Walking Preparations
Only 4 weeks to go and so many things to do; paid work, work around the house and walking are all competing for precedence.

Walking
Chris, friend Shane and myself did a 30km walk from Donnelly's Weir to Mount St Leonard and return recently. This walk was done in rain, sunshine, sleet and even snow; a good preparation for English conditions. A few weeks back I did a morning 18km stroll along the Coast from Torquay to Point Addis on the Victorian Coast; the weather was great and the surfers out in abundance, especially around the famous Bell's Beach area.
Add lunch time walks around the Yarra area with friend Fran and I am achieving around 12,000 steps per day on average - still well short of the 40,000 daily steps required over the 10 days. Fran has got me striding out at around 7.5km per hour pace - gives you a good work-out for 30 to 45 minutes.
Yesterday Chris and myself had a 18km morning stroll around the Plenty Valley - back that up again in the afternoon plus 9 more days and you are done.

Gear
Walking boots and socks are the most important parts of equipment to consider; your feet can make or break a long walk. The boots that Chris and I purchased at the beginning of the year are now well broken in; in Chris's case he believes he has clocked up around 1000km in them.
The other important part of gear is a decent waterproof jacket - keeping as dry as possible during the inevitable rain helps morale as well as keeping core temperature stable. I am relying upon Mr Gore's technology to do its job. It is mid Summer when we are walking but you never know...

Route
On days 2, 3 and 4 there are the choice of high route and low route. The low route appeals from an ease of walking perspective; the high route from a visual and sense of adventure perspective. The one high route that we have pencilled in as a must do (weather permitting of course) is Helvellyn and Striding Edge. Worth a Youtube visit to view the spectacular terrain - reminds me of some of the walking in Tasmania.