I've been putting together a pamphlet about the Quaker heritage in Dolgellau and I became really interested in Dorothy Owen.

She died in 1793 and was one of the ministers of the Quakers. That isn't the same as a church minister; it's someone who would go from meeting to meeting, inspiring the people to feel God's presence.

According to records kept by another Quaker, Josiah Wood - who kept notes on everyone and everything he saw on his travels - Dorothy walked right across Mid Wales. She also walked to the general meeting of the Quakers in London.

It would have been very expensive to have a horse in those days, and as Dorothy had given most of her money to pay for the meeting house in Tabor, I suppose she decided that the only way to go was on her own two feet.

As there's talk among the Quakers of living a simple life - like reducing your carbon footprint, these days - I decided to go on a journey like Dorothy. I thought it would be an opportunity to give over time to be with God. It's so easy not to realise that the spirit is with you when you're busy.

So I began my walk from the meeting house in Tabor, near Dolgellau, and set off for York. The general meeting of the Quakers is usually held in London, but sometimes it moves to other cities.

As I began the walk, I was accompanied by lots of my Quaker friends, which was a great pleasure. Then, I had the different experience of being alone; although you're never really totally alone. The spirit was with me.

I only had one day of really heavy rain on the trip. When I arrived at the hotel they were very pleased to see me because I later learnt the area was notorious for muggings. But the rain had been so heavy that no-one dangerous was out. It was like I was walking in my own bubble which always kept me safe.

One of the most fantastic days was when I climbed up a hill when nearing Yorkshire. I'd left the familiar mountains and water behind and was facing a stretch of flat land before me; it really felt like I was entering a different country.

I was joined by another friend for the last three days of the journey, which was a very good thing. I had been alone for so long that it was like having a bridge between that and walking into a meeting of 2,000 people!

In practical terms, I did lots of walking to prepare myself for the long walk. I also thought carefully of what I was going to pack, keeping my bag very light.

I would advise taking a day's break every week or so though. I didn't, because I was worried about having so many miles to go, and my feet really hurt.

So make sure you give yourself a rest, or at least arrange to walk fewer miles one day to arrive at the hotel earlier to relax. And always walk at your own pace, not anyone else's.

Spiritually, you need to concentrate on God; on the spirit. Speak to God, be quiet with God. See the creation around you. There's a saying amongst Quakers which says, 'rejoice in the splendour of God's permanent creation,' and I was able to do that as I walked.

I'm really looking forward to getting home and putting my feet up though. Dolgellau is such a special place to live for Quaker. As I walk around I'm always reminded of those brave people in the 16th century who stood up for everything they believed in, those who were prepared to lose everything to defend what they saw as the truth. Catherine James