Day 5 took Andy and Josh from Shap to Sunbiggin, a relatively short 10-mile day that somehow still felt like an expedition across the Atlantic.

The rain returned. Not normal rain. Not “take a waterproof just in case” rain. Proper biblical rain. The sort of rain that makes you question whether you’re walking through the Yorkshire Dales or auditioning for a documentary about life underwater.

Despite this, the lads kept “Marching On Together” as Josh would say. Mostly because stopping would have meant standing in the rain, which somehow seemed even worse. By mid-morning, every item of clothing was soaked. By lunchtime, even things that should never get wet had somehow become wet.

The highlight of the day came when a local farmer took pity on what can only be described as two walking puddles and kindly let them wash and dry their clothes. A huge thank you to him. For a brief moment, Andy and Josh remembered what it felt like to be warm, dry, and almost human again. Sadly, they’ll be soaked through again tomorrow, so the clothes are essentially just borrowing dryness for the night.

The pair also met up with some friends along the route. Nobody is entirely sure what was discussed. Witnesses report a conversation took place, but after five days of walking and continuous exposure to the elements, there is every chance it was just a collection of noises and nodding. Scientists are still investigating.

Back home, Louise continues to bravely navigate life without Josh. Before leaving, Josh had thoughtfully prepared enough meals to feed a small army. Unfortunately, Louise forgot that you have to take these meals out of the freezer and was forced to endure a Pot Noodle for tea. Thoughts and prayers are with her at this difficult time. While Josh and Andy battle rain, hills, and exhaustion, Louise’s struggle serves as a reminder that everyone is making sacrifices on this journey.

As they arrived in Sunbiggin, spirits remained high despite the weather doing its absolute best to break them. The good news is they’ve completed another day. The bad news is the forecast appears to have been created by someone with a personal grudge against walkers.

Five days down. Ten to go!