TGO Challenge 2013. Day 3: Loch na Caoidhe to "The House of the Hangman"

It had been a cold night down by the waters edge and it was still cold in the morning as I put the stove on for the first coffee of the day.
I unzipped the tent to find Charlie sat on guard outside his masters abode seemingly none the worse for his exertions yesterday.
Charlie is a fine dog and great company in the hills but he does seem to suffer quite badly from short term memory loss. In Charlies eyes, one minute you are his best mate and the next you are an evil stranger with intentions of beheading his master and making off with all of his biscuits.
Charlie had of course, forgotten who I was this morning, after all it had been 12 hours since he last saw me. Once he had remembered who I was, all was well and I was able to approach Richard's tent to discuss the options for today.

Charlie on guard duties.

We had both slept in too late for a realistic chance of beating the bad weather on a mad dash over the Strathfarrar hills, so the discussion was a short one. Today's route was to be an energy saving, low level affair.
The plan was to try to make it as far as Tighachrochadair (which wonderfully translates as The House of the Hangman) before the worst of the predicted bad weather caught up with us.
I am sure I saw Charlie nodding his head in agreement as the plan was declared.

   Heading down Glen Orrin.                                           Photo courtesy Richard Wood

It was a cold, grey morning, but we soon warmed up as we made our way below the crags of Beinn Mheadhoin, where I paused to look back towards the snow clad Strathfarrar Munros.

My timing was good as at that moment there was a majestic Golden Eagle high in the sky above us. 

We watched it circle for quite a while before it headed north and went out of sight. 

Not a bad start to the day at all.

An hour or so later we were making a brew in Luipmaldrig bothy. 

This is a cracking bothy and is probably rarely visited. I believe it was built for the navvies working on the Orrin Reservoir project and it is now owned and well maintained by the Strathconnan Estate.

We had a snoop around, as you do, and found a back bedroom complete with double bed. 

The bothy book revealed that the occupant of the bedroom last night was none other than The Goddess!

I expect she slept well, free from the alleged vibrations of fellow Challengers respiratory structures which had made her stay at Gerry's Hostel such a miserable experience.

Me and Charlie in the posh bothy.                           Photo courtesy Richard Wood    

Through the window I observed the unmistakable figure of Humphrey Weightman approaching the bothy. 

Charlie gave Humphrey a frosty reception as he entered the building but was soon to be charmed by Humph who was then accepted as temporary member of our gang.

Following a brief chat, Humphrey set off towards the wobbly suspension bridge over the river Orrin. 

We packed up and took a more direct, boggy line to the bridge. 

Charlie, fearing that he was to be left behind by Richard, took the direct, damp route across the river in pursuit of Richard who had opted for the more conventional method of crossing the river using the bridge.

Once across, we followed the river to it's outflow into the reservoir and then more or less hugged the south bank of the reservoir all the way to the Allt na Criche, which we easily forded. 

Crossing the river Orrin

Charlie had a great time on this stretch, splashing in and out of the pools and burns feeding the reservoir. He had obviously not learnt anything yesterday about pacing himself.

Orrin river flats

Height was gained fairly quickly as we left the reservoir behind to pick up a sometimes vague path over to the track above Gleann Goibhre.

The weather was closing on us now as predicted, the wind had freshened considerably and we felt the first spots of rain of the day.

View down to Orrin Reservoir.                                     Photo courtesy Richard Wood

The Hydro Bothy was a welcome sight and we were pleased to get out of the wind for half an hour for a brew and a bite to eat. 

Taking a break in the Hydro Bothy                            Photo courtesy Richard Wood

Then it was just a matter of pushing on for a further 5km along the track to our chosen destination of Tighachrochadair.

Squally  rain showers, sweeping through from the west greeted our arrival and with the help of some borrowed nail pegs (cheers Richard), I managed to pitch the tent beside Richard's tight up against the gable end of the hangman's house.

Sheltered camp, Tighachrochadair

Half an hour or so later, we were joined by Peter Molenaar, who had noticed our tents from the track above the house and headed down the heather clad hillside to share our sheltered pitch.

Charlie let Peter know in no uncertain terms that he was not to come too close to Richard's tent and it took liberal handouts of Peter's beef jerky supply before he was to be accepted into the clan.

I was now well ahead of my planned route, leaving just a short walk tomorrow to the fleshpots of Beauly.
The plan to get ahead of the bad weather had proven to be a good one.
It was not pleasant outside the tent tonight,  but at least we had shelter from the worst of the elements which we might not have found in the hills to the west of us.

Excess supplies of food and Jack Daniels were consumed and text messages sent back home before I eventually settled down in the sleeping bag for the night.

Another good Challenge day.

TGO Challenge 2013. Day 2: Gerry's Hostel to Loch na Caoidhe

 The "Goddess" had suffered a less than heavenly sleep.
Apparently there had been much snoring during the night emanating from various bunks.
I was accused of being one of the culprits. I never heard anything myself, maybe she had been dreaming...

There was no rush for me this morning thankfully, as it was not pleasant outside.
Richard and Charlie were not due to arrive at the station in Achnashellach until 10:40 and then they had an hour's walk along the road to meet up with me at the hostel.
After the other Challengers had stepped out into the rain, I spent a lazy morning mainly drinking coffee and eating.
Gerry made a brief, scary appearance wearing dressing gown and slippers and asked me to "spread the word", he didn't say what the word was though and I still haven't figured it out.

The weather began to brighten up as I packed and I observed the Kyle of Lochalsh train passing by, sure enough an hour later I met Richard and Charlie beside the road at Gerry's.
.

Charlie and yours truly                              photo courtesy of Richard.Wood

Pleasantries were exchanged, much fussing of Charlie ensued, and then we were off, on our way off up the track towards Pollan Buidhe.

Richard brought news of impending bad weather, moving in from the west around midday tomorrow. Plans of a high walk on the Moruisg ridge were abandoned and we decided to push on as far as we could today to try to get ahead of the forthcoming crappy weather.

Richard and Charlie

I first met Richard on the Challenge in 2007. We had both started out in Mallaig that year and our routes had crossed several times. We ended up finishing as part of a good sized group on St Cyrus beach and have stayed in touch ever since.
Last year Richard completed his Munro round and I was pleased to be with him, his partner Becky and his friends when he achieved this.
Richard and Becky had kindly offered to put me up for the night in Beauly and he had joined me as part of his training for a forthcoming Pennine Way walk. I was happy to have both Richard and Charlie along to join me for a few days.

Heading out into the wilds

 The miles always tend to pass by quickly when in company, and soon enough we arrived at Glenuaig Lodge where we stopped off for a brew and a bite to eat in what could be loosely described as a "bothy". We figured that this shed, including bunk bed and electricity! had been built to prevent emergency break-ins to the lodge. Good idea.

Glenuaig Lodge shed              photo courtesy of Richard.Wood       

We then headed out along boggy country for a few miles before crossing the River Meig about 1km west of the lovely path up the Coire Mhoraigeinn.

Rough walking

The route up the high pass was wonderful, full of sparkling waterfalls and views back to the hills of the far north west. The sun made an appearance as we neared the top of the pass, but energy levels were low now and our thoughts turned to finding a good pitch for the night.

Nearing the top of the pass

Once over the top of the high pass, views opened up of the Strathfarrar Munros to the south, maybe these hills were achievable tomorrow, before the weather closed in?

The Strathfarrar Munros

 It was a fine descent to Loch na Caoidhe. Easy going along a good path with a choice of great camping spots ahead.

Heading down to Loch na Caoidhe

Idyllic camp at Loch na Caoidhe

It had all been too much for poor old Charlie though, and he collapsed into a deep sleep before the tents were pitched...soon to be revived by the smell of food cooking on our stoves.

Dog tired.                                          photo courtesy of Richard.Wood        

Another brilliant day...Is there any wonder I am addicted to the Challenge?

TGO Challenge 2013. Day 1: Torridon to Gerry's Hostel

Torridon is a special place.
It had been 20 year's since my last visit on the second of two wonderful walking holidays in the Torridon area so imagine my delight to find myself back in the Torridon Inn, this time with a group of happy Challengers on the eve of The Great Outdoors Challenge 2013.

A few pints and a good meal were consumed and I left the pub in good company for the walk around the head of the loch back to the camping ground as the sun set over Ben Allligin.

Torridon Sunset

Following an unsettled night in the tent, due to an altercation with a bumble bee deep inside my sleeping bag in the early hours, I emerged from the tent to a glorious Torridon morning.
*Tip. Always check the inside of your sleeping bag for bees after airing out on the washing line.

I signed out at the Youth Hostel at 09:30 and made my way slowly back around the head of Loch Torridon to join the wonderful path from Annat to Achnashellach. The views over the Loch and down Glen Torridon are simply breathtaking. I was already having a good feeling about this crossing and the route I had planned.

Leaving Torridon on a glorious morning.

Liatach and Beinn Eighe

Before too long, I caught up with a few other Challenge walkers as height was gained towards Loch an Eion and the massive bulk of Moel Chean Dearg dominated the view ahead.

Moel Chean Dearg

An early lunch was taken overlooking Loch an Eion with Peter Mollenar, Pete Varley and Mark Williams as the temperature dropped sharply and clouds quickly replaced the early morning blue sky.

Then it was off again, over Bealach na Lice and Bealach Ban to the magnificent natural amphitheater of Coire Granda. 

Rain started falling steadily and so waterproofs were donned before the climb to the col between Sgorr Ruadh and Beinn Liath Mhor. 

Heading to Coire Granda

I had planned to do the full ridge of Beinn Liath Mhor but due to the worsening weather conditions I wasn't sure that was a good idea. I decided to compromise, and dropped the pack at a lochan at around 700m and in a wanton act of Munro bagging, I climbed the craggy path to the boulder strewn Munro on the northernmost edge of the ridge.                                                                                          

Beinn Liath Mhor

Beinn Liath Mhor ridgeline

On the way back down to the pack I passed Ali Ogden and Sue Oxley who were heading up with full packs to tackle the ridge.These two ladies are obviously made of sterner stuff than me.

Eventually, I rejoined the path and continued along Coire Lair, pausing regularly to soak up the stunning views all around.

Coire Lair

I had planned to camp here but couldn't find an attractive enough pitch in the rain, so I continued through the forestry to Achnashellach and pushed on along the road for 5km to Gerry's Hostel.

The last time I stayed here, back in the 90's Gerry had been away, so I had not had the dubious pleasure of meeting him until now. I had heard a few stories about his eccentricity and was not to be disappointed.
Gerry greeted me at the door and assured me there was room in the Hostel as I walked in to find Pete Varley, Peter Mollenar and a lady challenger who I know only as "Goddess" already making themselves at home beside a roaring fire in Gerry's front room.
I think Gerry took a shine to me when I mentioned I had stayed there previously, and as I was cooking dinner, he whispered that he had a limited amount of alcohol for sale...cans of Caffreys at £2 a can and I was not to tell the other guests about this.
I promptly bought a tenners worth and when Gerry had retired upstairs for the night, I shared my secret supply of alcohol with the others.
The hostel had not changed one bit in the 20 or so year's since my last visit, including the freezing cold bunk room, dodgy showers, ridiculous decor and ornaments. It's a quirky place and Gerry is an eccentric but the place does provide a service to hill walkers and backpackers in an area that is not well served for budget accommodation.
Everyone passing this way really should stay there at least once before it is no more, I fear when Gerry finally decides he cannot keep going that this place will not function as a hostel and that would be a shame.

Gerry's Hostel

All in all, a wonderful first day's walking to kick off my 2013 Challenge adventure. 

Tomorrow I was to be joined by a friend and former Challenger, Richard Wood and his dog Charlie, who were to walk with me to for the next few day's to Richard's home in Beauly. 

Despite the cold bunk room, I fell to sleep contented with the journey so far and looking forward to the journey ahead.

2011 A Year of Ups and Downs

As another year comes to an end I suppose I ought to try and put things into prospective and summarise my year both on and off the hill.

Family Life

On a personal note, it's been an awful year for my family. 

My Mum passed away in October following a short illness and it's been a real struggle trying to come to terms with her passing. 

Mum was 82, a good age I suppose, but no matter how much I had tried to prepare myself for the inevitable, I was not ready when the time came. 

I will get stronger with my feelings as time goes by and everyone has to go through the grieving process at some point in their lives, but for now I am finding it very difficult to deal with.

Throughout Mum's illness and during the weeks that followed, my close family were a tower of strength. My "kids" all now grown up, were an absolute rock and without their support I don't know how I would have coped at all. 

The one bright shining light this year has been my beautiful granddaughter. 

Phoebe was 2 in June and is an absolute delight to be around as are all children of that age. I see her almost every day as my wife Steph looks after her while her Mum, Hannah works in the afternoons, I can't wait to get home from work to spend some time with her. She is just adorable. 

Work

I work as a Quality Engineer for an engineering company in Rotherham. I have been with them for just over 8 years, which is not bad going these days. The company is doing as well as can be expected in the current climate and is as secure a job as one could hope for. 

I managed to get my son, Andrew a job working in my department in August and he works on the next desk to his old man...which is nice.

Sport

I no longer participate in sports, other than a frustrating game of golf from time to time and instead get my sporting pleasure from watching Andrew play cricket. He's a talented batsman, far better than I ever was, and represents Wath CC 1st team in the South Yorkshire League. Andrew also represents England Deaf cricket team and played in Australia last year.

For my sins, I also support Sheffield United and the least said about them this year the better.

Walking

An average year on the hills for me this year. Steadily plugging away at the Wainwrights hill list, of which I have now completed 124 including 27 this year. Highlights include Place Fell (100th) in January, Rampsgill Head, (107th) half way point in June, a lovely backpack through the Central Fells with an overnight camp on Greenup Edge in July, and more recently, on 5th November, a sparkling round of fells including Blencathra via Sharp Edge. 

My mate Mark and I will continue to plug away at the Wainwright's over the next few years until we have both completed AW's list.

I completed my 5th TGO Challenge walk in May, which will go down as one of the toughest Challenges ever, weather wise.  I was disappointed with the walk, in that I hardly walked any of the grand, high level route that I had planned, yet still enjoyed the event because of the great camaraderie that exists amongst Challengers. This really is a great event and I hope to be back for my 6th in 2013 as I am taking a voluntary year off next year.

Bird watching

I am very fortunate to have a RSPB reserve on my doorstep, and when I have a bit of spare time I like to nip down to Old Moor in the Dearne Valley to spend a couple of hours watching birds and socialising with like minded folk. I'm not a complete anorak, you understand. and don't keep count of the birds I have seen or anything like that, but I do find that it's a great place to while away the time and gather my thoughts.

Highlights of the birding year include an Osprey which we had in the area throughout September, high tide wader watch at Gibraltar point in September, which I managed to sneak off to during a family holiday in Skegness, and the many hours I have spent at Old Moor throughout this year.

Well that's about it for 2011, it's New Year's Eve already!

Thank's for reading this, and any of my other postings this year, not sure how long I will keep blogging for, but I do enjoy it and for some reason I feel better about things just writing this post, so we'll see.

Here's hoping for a happier 2012.

Happy New Year everyone.

TGO Challenge 2011 Trip Report. Acharacle to Stonehaven.

Due to an act of stupidity I have managed to delete a blogpost on the 2011 Challenge after weeks of struggling to put together an interesting and entertaining trip report.
If truth be told, it was neither of the above, which is probably why it had taken so long.
Far too much detail of wet and windy days, miserable recollections of hill days missed, mourning the loss of a mobile phone and generally loosing the will to live.
So, rather than put myself (and any readers) through the pain of  it all over again, I have decided to just tell the story of the walk in bullet point fashion with lots of photographs, instead of boring and not very well written text.
So here goes...

The journey to my sign out point at Acharacle involved 2 trains, 2 ferry's, 2 buses and an overnight stop in Tobermory with fellow Challenger, Caburn (Caburns website) .
I took the 12.20 Glasgow to Oban train and hopped on a ferry over to Mull

Leaving Oban on the ferry to Mull

Tobermory was great, enjoyed award winning fish and chips on the sea front and a few pints of local ale with Caburn before turning in for the night. Me in a B&B and Caburn in one of his famous stealth camps beside the sea.

Tobermory

We met up again the following morning for a lovely early morning ferry ride from Tobermory back to the mainland at Kilchoan on the Ardnamurchan Peninsular.

View from Tobermory ferry terminal

A bus operated by Shiel Buses (Link to Shiel Buses website) awaits the ferry and transferred Caburn to Acharacle, whilst I got off at Laga Bay where I would start my Coast to Coast walk.

Day 1
Laga Bay to Resipole Campsite

View from Laga Bay

Headed straight up to Ben Laga, a rugged little hill with stunning views all around.

Looking West from Ben Laga

Followed an old drove road from Loch Laga to eventually sign out in Acharacle at 1pm.
Walked along the road to Salen where I enjoyed a lazy lunch at the Salen Hotel, (Salen Hotel link) before strolling along the road to the campsite at Resipole.

Distance 21km Ascent 780m

Day 2
Resipole Campsite to Glen Scaddle

It was raining when I packed up, so followed my FWA along the road to Strontian, calling in at the Nature hide overlooking Garbh Eilean on the way.

Garbh Eilean observation hide

Following lunch in the cafe at Strontian, I walked through the beautiful Ariundle Oak woods.
The weather was holding off for now so I decided to take in the Corbett, Sgurr Dhomhnuill which is the highest point in the area.

Looking towards Glen Gour from the ridge to Sgurr Dhomhnuill

Approaching Sgurr Dhomhnuill

The Ardgour Hills

Taking shelter at the summit of Sgurr Dhomhnuill

In Glenn Scaddle chased along by frequent squally showers

Camp by the River Scaddle

Distance 30km Ascent 1250m

Day 3
Glen Scaddle to Corran Bunkhouse

Rained most of the night and was continuing to do so as I left my campsite.The river level had risen quite considerably and the walk to meet the A861 was a boggy affair.

Swollen River Scaddle

Called in for lunch at the Inn at Ardgour to try to dry out my phone, which I had, in another act of stupidity (there's a trend developing), dropped in a puddle beside the road.
Caught the ferry across the Corran Narrows and decided to end the day here at the bunkhouse, which I recommend. (Corran Bunkhouse)
Distance 14km Ascent 150m

Day 4
Corran Bunkhouse to Kinlochleven
Pissed it down all day. Took the kop-out option and walked to Kinlochleven along the road. Today was not a highlight of the walk.
Stayed in the Blackwater Hostel, which is OK I suppose.

Sheltered bay on Loch Leven

Distance 21km Ascent 490m

Day 5
Kinlochleven to Loch Ossian

Gave up hopes of the Mamores when I saw the low cloud and instead walked to Blackwater Reservoir where I picked up the path to Loch Chiarain and had lunch in the splendid bothy there.
The afternoon walk was via Loch Treig and Corrour Station (Venison Burger and strong ale) to Loch Ossian.
Camped about halfway along the North side of the Loch sheltered in the trees.

Blackwater Dam

Loch Ossian camp

Distance 30km Ascent 850m

Day 6
Loch Ossian to Dalwhinney

Rain and strong winds virtually all night, lazy start hoping in vain that conditions would ease.
Trudged past the Shooting Lodge and picked up and then lost the path beside the Uisge Labhair. Eventually I came upon a blue Karrimore tent flapping in the wind beside the river. The inhabitant of the tent was none other than Mike "the pie man" Knipe, who was taking a year off from the Challenge having completed his 10th crossing the previous year. Mike just couldn't stay away though and was hunkered down here offering hot drinks to any passing Challengers. Very welcome it was too, as was the conversation and usual humour offered up by master blogger Mike. (Mike Knipes Blog)
Whilst chatting to Mike, it stopped raining and the sun briefly made an appearance, short lived though and the rain would soon return with a vengeance as I pushed on up and over the Bealach Dubh to Culra bothy for a late lunch. Tempted to stay the night here but decided to push on to Dalwhinney to see if I could catch up with other Challengers.

Water Water Everywhere

Bealach Dubh

Ben Alder

Rainbow

Arrived at the filling station in Dalwhinney, soaked through and knackered. I was met by half a dozen Challengers, some of whom I knew, including Skippy, Terry Leyland and my Tobermory buddy, Caburn. They had hatched a plan for a night out in Newtonmore as Dalwhinney has nothing to offer in terms of nightlife since the Hotel closed down a couple of years ago.
I had half an hour to pitch the tent as a mini bus had been booked to transfer us all to Newtonmore for a meet up with the Challengers staying there.
A great night ensued in the Glen Hotel (The Glen Hotel, Newtonmore) where I met friends old and new.

Newtonmore Gathering

Distance 33km Ascent 720m

Day 7
Dalwhinney to Glen Feshie

Slept like a baby and was last to pack up and leave the campsite behind the hotel.
Spurred on by the first blue sky since day 2, I made good progress on the track to Loch Cuaich, following a brief rest I decided to take in Meall Chuaich, my first Munro of the trip.
Forded the River Tromie which was knee deep and freezing cold then picked up the familiar route over to Glen Feshie. Another River crossing over the Feshie ended a good day's walking.
Camped by the bothy as I have done on 2 previous Challenges.

Rest stop at the locked bothy

A Munro at last!

Lochan an t-Sluic

Distance  30km Ascent 1100m

Day 8
Glen Feshie to Linn of Dee

It rained in the night, and above about 600m it snowed in the night.
Stayed in the tent hoping the rain would ease, which on this occasion it did.
Decided to head up on to the Glen Feshie hills and see how conditions were up there. If it was bad I could always come back down the way I went up as I was now ahead of schedule so no need to rush.

Beautiful Glen Feshie.

The Eastern Cairngorms from Mullach Clach a' Bhlair

On Moine Mhor before the cloud blew in and snow started falling

Bail out descent via the River Eidart.

Geldie burn, bright but breezy

Nice pitch in the trees just short of Linn of Dee

A tough but very enjoyable day.

Distance 36km Ascent 900m

Day 9
Linn of Dee to Braemar Campsite

Early start, walked through the grounds of Mar Lodge to join the road into Braemar, where a full Scottish breakfast had my name on it.
Ambled up to the campsite and booked a pitch for 2 nights.

The River Dee from Victoria Bridge

The rest of the day is a bit sketchy but went something like this....

• Shower
• Washing clothes
• Sleep
• Hungry Highlander
• Fife Arms
• Socialising
• Moorfield Hotel
• More socialising
• Bingo Wings
• Pissed as a fart.
• Stagger back to campsite in the rain.

For all the solitude that the Challenge offers, you just can't beat a good old Saturday night Challenge knees up in Braemar.

Distance 12km Ascent 200m

Day 10
Braemar Campsite to...Braemar Campsite

Woke up feeling rather sprightly...considering.
The weather forecast for the next couple of days was pretty awful, threatening very high winds and yet more rain, so I decided to make the best of the calm before the storm and bagged the Corbett, Morven, which stands proud over this part of Deeside.
A good decision as I enjoved a nice mornings walk ,with great views all around.

Looking down to Braemar

Loch Callater and the Lochnagar Hills

Looking back over the landscape I had walked through

Had a short nap back at the tent and then joined the rather more refined Sunday crowd in the Fife for a bit more socialising.

Distance 13.5km Ascent 600m

Day 11
Braemar Campsite to Ballater

The day of the storm.
I was off route at this stage and the only option I had was a low level walk to Ballater where I had pre-booked accomodation at Habitat Hostel, a parcel and replacement mobile phone were waiting for me there.
The camp ground was all but deserted when I set off walking with David, first time challenger and fellow Yokshireman.
We walked together as far as Connachat Cottage in pretty poor weather, where David left me to head on towards Gelder Shiel.
The wind was really picking up now and the walk was a pretty dire affair, apart from seeing Roe Deer and Red Squirrels in the Balmoral Forest.
Arrived in Ballater mid afternoon with the storm in full force. Two large trees had blown down on the campsite, and the site was closed on safety grounds. Challengers intending to pitch there had been accommodated in a utility room behind the camp site reception, hotel rooms and B&B's in the town were full to bursting as Challenge walkers abandoned high level routes and re-routed into Ballater seeking shelter from the storm.

Distance 29km Ascent 400m

Day 12
Ballater to Feughside Inn

Last night in the pub, I decided I'd had enough of the rough stuff and hatched a plan to walk to the coast in  two days, staying low level.
There was interest from some other Challengers and it turned out that I would walk the final two days as part of a group.
Following breakfast, I set off on the cycle route out of Ballater along with David Poole, Ray Johnson. John Enoch and Dave Wishart.

Challengers on the cycle track to Aboyne

Welcome pint in Aboyne with Ray Johnson, Judith Barnes Dave Wishart, Dave Poole and John Enoch

Crossing the Dee

It was great to walk in company, and the miles passed by quickly with good humour and conversation. We eventually crossed the Dee at Aboyne and followed a B road to the campsite behind the Feughside Inn.
Enjoyed a meal and a few pints in the pub and met a few other Challengers in there.

Distance 33km Ascent 300m

Day 13
Feughside Inn  to Stonehaven

We left the campsite at about 08.30 for another long walk out to the East coast, which took us through the village of Strachan to pick up a track through the Fetteresso Forest.
Some dubious group navigation involving 2 maps and various GPS devices eventually saw us emerge from the Forest at Mergie for the final few miles of lane walking to Stonehaven.
We stopped of at a tea room in the garden centre just outside town to meet up with Dave Skipp who had waited for us to arrive so that he could finish his 10th Challenge with us on Stonehaven Beach.
Time for the usual celebrations, involving handshakes, back slapping and a bottle of whiskey on the beach.
Once the contents of the bottle had been consumed, we walked through town to the campsite and pitched our tents.

On Stonehaven Beach

Distance 31km Ascent 500m

And there you have it...Another Challenge completed, my 5th and by far the toughest in terms of the weather conditions.
It was a walk of two contrasting half's with the first week spent almost entirely walking alone in pretty  dreadful weather and the second week being a much more sociable affair culminating in a great final couple of days walking with friends to the beach at Stonehaven.