Sheila Gordon walked her 1,200-mile LEJOG in 1997 with husband Frank to mark his retirement. The couple had two rules: no mechanised transport; and if one couldn't complete the walk, the other had to continue. After 18 months of prep (including walking the Pennine Way and Coast to Coast Walk), the couple set off using a series of classic long distance walking routes, including the SW Coast Path, The Cotswolds Way, the Alternative Pennine Way and – Sheila's highlight – the West Highland Way. With lowlights including the Somerset Levels (boo!) and a very high aquaduct, the couple kept up an amiable pace twinning camping with occasional nights in B&Bs. We chat about the dynamics of walking with a companion, about connection with nature, about the gritty Pennine Way and hear about the mixed feelings of the couples' last day, when Frank told Sheila if he had a choice he would have turned round and walked all the way back to John o'Groats.

• Sheila's 'Lady Anne's Way' long distance footpath can be found at: ladyannesway.co.uk/

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