It was the first time we had walked that far without our parents.

We felt brave and intrepid.

We felt under-prepared.

The roles usually shared amongst four now split between two. And, if we are being transparent, the less competent, sensible and reliable two at that.

As long as we could make it to the rendezvous point in six days time, more or less in one piece, and still speaking, it would all be okay.

Our parents would be there, they’d reassure us, let us know what was to come. We’d swap trail tales, and more practically our car keys, and we’d re-trace the other groups’ steps.

Our family walking holidays had entered a new era.