Month: August 2019

9.42 miles, 345 ft of elevation, 21,637 steps

Today was meant to be a big day followed by an easy stroll in to Fort William tomorrow. However from the off we were rained on so hard that we were drenched before the wet tent was packed away.

6 miles in and we reached the end if loch Oich and down the locks to Laggan Locks. We stopped at an outdoor cafe and Grace went downhill quickly. Freezing cold and shaking. Time for an alternative plan and with the prospect of another 10 miles and then a wet tent ahead of us, we called time and took the opportunity of being near a road to grab a bus. We have headed in to Fort William and got warm and dry. We will then head back out again tomorrow to do the last days walk back again in to Fort William.

It feels like a failure and am disappointed for Grace but still think she has done amazingly. No such luxuries shall be offered to you next week Jonathan.

I know I shouldn’t say this and I have only been here four days but with the prospect of another wet week ahead it’s more of an endurance than I had imagined and have not been able to see a single mountain yet…….

16.44 miles, 1,257 ft of elevation, 33,923 steps.

Started the day with a cooked breakfast at the B&B. I basically said yes to everything they offered and ended up with a huge plate of guilt free food – even the haggis tasted good.

It has rained basically all day today, with the odd break. It was at its worst this morning and Grace found a bus shelter 5 minutes from the off and didn’t want to move. We then found ourselves along a route which must have had the highest number of waterfalls per mile in the UK. I have posted our favourite but can assure you there were plenty to choose from….. by midday we had reached Fort Augusta and a nice pub lunch. Grace has had it by then but we still had a way to go – at least the going was a bit easier now we were on the Caledonian canal.

Graces feet are now starting to hurt and whilst no blisters, I think they are taking a pounding. This afternoon seemed a long walk to nowhere but thanks to the lock keeper, he suggested a fantastic wild camp spot. He even told us about the abandoned house and the dry wood inside so even managed a small fire to keep the midges at bay.

Now it’s raining again so am in the tent – schooner seems fine for now. Let’s see how he is during the night….

16.56 miles, 2,346 ft of elevation, 36,104 steps.

Today started off bright, sunny and what we thought was going to be a short 13.5 mile walk. It ended in the wind and rain and quite a bit longer than we thought. Both days so far have ended with a killer descent which has killed my knees and made me feel very old. “How are your knees Gracey?” “Absolutely fine Daddy”.

We had a fantastic tea break mid morning at a pottery, slightly random and off the trail but oh doesn’t it hit the spot – even better when she very kindly gave it to us for free. Our B&B for the night is run by a lovely couple of sisters who love Schooner. We have to date had great interest in what we are doing and the T shirts are definitely working. The next two nights are wild camping with two and a dog in a very small tent. He is proving a big hurdle when it comes to finding accommodation. Let’s hope it’s not raining again – although the forecast looks pretty bleak ….

Gracey looking really grumpy. “I thought you said it was 13.5 miles…..”

21 miles, 2,000 ft of elevation, 45,101 steps.

Firstly, thank you to everyone’s who has supported this stupid endeavour and to your most generous donations. Great cause and we know it will make a difference to STARS

Reality has hit. The sleeper train to Inverness was amazing but Schooner was a pain so no real sleep there. Arrival was 8:45am and straight in to it.

Contrary to any sensible planning I have hit Grace with a monster walk day 1. The hope is that it gets easier from here ….. Mostly a woodland walk with a few teasing view a of Loch Ness. Last 2 miles were horrible along a main road. But we are here, a pint of the local session IPA and a venison burger awaits. Job done, and now for some sleep.

Feel totally unprepared and super stressed but also excited to go. Rucksack weighs a tonne so let’s see if the camping idea lasts.

Two weeks to go before the off and have had my first lesson in ‘blogging’.