Ok, what giant sets up stepping stones. I just crossed a pretty wide bit of water lured by apparently substantial stepping stones. Around about half way, too far to try to spin around on a slippy rock and turn back, there it is - the nigh on impossible gap, with just one dodgy looking pointed rock to lunge at in a leap of faith. Foolish traveler, I lunged, foot slipped, knee hit next rock, head hit the one after, hand got cut on who knows what and I ended up in the river.

Was some sadistic stepping-stone-setter-out watching the entertainment on CCTV somewhere? It had to have entertainment value.

I am 5 foot tall, that's it. I have a stride of 12 inches and can extend it a bit if I'm sure of a happy landing. Please if you're going to be so kind as to place stepping stones, make the gaps and the rocks realistic. Otherwise, don't bother, I'll take my socks and shoes off and paddle across.

Liz (Grumpy)

I feel really guilty now, as that did make me giggle!

I hope you're all patched up now, Liz.

I never bother with stepping stones if I can't see them all the way across, as whenever I do I inevitably end up with boot-fulls of water after a tumble.



AND is Anyone ever going to change these blasted grey anti spam characters???? Grrrrrrrr.

...and I have learned that there is absolutely no point trying to scramble back up on top of the stepping stones if I've already fallen in the water! If you're already soaked then you may as well just splash across.

I agree, Judith. Being very wet is liberating!

October issue of TGO has some useful tips on crossing rivers, including NOT using stepping stones if partially under water. We always use trekking poles (extended), when crossing even quite shallow burns, which give extra support, much needed in my case. I hope you had your hip belt undone at the time as I have seen walkers be pulled straight to the bottom of a river by their sack. Hope you are well recovered now.
Grumpy.

Thanks all for your kindly concern, damage was minimal but my pride is dead in the water!

Peter's comment about releasing your rucksack hip belt reminds me of some advice from Ray Mears about the pack being a useful flotation device - must have been one of those TV ones with the polystyrene inside. Personally I've always found a sack full of bricks works better.

I have seen the occasional backpack float down a Highland burn; very amusing as long as it aint your own bag. Using it as a float is best done by putting the pack inside a big plastic bag and making sure the bag is tied very tightly.

Correct JD but how many Challengers will have time to do this while tip toeing across the Fords of Avon in flood?