Walking to the Future

They’d started out as firm friends, but would things be the same when they reached their journey’s end?

- Rebecca Holmes

When this is over, I never want to see another shop-bought pasty for as long as I live,’ I said, with feeling, as I came out of the corner shop and handed Mel her share of our sorry excuse for lunch on the go – anaemic-looking pasties, crisps and two bottles of cola. ‘Or chip-shop chips.’

‘Or another hotel breakfast with powdered scrambled eggs.’ Mel shuddered. ‘When we finally arrive, I’m going straight to a decent supermarket and filling a trolley with fresh fruit, vegetables and salad. Do they have decent supermarkets in the Peak District? I know I’ve stayed there in the past, but it never really came up. You’re the one who’s practically a resident.’

I laughed. ‘I wouldn’t go that far, though I must admit the place has always felt like home, especially after Mum and Dad moved there when they retired. It was their dream come true, and now it’s ours.’ I squeezed Mel’s arm. ‘We’ll both be residents soon, and don’t worry, there are plenty of good food shops, so we’ll be eating healthily again before long. Let’s hope all this walking makes up for our dreadful diet in the meantime. Now, where’s the map? I want to check the rest of our route for today and make sure we get to the hotel at a decent hour. That detour we took after a wrong turn yesterday nearly cost us our room last night.’