"The natural rhythm of walking is a mild sedative. It's a fairly simple equation involving physical movement, almost musical in its pattern, followed by well-being. Endorphins released by the body during exertion give a pleasant 'high'. Presumably this is the residue of a primeval reward system which gave the hunter-gatherer a 'fix' for running about in search of food. It occurs to me that this 'high' we experience could have been much more intense - approaching a climax perhaps - when hunting was a life-or-death activity.
The moving landscape provides an absorbing diversion which frees the mind and gives us a fresh viewpoint, and we're most at ease with the world when we walk because everything is happening at a manageable pace. If we travel any faster - by car, say - the brain has to shut out most of the information it receives and is therefore in a state of conflict.
Walks have been described as 'looking the world into existence.' They have also been described as a private revolt; a journey between one's past and one's future; the creation of a story; a treasure hunt; a way of measuring ourselves against the Earth; a miniature soap-opera, and much else.
Scientists believe that man came down from the trees and started walking long before his other main attribute developed: his 'big' brain. Walking can take us to paradise - but look where our brains have led us."
From Mr Vogel by Lloyd Jones, published by Seren Books at £7.99.
- Read more about Lloyd and Mr Vogel at BBC Wales News Online.
Lloyd thinks he may be the first person to have walked all around Wales - right round the coast, including Anglesey, and along the border with England. What do you think? Add your comments below.
your comments
Rob from Llandeilo
I did the walk, it was from Swansea to Bangor, 400 miles. It was a really great experience.
Tue Oct 7 08:59:05 2008
Lloyd Jones
Just take your time Rob and enjoy the experience. No need to rush! I hope you have a great time. It changed my life.Try not to moider people as much as I did, they were throwing themselves off cliffs just to avoid me. I regret not taking any photos...so I'll have to do it again! Good luck.
Mon May 12 09:57:32 2008
Rob from Llandeilo
I read the book and really enjoyed it. I'm planning on walking around the Welsh coast (Llanelli to S.E. Anglesea) for the summer holidays of my my gap year next year (2008) but I would just like to know how many weeks it would take non-stop and if you have any tips for an 18 year old, keen walker ready for 20-25 miles a day on average? ANd roughly how many miles is that?
Mon Apr 28 10:37:46 2008
Lloyd Jones, Llanfairfechan
To G, Cardiff: Why not stretch it out over five summers: South Wales, then Pembrokeshire Coastal Path, West Wales to Aberdaron, North Wales, finally Anglesey. Why hurry to the end? Good luck!
Tue Aug 21 09:09:27 2007
G, Cardiff
How long would it take to walk around the whole coast of Wales?
Thu Jul 26 09:11:38 2007
Lloyd Jones
I didn't camp on Anglesey but here's some valuable advice - travel as light as possible: the lightest tent you can find, ditto sleeping bag; you might consider bivvy bags. Only one change of clothes + warm jacket and take a cheap hypothermia foil in case it gets cold at night and you can't sleep. Better to arrive a bit niffy than to kill yourself with a big pack! Live from hand to mouth, bread and cheese, no cooking stuff (also a good way of losing weight). Make sure your boots are broken in and take some Paracetamol. Have a good trip!
Thu May 31 14:40:44 2007
Gill Carey - Staffordshire.
My husband, my dog and i are planning to walk around the coast of Anglesey this summer, carrying tent, sleeping bags, the lot! Have you got any tips on easing the load, campsites etc? Never done anything like this before!
Wed May 30 09:11:13 2007
Lloyd Jones
Great, I'm glad you enjoyed it. Seems such a long time ago, already. I'd love to do it again, all the way round!
Fri Mar 2 13:00:56 2007
Amanda Davies, Neyland (Pembs)
Dear Mr Jones, I have completely fallen in love with your book Mr Vogel. I picked it up in the library and now must get my own copy. You inspired me, the fact that you did what you wanted to do. Get out and walk. I am chained to my desk and so cannot walk as much as I like to. Although I find just getting out in the fresh air each day even for a quick stroll can be theraputic. I have a heart condition (Fallot's Tretology) so cannot take in a great expedition such as yours, but there is no reason why I can't walk where I want to so long as I don't overdo it.
I love the history in your book, and your Blue Angel barman, could be any character in any pub in my home village of St Davids. In fact so could some of the other characters from Mr Vogel's watering hole!
Thank you for letting me be your walking companion. Your book is the best I have read in a long long time.
Wed Jan 31 08:53:03 2007
Gwyn Williams, Anglesey.
Hi Lloyd, I have a question for you about your walk although the answer might be in your novel! How long did it take you to walk around the coast of Anglesey? Also, where did you stay? Did you take camping equipment with you or did you plan your journey around hotels along the coast? Many thanks, Gwyn.
Message from Lloyd: Since I did it three years ago I'm already a bit muzzy on facts, but having looked at the map I've calculated that I did it in a very leisurely 11 days (much longer than I anticipated). There was something about Anglesey: somehow, the island dictated its own pace, and there was so much to see. Since I live in Llanfairfechan I did it all in day trips, except for one night when I stayed with my friends Rob and Elaine Owen at The Lugger, Cemaes. Wonderful, five-star hosts!
Fri May 12 08:44:33 2006
Chris Jones from Llandeilo
Took a bit of getting into but I was then firmly hooked and couldn't put it (Mr.Vogel) down. It has taken me a year to do 120 miles along the Pembrokeshire coastal path from Amroth and have 60 or so to go. You are right that walking is the best (and most therapeutic) way of going 'walkabout' in Wales. Your book contains just the right amount of 'interesting' history and philosophical 'diversions'(for my taste anyway). Congratulations. I look forward to reading more of your admirable and intelligent writing.
Sat Dec 18 10:05:39 2004
