I walked to the allotment after breakfast, just to check on it, and found quite a few broad bean pods have appeared. How exciting!

While I was on that particular road I called into the doctors on the off-chance of an appointment, and got one! The sciatica is making walking more painful, whereas I've always previously found that I could walk without pain. I make a very bad patient, it's a good job I don't live with anyone. I've got painkillers, exercises and a hot water bottle... perhaps the doctor can suggest something else.

I may update later, depending. I've got to be back there to see the nurse this afternoon anyway.

Edit: the GP explained everything very well, I'm getting sciatica because of a herniated disc ie slightly bulging out. Although I can date the start of the pain to the scramble up Wildboar Clough several weeks ago, I actually think this began 18 months ago in Calpe, and I've had clicking in the left lower back region for years. He says the hospital won't accept a referral unless it's been going on for more than... hmm 10 weeks I think, sooo.... Anyway, it is what it is, and he's given me a thing or two to try.