These Boots Are Made For Walkin’

.....and that’s just what they’ll do!
As last nights snow was still sticking around after lunch, it seemed prudent to (literally) dust off the walking boots before heading out this afternoon. I’m not sure exactly how long I’ve had these boots but I know I bought them before we moved to the Lakes, and we’ve been up here 29 years this year! I seem to recall buying them from the climbers shop in Betws-y-Coed so probably some time in the mid 1980s.
I do know they were the most expensive boots I have ever bought. I was told that it would be a good investment and that they would see me right for many years. I’m not sure they anticipated 35 years plus but - to be fair - they’ve probably not seen much use in the past ten years. Prior to that, however, they had been with me all over Snowdonia, the Lake District Fells and bits of Scotland. They have stood on top of the highest mountains in England and Wales and once completed an epic days walk along the Cuillins on Skye.
I vaguely remember that as well as buying the boot I had to buy insoles to get a proper fit. I think there were a few to choose from and the trick was to find the ones that were most comfortable. It seems to have worked over the years. They have never been anything but comfortable and supportive, whatever the terrain.
Only a short 5K stroll through the woods today, but they performed faultlessly. Given that there are a few weeks of winter left - and we are likely to be in lockdown for all of them - I suspect these boots could be seeing a lot more use in January and February. I might even treat them to some dubbin this evening!