The next adventure begins!

Ok, so I have the bug! Now that the aches and pains are gone, I am itching to get going on the walking trail!

With the upcoming summer holidays I need to get out and about on the walking trail. This time though its for fun- not charity! I'm doing the Cateran Trail; Blair, bridge of cally, kirkMichael, glenshee, glenisla, Alyth, Blair! 5 day walk! Got the tent, rucksack and am all set!!

Woop woop! Here I go again!!

WHW accommodation highs and lows

For those who are about to embark on the way using budget accommodation we've decided to give you our favourites- Lesley first- from best to worst. In all honesty, none of the were horrendous, every night we were dry and mostly warm. Let's be even more honest- we were so exhausted every night that I think we could have slept anywhere!!

Lesley's favourites
1. Rowardenan youth hostel: stunning building, beautiful location, comfortable beds, evening meal and Fab breakfast available.
2. Tyndrum By The Way camping cabin: exceptionally clean, very friendly and welcoming owners, proper beds, peaceful and quiet.
3. Hobbits at Blackwater hostel: brand new, equipped with tv, fridge, microwave in each hobbit. A bit too small.
4. Bank street lodge Fort William: warm welcome and end of walk both exhausted!
5. Bridge of Orchy Hotel Bunkhouse: clean and fresh, beds a bit narrow.
6. Easter Drumquhassie farm wigwam, Drymen: smelly, cold, unfriendly welcome inadequate cooking/kitchen facilities.
7. Bein Glas wigwams, Inverarnan: mattress on floor, inadequate heater. On the plus side great showers, Fab pub and food on site.

Fiona's favourites
1. Hobbit at Blackwater hostel: brand new, very well equipped, cosy, Callum was extremely welcoming, lovely toilets and showers.
2. Bank Street Lodge Fort William: great welcome, fantastic shower, very well equipped kitchen, Italian restaurant below!
3. Bridge of Orchy hotel Bunkhouse: clean, comfortable beds, lovely kitchen/common room area albeit a bit small.
4. Tyndrum By The Way: proper beds, lovely helpful owners, right on the way, excellent drying room!
5. Rowardenan youth hostel: this Would have been number 1 for all the reasons Lesley said, however a good night sleep is essential- doors banging till 11.30 then again at 6am is not conducive to a good night! Ear plugs Would have made it perfect.
6. Bein Glas farm wigwams: dry, clean, not smelly! Great food!
7. Easter Drumquhassie wigwams: SMELLY!

Hope this helps with your planning!!

The days after the week that was! Some advice for your WHW adventure

And so we are back in Musselburgh and have spent most of the day relaxing in the sun- We clearly haven't had enough fresh air this week!! Our relaxation did however have a couple of interruptions to the hospital at Haddington to get Lesley's feet seen to! We were quite concerned as her left foot is all puffed up and sore and we were fearful of stress fractures; fear not all is well! She and the nurse swapped WHW war wound stories!

So now that is all ok we thought we'd share some simple advice for those of you hoping to undertake the WHW.
1. Wear well broken in walking BOOTS (trail shoes will see you landing up at casualty!!)
2. If you feel your boots rubbing, put zinc oxide tape (see point 3) on the parts before a blister begins.
3. Get at least one roll of zinc oxide tape; we got ours on ebay for £1.50 ish or talk nicely to a doctor friend for some! Seriously, I put it on any parts which felt a bit nippy (including thumbs - walking pole blisters!!) and had no blisters at all.
4. Two walking poles; these saved us as you can really dig in with them on the up hills and save your legs a bit.
5. Make sure you leave Milngavie with enough money to do you till you get to Kinlochleven. There are cash machines in Tyndrum but they charge for using them.
6. Prepare for all weather types en route!
7. Take PLENTY of painkillers
8. If you want a phone signal get a Vodafone sim as it seems to be the only network which works!
9. Forget taking a book or travel scrabble; by the time you have food, a couple of pints and read the guide book (believe it when it says challenging!!) for the next day you will just want to sleep!
10. Don't forget to look up at the view as you walk and above all enjoy the experience - it really is marvellous!!

Day seven: Kinlochleven to Fort William the final hurdle

We did it!! We did it! WE DID IT!!! :-D

The day didn't perhaps begin as well as could have been hoped... A disturbed night is not conducive to chirpiness in the morning!

I set to making our gourmet breakfast of noodles, coffee and cereal bars!

After the obligatory visit to the co-op for supplies for the day we set off. The initial part of the walk climbed steeply out of Kinlochleven through the woods. To be honest, although not sure if it was us this morning or not, but tis climb was much more taxing than the devil's staircase yesterday!

Upon reaching the top we continued along the contour lines of the land along military paths. We continued along here for easily 5 hours passing some interesting ruins along the way, barking back to a day when a living was made through crofting pre the clearances. The second set of ruins at Lairigmor proved to be a suitable spot for lunch- after which the military road continued!

When we got to Lundvarna the way was closed off due to The work of the forestry commission, however, according to Jane and Steve (a couple we met who were walking from john o'groats to lands end) informed us that they had taken the normal way through Nevis glen and there was no problem. However we decided to take the diversion down a tarred road to Fort William- 4.5 miles- brilliant! Least we thought so! It has to be the longest 4.5 miles EVER! Lesley's feet completely packed in and we had to swap boots!

Eventually we reached the finish point amid much emotion and had our photos taken etc! We were completely overcome that we did it- so much so we had to have a pint!

Although we've had high points and low points we are overwhelmed that we jave done it and that we have seen so many stunning sights along the way.

So what to do now I wonder? Think I'll leave Ben Nevis for another day!

Day six: Kingshouse to Kinlochleven

No rain today!! Such a novelty! Ok, a few drizzle spells but that is nothing compared to yesterday!
We were met at Kingshouse by a few known faces who were so pleased to see us as Keith and Mark had been worried about us as they hadn't seen us in the rain yesterday! They had seemingly been asking the folks in the pub last night if they had seen us- bless! Again the camaraderie is brilliant! We did also see a herd of deer who had come down from the hills to munch on campers scraps!
The scenery up Glencoe really is stunning! The path follows the line os the A82 and is dominated by the omnipresent Buchaille Etive Mor- the colours of it changed continuously as the weather frequently changed.
After what seemed like hardly any time we began our ascent of the Devil's Staircase- with some trepidation I hasten to add! However it was nowhere near as bad as I anticipated! In fact we both agreed that climbing Ben Lomond was more taxing! The views as we rose were truly breathtaking!! The summit called for the obligatory photos beside the cairn (photos to be added when I get home!!).
And so began our descent along the at times very uneven military path. After an hour or so we saw Kinlochleven nestling in the valley far below where we stood- almost like a village in the alps and the snow dotted peaks were resplendent in the sun. Yet another false sense or security- we spent the next two hours descending into the village without apparently getting any closer! Not to mention the fact the the downhill was killing my knees and almost finished off Lesley's feet completely!
We arrived at our destination in good time and checked into our micro lodge- kettle, microwave, fridge, tv and beds in it!! Such luxury!
We are now tucked up in bed having been to The Tailrace pub for drinks and dinner. Tonight we shared a table with Bruce and Claire from Aberdeen who upon hearing we were doing the walk for charity gave us a donation! Bless them!
Thanks guys, we really appreciate it!

Day five: Tyndrum to meant to be Kingshouse

After a rather disturbed night of snoring and torrential rain we retrieved our belongings from the drying room, patched up Lesley's feet we had breakfast consisting of a cheese roll and noodles in a mug! Sustenance for our huge walk!

Torrential is the only word I can think of to describe the rain but somehow it doesn't quite seem strong enough for what we experienced today! Fortunately my dad bought us waterproof ponchos which we donned and off we set!

We should have seen the writing on the wall when we had to turn back because the first stream we had to cross had become a raging torrent over night! We picked up the path at the other end of town.
We made our way up a path which led to what used to be the old main road. Shortly after this led us up to a hillside path that took us up and down through rivers, waterfalls and paths which had become rivers- there were points when the only option was to wade! We then met a herd of Highland cattle, this was a moment of Dawning for me; I was wearing a red poncho and most of the herd were bulls!!

All the time the rain was relentless. We marched on in the hideous conditions! All the time our feet were getting wetter and Lesley's were getting sorer. We decided that it would have been foolish for her to continue- however by the time we got to Bridge of Orchy we were both soaked, miserable and in tears!

At this point a lovely man came out of his caravan having witnessed the tears and offered us a cuppy! Sweet man! He told us that it was the worst rain he had seen in three years!

At this point we declined as mum and dad once again came to the rescue so we both abandoned ship fearful of webbed feet/trench foot and returned to Tyndrum. We did hope that it would brighten enough to continue this afternoon! Not likely!!

Normal service resumes tomorrow! Please do a sun dance for us!
That's all for now folks!!

Day four: Inverarnan to Tyndrum

After we had unfolded ourselves from our "mattresses" on the floor at Beinglas wigwams we hobbled our way for a fab full cooked breakfast! Perfect way to start the day!

The first part of the walk, although slow going due to the aches of Japanese water torture was relatively easy along old drove roads passing stunning waterfalls en route.

After crossing the main A82 we were met with a fairly steep climb and the start if the military roads which we thought would be fabulous! How wrong were we? I've no doubt in the height of summer with no rain it is marvelous- however after two days of near torrential rain we were ankle deep in cow jobbies! Parts of the path were also tough as they were flowing like rivers!

After what seemed like an eternity we were at the end (of jobby path) - literally and metaphorically speaking! However after a seat and a snickers bar all was good in the world. Off we set on a woodland path which was carpeted with the most beautiful red pine needles! This section continued on up and down the mountainside for hours- enjoyable as it was we were pleased to see the road ahead!

The latter stage of around three miles was very pleasant indeed; old road, woodland path and gentle climbs into Tyndrum. At this point I spotted my mum and dad waving from their caravan and spontaneously burst into tears! After a coffee and choccy biccy we all meandered to By The Way where we almost started to hyper ventilate at the site of a proper bed!
After loading our wet garb into the splendid drying room we all went out for tea to Paddy's- at which point we were greeted with many known faces aglow with the days adventures asking how we were getting on etc- the camaraderie really is excellent!

Another tiring yet exhilarating day rounded off with a nightcap in mum and dad's caravan!

Big day tomorrow - 19miles!! Night night!

Day Three: Rowardenan to Inverarnan

Now I don't know what Japanese water torture feels like but I'm pretty sure what we've done and felt today must be a close second!

The day started badly- opening the curtains to the horizontal wet stuff does not bode well for a day of walking! The next irritation before setting off was a group of ladies who had kept me awake the night before with their racket were hell bent on continuing it this morning! They were clearly teachers- now whilst this is my chosen profession I would like to think that I am not instantly recognizable as a teacher- for a start my beads didn't match my walking outfit!! We very quickly had our fill- both of them and breakfast and made tracks.

The first stretch of the way led up a very pleasant forestry commission track which gently rose and fell with the contours of the land. After some time this path narrowed and we were led into a beautiful stretch of ancient woodland.

Suddenly we found we were at Inversnaid- 7 miles in the bag- easy stuff! We had lunch at the hotel- what a joy to have food at a good price! Soup and roll £1.25 and main courses £5! Most places we have found have hugely inflated prices as us walkers are a captive audience!

After lunch we set off on what would be fun for about an hour then Japanese water torture for the rest!! At the point where it was fun we were clambering up and down over huge rocks and tree roots which were waiting to attack, Lesley was compelled to do an impression of a mountain goat! Just at that point we actually saw a herd of mountain goats!

Very shortly after this the ecstasy turned to agony as we rapidly fell out of live with this adventure of climbing up and down crags and cliffs! When we eventually reached the end of The Loch and the end of The torture. Upon checking the map we appeared to be only half way to our destination! For the next 2.5 hours we kept expecting to see the camp site! Hell on earth!



When the guide book says challenging- believe it and then some!!

Day Two: Drymen to Rowardennan

Well here we are relaxing with the Scotland on Sunday having reached the youth hostel at Rowardennan - how glad were we to see it!?
The day started early with Lesley regailing me with a story if her seeing a skeleton last night once I was asleep. My instant thought was that the couple of pints we partook of had had a greater effect on her than I realised! She did however explain the it had been someone moving about outside with fluorescent stripes on their sleeves and the light from her head torch had caught the stripes!!
We set off to Drymen armed with a ham piece in search of coffee- the post office had the required beverage- along with Scooby snacks for the journey!
We took the low road and spotted those who took the high road over Conic hill! Not on your Nelly - we were happy to be in Scotland at anytime!! (for those who know the song!!)
Now I have often heard it said that today's stretch is the most boring. If that is the case bring it on! The section outside Balmaha rises very steeply and is quite off putting as it felt as if we were doubling back on ourselves - however the scene from the top was absolutely breath taking! That is something we both love about walking; seeing what we have seen on numerous occasions but from a totally different perspective.
The descent took us down to the shores of Loch Lomond which we followed most of the way to Rowardenan, however this is not to say it was easy! Some parts were particularly arduous up rocky outcrops through ancient woodland, all the while the sun appeared from behind the clouds with a sporadic spot of rain!
By the time we reached the pub at Rowardennan we were starting to flag a bit however a couple of pints renewed our legs and feet enough to get us to the hostel!
A very welcome hot shower, noodles and cereal bar ended what has been yet another brilliant day! However we are so accustomed to our own company that the folk in the dining room were irritating the hell out of us- how dare they be loud and exuberant?!!! ;-)

Day one: Milngavie to Drymen

After 12 miles, one wrong turn, two pints, rude people and blisters we have arrived safely!

Alex and Ina dropped us off in Milngavie in the morning where our bag was duly checked in and we had the obligatory photos taken at the start point obelisk in the town. This created a bit of a spectacle in itself as it became a bit of a photo shoot!! First Alzheimer t shirts, then Doms, then with the book speed logo! After numerous t shirt changes in the pedestrian precinct we were ready for off! We headed up the side of the beautiful Allander water gurgling by our side, the sun breaking through the trees! It was lovely- so peaceful and so many lovely people. This was about the time of our first wrong turn- too busy chatting and we missed the waymarker! Fortunately a lovely gentleman pointed us in the right direction!
So off we headed and very quickly found our way in the heart of Mugdock Wood- ancient old woodland to the north of Milngavie; hard to believe it's only 10 mins from Glasgow!
Not long after this we were treated like proper ladies when the "laird of the manor" (least he thought he was!!!) held the gate open! On passing through the gate our breaths were taken away by the sheer beauty before us- rolling countryside with the mountains behind- a truly breath taking moment! I have the feeling this will not be the last such moment on our journey!
The path then joined the remains of the strath Blane valley railway- this led us to lunch and a pint at the beech tree inn. The next part of the route wasn't quite so inspiring as it followed the main road so the tunes had to go on!
The path left the railway not much longer after this and joined B roads- talk about up hill and down dale through a beautiful hamlet called Gartness. As we plodded on, I spied a most wondrous sight- the campsite! Shame about the grumpy people who own it! It was then we discovered Lesley's blisters- not good. We're now having tea in Drymen: chip butty- perfect end to a perfect day!!

Fear not, till Birnam wood Do come to Dunsinane

Dunsinane Cairn

Fortunately there was no hubble, bubble, toil or trouble for me today as I set off in the sun on a bit of a pilgrimage which, as well as taking in Kings Seat, would take in the above mentioned Dunsinane Hill in the Sidlaws just outside Dundee.

The car was duly abandoned at the designated abandonment spot just outside Collace village which looked directly up the path towards Dunsinane. now for those of you who are reading this is far flung places like Carnoustie (you know who you are!!) this is the site of an iron age hill fort and the supposed site of MacBeth's castle where it was prophesied that he would never vanquished be until Birnam wood comes to high Dunsinane. This came to fruition when King Malcolm's soldiers chopped down the trees in Birnam wood and marched the 12 miles (as the crow flies) to the said Dunsinane! So, history/literature lesson over, this really is a splendid example of a hill fort which is a relatively easy hill climb.

Black Hill from Dunsinane

Once I'd wandered round the said fort, I descended into the saddle between Dunsinane and Black Hill with the intention of climbing to the summit of Black Hill however, no matter where I looked there was what could only be described as a helluva steep climb in front of me! So, I circumnavigated the back of Black Hill and almost disappear knee high in heather. At this point, due to wearing my shorts, I became a little paranoid of sheep tics!! This paranoia resulted in me deviating from the planned way by a considerable distance! fear not, I found my way back to the straight and narrow- not before almost squashing copulating toads!

Bit by bit I made my way up to the trig point on the summit, regularly stopping to feast on the beauty of the Tay valley to the south and the Valley of Strathmore and Grampians to the north- how much more beautiful the world looks when the sun is out!

Looking east to Craigowl

Upon reaching the summit, I placed the obligatory rock on the cairn, a cairn which has considerable sentimental value to me- but that is for another day! I suddenly realised how difficult it is to set the timer and balance a mobile phone on a cairn to take photos!! After numerous "sky with the top of my head" shots I finally succeeded!

The descent was equally as beautiful, traversing the northern slopes of Kings Seat down an old track which led to crossing some fields and carefully ignoring the sheep!

Yet again, another stunning walk! Oh what a joy to feel completely at one with the world and with life! The hills are possibly the best therapy in the world!!

The Conspiratorial Nature of Mother.....If you know what I mean!

10 days ago, myself and Lesley were all set and planned to walk from my gaff in Dundee to my folks house over the Sidlaw hills to stay the night then walk back the following day. We were "right excited" about the whole thing. Maps at the ready, boots at the ready, mum's stovies at the ready and it all went pear shaped! And I don't mean because of the snow!

 

Now I am not sure if it was the fact that I was at an EIS meeting and appeared to be digesting nothing but bad news and bitter pills to swallow but the night ended in me legging it out of the Glamis Room in the Queens Hotel in the direction of the nearest loo! Talk about a sudden visitation! There began a visitation every hour on the hour for the next 12 hours! Needless to say the planned adventure over the Sidlaws never transpired- nor did the birthday tea! In fact my birthday was spent in bed feeling very sorry for myself.

 

I will miss out the joys of the rest of the week but here we are now at Thursday night, still off school, and I have a feeling it will be another weekend of doing very little- may manage a wee stroll by Sunday!

 

So all things considered, Mother Nature was truly working against us; snow and gastric flu are not conducive to walking over the Sidlaws!!

Distance vs Height....only one way to find out.....

Oh dear, were you saying fight?! No, the answer is to just do it! What a stunning day it was to do it too; it was dry (something we are not accustomed to), fresh, clear-ish and we felt fantastic!

We promised ourselves that we would be at Flotterstone at 10am latest so us being there and ready to start by 10.30 was fantastic! Even at that time, the car park at Flotterstone was like Tesco on Christmas Eve!

So off we set on our merry way in amongst the throngs of people- I've come to the conclusion that people around Edinburgh have a far greater love of the outdoors than us beings further north- even a wee kid of five made it to the top! We made our way up the path to the beginning of the walk to Scald Law looking up at the height with some trepidation!

The beginning of the walk passed a beautiful bubbling stream and sharply climbed to a wee hill- now once I'd climbed this I have to say I was very doubtful of getting to the top- a virus and thinking I am fitter than I actually am- proved to be a mental hurdle I had to conquer! So on we trudged- in silence, talking was completely out of the question for both of us! very quickly we decided that we would take it at our own pace and stop when we needed. I have to say, that after the initial being out of breath and thinking we'll never do this we kept going and it was fantastic! We made it to the half way point only to be skipped past by the said five year old proclaiming to her dad, "I've come all this way and not had a carry yet!" Oh how appealing a carry was at that point; not sure who would have carried who though! This mid way point proved a suitable point for a photo opporchancity as there were many ancient, funny shaped trees. Now perhaps it was something to do with how I was feeling and the fear that death may be close due to lack of breath but I could have sworn there was an angel in the tree?!

The next section of the path lulled us into a false sense of security with a much more graduated path allowing us to discuss the beauty and tranquillity of the day, other than the 100s of people who had decided to do our walk! We crested the brow of a hill only to be faced with the steepest incline of the walk, so steep, the thousands of feet which have trudged this path over the years had created stairs in the hill side.

At this point, I felt it was the time to see just how effective the altitude thingy on my new birthday watch was.....300ft incline of blooming steps! You can imagine how we felt once we reached the top- not that we did it in one go of course!

After a lengthy rest we headed off up the the summit and duly placed a rock on the cairn then found a sheltered sheep hole for a chocolate break! We got the map out as we realised that we were not at the summit of Scald Law, we were in fact on the summit of Carnethy Hill, Scald Law was further on, higher up and required us to go down the other side from which we had just climbed, then up the same again. I tried to convince myself that we would do it no problem. So off we trotted, trying to heat up from the icy blast of the summit and sheep hole- sometimes a chocolate stop is not the best course of action!

We made our way down the side of Carnethy Hill to the cross roads of the path which would take us up Scald Law or on some other path round Scald Law; no prizes for guessing the one we took. Why go over when you can go round?! It was fab because suddenly we were alone and lost in our thoughts following sheep paths. I have to say I got lost in the fantasy that I was Bear Grylls or Bruce Parry hard on the trail of the illusive sheep, tracking it's hoof prints and poo! But alas, I lost the scent and we were stranded! I had led us to a dead end so to speak.

So after much deliberation and general farting about, we made our way down this gully (it sounds very grand but was just a wee dip with a wee burn running down it) where I tried to pick up the track of the sheep as we made our way towards the road which we seemed to see for ages but never really got much closer! We chanced upon the remains of a sheep- now this excited Bear Grylls no end and prompted another photo shoot with Bruce Parry doing her best Shakespeare impression!

Bit by bit we made our way down the side of the burn towards the road. We eventually got to the end and joined the burn at the bottom which winds towards Glencorse reservoir. However, this was not without it's trappings as we were at one side of the burn and the road was at the other. We decided to walk along the bank of the burn and marvelled at the opportunities to camp only to be met with a solid rock protrusion into the burn. The only thing for it was the stepping stones- however, the road behind us resembled Sauchiehall Street on a Saturday with walkers, runners, cyclists and motorists passing by. Of course, we had suddenly become the focal point of their walks/cycles/runs/motoring. I can happily report that we didn't provide any Sunday hilarity for the onlookers, in fact I was most impressed with how well we coped with the pressure!!

The walk back to Flotterstone allowed us the luxury of converstation and about 3 miles of roads. The sun was out, the birds were singing and all in all we had a ball!

So to address the burning question as to which is better....each bring their own delights and tribulations!! We had such a good day....I am now typing this up with a healthy rosy glow and a huge smile on my face....all is good in the world! :-)

Plans back on track- at last!!!

So the lurgy has almost gone and I'm no longer sounding like Deirdre Barlow!! Big plans this weekend for our training walk as the WHW marches ever closer!! In between our plans this weekend, I reckon we need to get our itinerary of who brings what to keep us at 20kg weight allowance! We have a fab wee company, Travel-Lite, who are based in Milngavie who for the sum of £40 will deliver our bag to each of the places we are staying. To be honest, they could have charged us ten times that to not have to carry our bags!! We've also persuaded (least I think we have) my folks to meet us the night we are in Tyndrum; tea and clean pants and socks will be the order of that particular day I reckon!!

 

Watch this space for info on our Sunday walk!! :-)

Alteration to training plan!!

Well, what can I say? Working with 26 germ factories everyday is bound to result in a lurgy or two being passed on....not sure if it's tonsillitis or not but it's bleeding sore! Maybe try again tomorrow to get back on plan!! Watch this space!

Alzheimer's Facebook Page!!

WOW!!! We are really scaling dizzy heights now! We have a feature on the above page- as I eluded to in our last post! Already got some really positive comments regarding our adventure- thanks Alzscot to more publicity the better! :-) (typical- the very weekend we decided to have a weekend off our training!! Ppppffff!!!)

 

http://www.facebook.com/?closeTheater=1#!/pages/Alzheimer-Scotland/7884358681

A day off!

Well, what can I say? We've had a weekend off! The weather was rubbish yesterday and today we've decided to rest up as for some reason my knee is playing up! Also we wanted to head to the casino to see the old firm match then came back to relax...however Lesley is currently suffering from apoplexy as she is determined to get through the next level in the Crossbow challenge on Wii but she can't find the last man she has to kill! So one of us is relaxing - I'm watching Dancing on Ice online!! Oh the joys of technology!!!

Coming down in the rain

Sunday comes around again and with it brings a fresh down pouring of what seems like all the rain in China, and standing in our pyjamas, gazing out through the slats of the blinds, ensconced within the warmth of the house, we silently ponder the certainty of another drenching on our next training walk.

We parked the car at Tesco Riverside in Dundee city centre, take a deep breath and step out into the downpour. Our route today did not require any degree of map reading or compass skills, for all we needed to do was head East and follow the National cycle network Route 1 (connecting Dover to the Shetland Isles, no less) and try to end up somewhere near Arbroath….or there abouts.

We made our way along the city quayside, passed by the magnificent RRS Discovery and on towards the port authority security gate where we watched the gate keeper take great delight in opening up to allow a man on his bike pass through, yet he stopped us in our tracks and claimed we were not allowed to enter the area on foot! To which we both questioned…why was the man on his bike allowed to pass? “I don’t make the rules hen” was the response, so rather reluctantly, and with the question still unanswered, we turned back, and up and over the rickety bridge that would take us back onto the main road. We trudged along this next section in silence, the roaring from the multitude of vehicles rumbling along the major highway, splashing up all the surface water proved futile to fight against with only our happy chattering, so we just didn’t bother trying. We soon left the chaos of the roadside and headed back along a coastal path, towards the pretty village of Broughty Ferry. Fiona pointed to a church steeple shrouded in scaffolding away off in the distance and told me that it was hit by a huge bolt of lightening a few months back…..we both agreed that where we stood would have been a magnificent vantage point on that evening when it struck! KABOOM indeed!

The conversation was flowing again as we picked up the pace and rounded the corner at Broughty Ferry Castle and headed out towards Monifeith. Unfortunately, the rain picked up its pace too and by now, it had turned itself into stinging needles that jabbed against the soft skin of our exposed faces, so it was hoods up at the double! Heads down, and keep right on to the end of the road…..

We passed by a couple of campsites, right by the waters edge and walked through a fabulous kids play area, complete with rope swings, and adventures galore. It reminded me of the times my parents took myself and my brother on holiday to Aberdeen when we were kids and let us loose among the golden links…..what fun it all was! Scraping our knees and clambering all over the rope climbs, and then a race back to the car for our yummy packed lunch! The similarities in both Fiona’s and my childhood is a subject we chat about frequently on our walks, I like how it takes us both back to really happy times and fond memories….it certainly lifts the spirits and provides some welcome escapism when faced with all these rain soaked miles!

The next section of path seemed to go on for ever! From Barry Burden Army base, along the side of the golf courses, the road is dead straight and has very little deviation. It was time to think about the aches and pains now creeping into our bodies and the complete inadequacy of our “shower proof” walking jackets. The sleeves of my fleece underneath my jacket were completely soaking, as were my feet, trousers and shoulders. Fiona’s heels were beginning to nip from a couple of nasty burst blisters and she was soaking wet too! We reckoned we had covered around 8 miles up to this point and it was perhaps a further 5 miles to Carnoustie….a good time for a chocolate boost!

At last, the large sign that welcomes you to the Carnoustie Golf links was upon us and some shelter from the relentless rain was finally in sight! We had agreed that we would have a comfort break at the Carnoustie leisure centre and see how we felt about plodding on any further. We walked past the tenth green and remembered the last time we were here, following Bernie Langer and Corey Pavin in the final round of the seniors open golf tournament last year….glancing over at the windswept course now, the only person to be seen was a hardy dog walker holding a giant umbrella, even his dog seemed to be taking cover from the rain, seeking refuge in one of the bunkers perhaps!?

A quick photo stop in front of the iconic Carnoustie hotel and then on to the leisure centre. By this time, we both were limping and in desperate need of some shelter, so the decision was made to terminate the walk here and to jump on a train to get us back to Dundee and the car. Our timing was poor however as the next train due was a two hour wait away! So plan B was adopted and we hobbled up the main road to catch a bus.

It was a challenging day today, but we both agreed it was well worth it and still very enjoyable, even in the appalling weather conditions! We must have looked like a right pair, shuffling off the bus, all stiff and cold and sore….but at least we could still have a good old laugh about it……the rain had definitely not dampened our spirits on this day!  

Better late than never.....a journey of learning

So yesterday was the day that was- I set off full of intentions of heading up Kings Seat and Dunsinane on a bit of a pilgrimage but on heading down the Kingsway it became evident that the cloud was going to thwart me- no way was I risking falling over a precipice in the mist so Newtyle bound I was! I have often wanted to trek the paths around the village and surrounds but never got round to doing it.

So off I set from dog jobby park (now, those of you who follow the blog will know the sort of things I was saying to myself so I shall refrain!) with Dolly and Kenny, Melissa and Nanci Griffiths (my counter part was at work- shame) along past the old home where my Granny was, Mundamalla (which is an Indian word meaning Peace and Tranquility- so I found out yesterday) to join the railway loop walk. I was blown away- metaphorically speaking-by the beauty of this path, especially once I was into the cutting known as the gullet- it really felt as if I was in an enchanted forest- even the tree roots were weird, growing in squares round the rocks. I have lived in this area all my life and I never knew that such beauty existed. The Newtyle community should be very proud of their achievements in setting up the path network- it is beautiful. I also never knew that Newtyle used to have a golf course- in fact the tees are still visible in the fields.

I continued along the railway until it ended at the Dundee road and took Jacob's ladder up into the woods which took me along a path leading up Newtyle and Auchtertyre Hill - which I didn't go up I hasten to add! I wound my way through the Scots Pines and came upon a 5ft tall Crucufix in the trees which was erected as a Polish Priest died on that spot during WWII- something else I didn't know!

I continued on my merry and ever relaxing way through the woods behind Kinpurney Castle not long after this the path meandered back down towards the road- much evidence of foxes (totally stinking!!) and stripped pine cones indicating red squirrels. The latter part of the path was mainly on the back roads with the last stretch being on the railway back to dog jobby park.

What a wonderful walk- I just wish that someone had been there to share it with me as much as Dolly and Kenny et al were entertaining they were stuck in my ears! Just the therapy I needed after a very busy and at times quite stressful week.

Oooh, so much potential!!

Now, this being mid term weekend and having the luxury of a four day weekend I am delighted at the prospect of getting lots of walking fitted in- I am not being flippant or sarcastic- no way! I think walking tomorrow- may even tackle a hill then rugby Saturday with my counterpart, then walking on Sunday/Monday as my said counterpart is also off on Monday- how glorious! I need to do a lot as what with parent's nights, organising charity shops and Monifeith High parents night tonight, I have only been on the Wii Fit once this week- I just know I'm going to get a row!

Oooh, what excitement! Also just to update you on my other charity venture- the kids in my class organised a charity shop for Mary's Meals yesterday and raised an amazing £532!! How proud am I?!!

Watch this space! :-)

And the plan went Awry....!!

Well another walk down and it really is getting easier! This time it was all planned to leave one car at Haddington, come back to Musselburgh then walk to Haddington - all 17 miles or so....

Saturday night we were regaling our guests with our plans to do the walk, get up at the crack of the sparrow's, get it done in six hours, yada yada yada- that's where the plans went awry! Unfortunately the clock wasn't set and we eventually dragged our sorry asses out of bed at a time FAR too late for 17 miles! So some swift sifting through the walk books produced- taa daa- Aberlady to North Berwick on the John Muir Way! All 9 miles!

I can say that Lesley was less than enthralled with the prospect- granted it was damp, drizzly and down right dreich to say the least! So off we trudged, making our way along the main road, trying to catch up on the events of the week....not good! We did however, find a beautiful wee path round the back of Gullane golf course when low and behold, we spotted some deer- Loads of them in east Lothian- at least this time they weren't jumping about in front of us and making us squeal like girls!!

The path once again met up with the road in Gullane and headed towards Dirleton- once again along the roadside! After walking single file and in almost silence we managed to get off the road and into a wood....it was beautiful! We stopped for some photos at opportune moments - some of which I think are indicative of how my counterpart was feeling about the walk- a branch with cones does not constitute a musical instrument, no matter how hard you blow!! After this brief musical interlude we emerged from the trees to find a private airstrip- way too much money in East Lothian!!

Off we meandered to Dirleton- what a stunning village that is- ancient, quaint, huge village green- perfect setting for DCI Barnaby to be honest!! We then headed to Yellowcraig where we saw stunning evidence of the force of the wind in that part of the world- very strange looking trees!

Here's Jahnnny!!

We headed off to North Berwick, by this time any notion of walking back had gone as it was 3.30- AND the obligatory pint was calling! However, this subsequently almost made us miss our bus- at which point I launched into a Victor Meldrew-esque rant at the price of the bus fare- £3.20 each to travel 9 miles! We actually had to borrow 1p from a lady on the bus as we had no money left! talk about Mortified! So the pair of us bumped our gums all the way back to Aberlady- this was made worse by the fact that we had to walk almost a mile to get back to the car- Lesley was not impressed!!

All in all, another highly enjoyable (!!!) and successful day rounded off by a pint and packet of Cheese Ba's!

Can I take any more?!

The excitement is still building! Just today I received our t-shirts from Alzheimer Scotland! Ok, we won't be able to wear them for the whole week as they will seriously stink but it could be our evening attire for when we go out for dinner!! Yeah, right- dinner! Packets of noodles and pasta in sauce I think somehow! lol!

Also, since our article in the "Tully" (a la man outside Boots at the top of Reform St) we have had an influx of donations- thank you, thank you, thank you of all who have contributed thus far! Not done a rough total but I think we must be approaching £1000! It is just amazing!

Not sure where our well leathered feet will fall this weekend but watch this space!

The Missing Miles......

It was an early rise this morn, but not to get to the Den o Alyth car park in a timely fashion to start this weekends training walk, as you might think, oh no! the alarm was set for us to wake up and watch Andy Worry, sorry i mean Murry finally put to bed the 75 year wait for a British man to win that elusive slam!

Three straight sets later however, we were off and running and managed to get a mere five miles along the road when I announced that I had forgotten my walking shoes...cue stoney silence as the car was screeched to a halt and turned round.....finally we arrived at the car park and were immediately faced with a very slippery dilemma! The path that lead us from the car park to the start of the trail looked more like a bob sleigh track! and neither of us fancied breaking any bones for the cause! so it was decided to walk along the roadside which would cut out the woodland trail all together, but the distance would remain the same.

After a few miles, we stopped to look at some chickens and geese in a homely looking farmstead. The chickens were very friendly and came right up to the fence! I announced that this was the closest i had ever been to real life chickens (as opposed to parts of them in neat little packs on supermarket shelves) to which I'm sure the retort went along the lines of "oh my God you're such a city girl"........but i couldn't really be sure.....

The road soon forked and we took advantage of the photo opportunity props we found, before we followed the signs to Glenisla, proceeded up a steep hill and both laughed at the road sign informing "Horse drawn carriages" to go through the gate to avoid the cattle grid! Neither of us could recall seeing any horse drawn carriages thus far, so we carried on regardless!

Eventually we ambled onto the Cateran Trail, part of an old drove road, and climbed up out of the valley and onto the open moorland surrounding the area. It was time for a scooby snack and although none of us felt particularly hungry, there is always room for some yummy chocolate and a few sugary Moams!!

The town of Alyth seemed to come into view very quickly given that this was a 7 mile trek we were on, for both of us it was like we had only just left the car! I began to think 10 miles is just a walk in the park really! a pleasant meander!and this buoyed my spirits greatly and went a long way to quell those dark feelings of self doubt that creep in now and again about my ability to complete the WHW at all! It was downhill all the way from here and even though the air was bitingly cold, it felt good to be amongst these glens, feeling alive and real and chilly and nippy......it all just felt fine!

As we were drawing to the end of the walk and entered the main streets of Alyth to return to the car, we popped in on a work colleague of Fiona's, Cathie, for a very welcome coffee and a blether. What a lovely day!

Oooh excitement ensues!

Whoop whoop!! We've had an article printed in Dundee's Evening Telegraph!! :-) What great excitement! I hope and pray that this brings in even more sponsorship! :-)

We have also had confirmation of a donation from Dundee United for us to raffle- I think a pub quiz in the Fort is in order!! What you reckon?

As for the gins of the other evening- you will notice I have been somewhat quiet this week....I learned a VERY valuable lesson this weekend.....NEVER drink a lot of gin having walked 12.5 miles!! SO not a good plan! I at least feel human again!! lol!

You will also be glad to hear that there are no rants this evening.....not ones I wish to share here anyway!

Just been talking to my counter part who is, as I type, planning the training walk for this weekend- it could well be a training weekend- golf on Saturday, walking on Sunday- not sure where yet, could be a magical mystery tour on foot!

Will keep you posted!