“Walking with a companion is very different from walking solo. Even when apart and silent, there is always an awereness of company. Alone, decisions can be made on impulse. I sometimes find myself stopping and sitting down without consciously deciding to do so. I may find a lovely irresistible campsite after a few hours, I may walk well into the night, but with no one to consult, no-one else's needs, desires, or tiredness need to be taken into account. There is also, I find, much more importantly, a closer connection to the land and to nature when there's no-one else to respond to, and it's that connection that lies at the heart of long-distance walking for me.”