Journeys by hiking, running, cycling and touring
Barely am I back from my cruise to Greenland, Iceland and Norway (more about that if I get around to it in due course), then the post-holiday gloom of returning to work hits full face. A lack of decent walking opportunities on the cruise, means it's 3 months since I did any form of backpacking, … Continue reading Unexpected Joys in the Clag
I finally got around (largely prompted by watching Andy's video) to putting my photos into a video of this year's Challenge. Here it is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iS_KJrTqTFo
A few weeks ago, the editor of TGO Magazine contacted me to ask if I'd like to be in their "In the Frame" feature, which showcases the work of a different landscape artist each month. Of course I said yes, and after offering Emily a selection of works to choose from, she went for "Cairngorm … Continue reading In the Frame
The track is mine and I enjoy the novelty of walking without the expectation of seeing anyone. I’m alone with the sound of my feet crunching stones on the track and birds going about their business above. A herd of deer scatter on the hillside to my left, a rabbit bounds away through the wood. … Continue reading The Moor
Amongst all of the other kit decisions I had to make ahead of embarking on the TGO Challenge this year was the one about art kit - what to take ? what would I be likely to use ? was it even worth bothering ? In the end I stuck to my usual approach of … Continue reading Art of the TGO Challenge
We trudged through hop field after hop field, along shady lanes and even a bit along the road. Barely noticing our surroundings and wrapped up in our conversation - a conversation that had been going for several hours now. Frequent breaks, hidden stashes of sweets, Special Brew and Benson & Hedges. A burning hot day … Continue reading The Power of Nostalgia
I’ve already told the story of the actual walk, but also wanted to wrap up some comments on the planning for the trip, route and general experience of the whole thing. So here's an index to the individual blog posts and some general thoughts on this year's Challenge... Day What Happened Distance (km) … Continue reading TGO Challenge 2017
Cath's (@wellycath) been wanting to get a group together for a camp around her birthday for a couple of years now, and finally managed to seize her chance last year when Team Social Hiking decided not to contest the 5-in-5/10-in-10 this year, and instead to try to get together socially sometime in June. This also … Continue reading Never invite someone called Dale to somewhere all the places have “Dale” in them
The relative bustle of Challenge Control in the Park Hotel is left behind while I take to the streets. First I try to check-in to my accommodation early - they're not having it, but do agree to keep hold of my pack while I roam about. The quest for some acceptable fried food isn't terribly … Continue reading TGO Challenge 2017: Aftermath
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