Journeys by hiking, running, cycling and touring
Ian is gone around 7am, and the site is mine alone. I've been having a lie-in since waking at 4am. There's limited signs of life elsewhere. I pack up in my own time and am still away by 9am. It's about 15 miles to the coast and a further 6 to Montrose. That makes it … Continue reading TGO Challenge 2017: Day 13-14 – The End
My feet are screaming. And I've not put any weight on them yet - I'm still in bed. This does not bode well. Luckily the forecast is good for the rest of the trip and I can just amble at whatever pace is comfortable rather than be lured into pushing harder to get through nasty … Continue reading TGO Challenge 2017: Day 12 – Tarmac Tuesday and the Stench of Leporicide
It's always "special" when the first job of the day is to remove slugs from your clothing, in order to put it on. The lubricative effect of crushed slug just isn't for me. The clothing still isn't quite dry and a few minutes of abject horror and disgust are experienced as my carcass adjusts to … Continue reading TGO Challenge 2017: Day 11 – Indecision
Light penetrates the tent and I leap joyously out of bed. Well, ok, maybe not. But I certainly don't linger and am up and about quite early. I'm keen to make the most of the weather while I can. After consulting the forecast last night, thoughts of having a rest day using my day in … Continue reading TGO Challenge 2017: Day 10 – Soggy Sunday and The Pants-gate Scandal
It rains on and off all night which suits me as I'd rather it does it then, than when I'm stood out in it. Monica is sopping, so there's nothing for it but to detach her innards and pack them separately. We set off just before 9am, and you'd think we had a big day … Continue reading TGO Challenge 2017: Day 9 – Debauchery
I last saw fellow Dornie starter Dave in the shooting hut on the way up the Monadhliath, but now he is sat there at breakfast. I join him and we discuss routes for the day. We're both headed for Braemar - via the Lairig Ghru in his case and via Glen Feshie in mine. Having … Continue reading TGO Challenge 2017: Day 8 – The Shortcut
Renewed hope surges through me, thanks to the liberal application of whisky last night and some ibuprofen this morning. To cement the deal, a big cup of tea for breakfast and then I seek out the "facilities" - it's my belief that this quartet can cure pretty much anything on the trail. Or indeed, in … Continue reading TGO Challenge 2017: Day 7 – Everything Looks Better After a Big Glass of Whisky and a Poo
I wake, refreshed by a decent night's sleep, to the knowledge that yesterday's big day has given me options. This is a nice feeling and I resolve to buy similar opportunities throughout this walk. I've only got about 23 miles to Aviemore, meaning I can do 2 nice comfortable days or work it so that … Continue reading TGO Challenge 2017: Day 6 – Solitude and Sole-itude
I wake from a terrible night's sleep, courtesy of some late night banging next door and lots of raised voices. It's lucky I'm awake early as it's a very early start. I have to catch the ferry at 8am and it's a couple of miles walk to it. Somehow I'm at the pier in good … Continue reading TGO Challenge 2017: Day 5 – Chocolate Brownie Land
The campsite stirs early, sounds of birdsong mixing with the roar of gas stoves for early morning brews. I'm feeling pretty pleased with myself as I'm all but packed for 7:30 when the cafe opens for breakfast. Even so the Belgians have already scarpered. Mike, Darren and Scott join me, reprising our meal in Dornie … Continue reading TGO Challenge 2017: Day 4 – Leapfrogs
Rain falls during the night, not unexpectedly given I'm in the Motherland of Rain, and does little to speed my leaping joyously out of bed. I lay and doze, listening to the geese overhead, the song birds somewhere near, and the patter of precipitation closer still. Even so, it's a relatively early start at 08:35, … Continue reading TGO Challenge 2017: Day 3 – Raincoat Hokey Cokey
A decent night's sleep is had, despite some snoring from the room's other occupant, and so much so that we're late to rise. We're also slow to breakfast and slow to set off. Basically we're slow in every way conceivable. Just as we seem to be making progress towards starting the day's walk, Howard and … Continue reading TGO Challenge 2017: Day 2 – Fluffy Slippers and Anchovies for Breakfast
As agreed last night, breakfast is taken at the first opportunity. Supplies are gathered from the local shop and we sign out. Early. Andy even admits it on the sign-out sheet, saying "it's only 15 minutes". I take a more cowardly approach, adding 5 minutes and annotating "Andy made me!". We're off, up the minor … Continue reading TGO Challenge 2017: Day 1 – “Releasing the Handbrake”
Three attempts at packing have been made. The first in my ULA Circuit, then I deliberately unpack everything and try it in the Mariposa. I think I prefer the Circuit on this occasion and restore the kit to the original bag. There's not much in it, but the carry in the Circuit feels a bit … Continue reading TGO Challenge 2017: Days -1 and 0 – Getting to the Start
Somewhere behind me the sun was falling headlong towards the horizon as I walked down the Royal Mile. First stop was Sainsbury's to pick up my hilltop supper, followed by the chip shop where I fuelled myself for the next few hours. I arrived at the bottom of the Mile and paused a few moments … Continue reading A Night in Holyrood Park