, in order to actually attempt to wear in my new footwear…