Rules

We're sure you'll agree, rules are important. After all, where's the fun without rules? Particularly when you're doing something as completely devoid of rational purpose as walking 230 miles.

So here are the Long Walk Regulations, proposed and agreed by Main and Main (June 2005), amended by Main and Main (August 2006) and further ratified by Main & Main (August 2007):

* All horizontal distance between your original starting point and final destination must be covered by foot-based step methods. All points between each sub-destination must, in linear and chronological order, be covered by similar methods.

* Step is herewithin defined as the action of, with the assistance of no mechanism, tool, or motor, placing one foot in front of the other and travelling forward propelled only by the force provided by the muscles of the body belonging to the person in possession of the foot. No wheel-based transport is allowed, and actions such as the skip, hop, jump, fall and roll are henceforth excluded from the definition of the step.

* Distance of a purely vertical nature may, within these exact guidelines, be covered using non-step transport. The lift mechanism, whereby the body is transported vertically upwards, is the only method currently approved for upwards vertical travel. Downwards vertical travel may be conducted using lift mechanisms or gravity. Any degree of horizontality, however negligible, is hereby prohibited.

* Subsequent to the previous point we would, however, stress that actions of constructing, installing, or causing the construction or installation through means including but not limited to contracting others to carry out the work, of lifts in order to get over hilly regions of the walk is in the strongest terms against the spirit of the rules and shall be punished by no more that one day's withdrawal of cake privileges.

* The use of non-step based transportation methods is prohibited only in relation to the initial covering of the distance included on the walk. Other forms of transportation may be used once walk areas have been covered, to re-cover distance. During non-walk hours, and to access non-walk locations such as pizzerias that provided excellent sustenance the previous night, non-step transportation methods may be utilised.

We think that just about covers it, but if you can spot any loopholes let us know!

Further requests received so far

• From Sam: "Legend has it that there exists a “gap” in the Watford area. It has never been clear if this is a physical, emotional or indeed spiritual gap. I challenge you to find said “gap” and attempt to fill it to ensure the health, safety and happiness of Watfordians…."


• From Jim: "I would like you to ascertain which town has the worst haircuts. Possibly ranking on number and type of mullets sighted. A full on Pat Sharpe Bon Jovi style Ultimullet being worth about 10 standard ones of course. I bet its Northampton."


• From Mrsham: "I note you'll be staying in Bedford. Now, you may remember that the film "It's A Wonderful Life" is set in Bedford Falls, and features a friendly old guardian angel. Your task therefore is to find an angel in Bedford; the more creative (i.e. deceptive) your solution the better. Your reward will be in the form of Angel Delight when you return home (or something else angelic if you don't like Angel Delight)"