West Highland Way Fun

At the finish in Fort William

Most people would relax after competing in a triathlon.  Not us!  We embarked on a 96 mile trek of the West Highland Way the following day.  Catriona, Alix, Jennifer, Kerry and myself had drunkenly talked about this a few months ago after the Gigha Challenge and here we were, leaving Campbeltown at 7am bleary eyed and sore after our efforts racing the day before to tackle the Way in an ambitious 4 1/2 days. 

DAY 1 - Milngavie to Drymen (13 miles approx)

1st run done!

We eased ourselves in with a small section of the way and it was a great start!  Jen and I decided to run this section as it was to be one of the easiest, wide flat paths through Mugdock Park out of the city into the beautiful countryside.  It was a roasting hot afternoon and the other girls decided to walk it and they had just as an enjoyable time stopping for ice lollies and picking fresh raspberries. We arrived in Drymen mid-afternoon so we enjoyed a lovely cool shower followed by some sun-bathing and book reading.  This was the life!

Accommodation - Kip in the Kirk:  5*, my favourite of the week - afternoon tea on arrival, spotlessly clean, fab continental breakfast

Food - Drymen Inn:  Decent food, ice cold crabbies ginger beer and good service but disappointing sticky toffee pudding

DAY 2 - Drymen to Inversnaid (22 miles but was 24 to get to accommodation!)

We set off about 8am and I trailed behind the girls in the beginning as they powered on at great speed but I soon got in the rhythm.  We took in the most amazing sights over lochs and hills, stopping for a photo or two especially at the top of Conic Hill where you got the most fantastic view out over Loch Lomond.  The pathways were really clear and we stopped off in Balmaha after 8 miles for a cappuccino.  This was to become a bit of a morning routine for us after the first section and it felt like we were abroad as we sat in the sunshine with a lovely coffee and great company.  We never stopped for long though as it was to be a long day, stopping at a beach near Rowardennan for a spot of lunch.  

Catriona, Jen and I ran the last section to Inversnaid along forestry paths - lots of undulating sections, some where we had to slow to scramble over rocks parallel to the coastline but nothing too difficult.  However, after 7 miles we ran out of water and the sun continued to beat down on us - where was Inversnaid?!  Another mile later we were ecstatic to see Inversnaid Hotel but gutted to find out our accommodation was another mile away - on top of a big hill.  Undefeated we walked to the top and demolished a few bottles of mineral water within minutes.  Best bit of the day was cooling down going for a wee swim in Loch Lomond followed by some bubbles of a hot tub to ease our tired muscles :-)

Accommodation - Inversnaid Bunkhouse:  3*, very small rooms, hot in the heat but adequate and friendly staff

Food - Inversnaid Bunkhouse Bistro:  Excellent food at dinner - one of my favourite pesto pasta dishes ever.  No early breakfast but they did allow us to have some toast and bananas before we left

DAY 3 - Inversnaid to Tyndrum (19 miles)

The first 7 miles to Inverarnan was the most difficult section so far due to the terrain.  It was hard to get a pace going as we were climbing up and over trees, rocks and bridge ladders but we were under the shade of trees all morning which was a welcome rest from the sun.  A caffeine coffee boost at Bein Glass Farm made the next 6 miles to Crianlarich go by in a flash, this time the pathways were open, wide and undulating.  A few of us ran the last 6 miles and was my most enjoyable section - it was a forestry track resembling Bengullion and Ballochgair through small rivers and gorges, with lots of up and downs - lots of fun and stunning scenery, taking us to our resting place of Tyndrum with plenty of time for ice lollies and sunbathing before dinner.

Accommodation - Tyndrum By the Way:  4*, great SC accommodation, powerful showers and comfy bunks

Food - Tyndrum Inn:  Surroundings nice but service very slow, good food though

DAY 4 - Tyndrum to Kingshouse (19 miles)

Our morning walk to Bridge of Orchy (stopping for a coffee of course) was reasonably straightforward on mostly an old military road and through forest pathways.  The next 2 miles to Inveroran were a little more difficult as took us up a large hill where we got spectacular 360 views across the land. After letting our lunch settle, Jen and I ran through the Rannoch Moor section down through Glencoe to Kingshouse only stopping to walk up some of the steeper inclines.  Lots of walkers on this exposed section and our hotel's beer garden was packed with people and deer!

Accommodation - Kingshouse Hotel:  3*, comfortable accommodation but very tired and dated inside.  

Food - Kingshouse Hotel:  Best food yet and great service! 

DAY 5 - Kingshouse to Fort William (25 miles)

We met and overtook a lot of people on this section and most were surprised that we were going past Kinlochleven all the way to Fort William in 1 day so we were a little apprehensive but we shouldn't have been - we did it!  Probably our toughest and our longest day, we set off at 8am with the biggest incline to come - the devil's staircase.  It zig zagged for a few miles before levelling off to reveal wonderful scenic views back across Glencoe and beyond.  A quick stop off at Kinlochleven after 9 miles and we started our ascent once again.  After 12 miles Cat, Jen and I started running.  It was a good path, a few undulating sections but reasonably flat although it was quite stoney and uneven surface.  It was only until we reached about 19 miles the descent into Fort William began and Ben Nevis towered over us.  The thought of the end excited us a bit much as we started doing 7 minute miles but we soon slowed down as we got to sea level and made our way up the main street to the official end.  We did it!!  

Food - Cafe Mango:  Satisfied our thai food craving for our celebratory meal of chicken stir fry with noodles

I'm glad I had:

• a camelbak - best invention ever! 
• suncream
• vaseline 
• phone/camera
• shorts and vests 
• used Travel Lite - a company who transported our bags to our accommodation each day, lifesaver!
• the other 4 girls - great banter and positivity every step of the way

I overpacked and had no need for:

•  midgie net and skin so soft
• waterproofs
• jacket
• second pair of trainers
• long joggers

However, any other time in Scotland I think that second list would've came in handy!

We just loved every minute of our West Highland Way adventure and couldn't recommend it enough.  I'm sure it will serve me well in my China trek training.  It was such an elating feeling getting to the end each day particularly at the very end, an accomplishment we are all proud of.  Anyone could walk it if they put their mind to it and I'm sure they would love it just as much as us, for the achievement and the simply stunning Scottish scenery.  We may even do it again in the future, a reunion tour when we are 60 perhaps?!

MOK Triumph

The inaugural MOKTRI was held on Sunday and was brilliant! The sprint distance consisted of a 750m pool based swim, 21k hilly cycle to Ballochgair and back followed by a final 5k run down Kilkerran Road to Glenramskill. It was a great day out for all the family and as usual the Campbeltown support was fantastic.

A kettle bell instructor course the day before didn't leave me too sore and surprisingly I was first out my swim heat in just over 15 mins. The cycle was tough but enjoyable. Arguably my weakest link and where you make up time but I was happy with my performance despite being slower than last sprint distance. I need to work on the bike! Everyone did fantastic and got some amazing times including my husband who got a pb of 17.22 in the run leading his team to victory!

The sun continued to shine all day as competitors mingled, chatted and attended a superb bbq and spread of home baking afterwards. Even my attempt at baking got eaten!

Another great event in Campbeltown I'm looking forward to next year!

Walking the Way

Is this the Way???!

We can laugh now but at the time we were close to tears.  No, I didn't drop the Queen's baton on Sunday (phew) but the day after my sister and I got COMPLETELY lost in the wilderness that is the Kintyre Way from Machrihanish to Dunaverty.  Upping our trek training we set out at 7am up over the farm and moorlands were there was a relatively clear trail.  It was all very civilised for the first 3-4 miles, even stopping by Eannan's Bay for a flask of tea and some oatcakes!  It was just after this it all started going horribly wrong.... the rain started to pour, the mist descended on us and the pathway disappeared leaving us lost and cold!  It was beyond the point of return so we battled on, not seeing any Kintyre Way signs, we followed a fence line into a forest, jumped over a few rivers and scrambled to the top of a hill only to spot a sign in the opposite direction!  We trudged through bog, mist and marsh to eventually meet up on a track to eventually find some blue signs in the mist, away from the clifftops we were on but back up into the hills.  Apart from a few giggles at me falling on my bum about 10 time there really wasn't much talking to be done or we might've just cried - just serious walking, no looking back!  Who would've thought we would be that cold and wet in July?!  

The last time I seen my lovely blue flask....

Coming over another hill, miles later, we seen some sheep and cows - hurrah!  A farm must be close!  We were so happy to see a building - Amod Farm!  As we got closer, I was so excited that I ran the last mile to get to the farm to phone home to our worried parents.  We made it!  About 12 miles of trekking and we were starving - time for Muneroy!  Saviour farmer Mitch drove us to the tearoom where Frances looked after us with hot soup and tea.  A lovely couple also took pity on us 'droont rats' and drove us back into town. Our parents had got so worried they were already up searching Largiebaan Nature Reserve for us but they retired back to Muneroy to get a phone signal where they were rewarded with meringues :-)

Our trek was pretty emotional, I don't think anyone can imagine the experience but it was just brilliant to be reunited with a hot shower and our family and friends again - it honestly crossed our minds that we may never return home safe!!  Those kind people who drove us into town, our parents who were so concerned and the staff in the tearoom for their awesome hospitality - it really warmed our hearts.  

Home safe, showered and in dressing gowns with a cuppa :-)

Baton fun!

Carrying the baton the day before was a huge honour but I felt a bit undeserving but it was an amazing experience.  My family and friends came up to Lochgilphead to cheer me on and even made me a lovely flag to show their support!  I met some fantastic people who were also baton bearers - volunteers, charity fundraisers, community social entrepreneurs and people who have overcame illnesses - there really are amazing people in the world, in our area and the baton relay showed them off!  One of them included Caroline McAlpine from Tarbert who ran ALL THE WAY from the Beatson Cancer Centre to Tarbert and raised £14,000 for the charity.  Her story was part of the inspiration for me to to raise funds for the Beatson.  Simply amazing.  I really hope I can raise as much funds as possible for the Beatson.  Even 1/4 of what Caroline did.  The Beatson contacted me this week to try and publicise my fundraising more to raise their profile, every penny counts with them and makes a difference to so many people's lives. 

Mum and Maz with my amazing sign - thanks Davie and Alison!!!

Holding the baton at Lochgilphead with my supportive hubby Stu

When in Rome...

Stuart was king of the selfies in the colosseum

I've always wanted to go to Rome.  Anywhere in Italy really - the food, the culture, the sun - what is there not to like?!  After a wonderful friend's wedding on Saturday in Strathaven, we hopped on an early Ryanair flight from Edinburgh to Rome Ciampino and 4 hours later we were soaking up the Italian sun at the rooftop pool of our hotel.  

Rooftop pool

 It's been a busy few months and we got little sleep the night before and had all intentions of lazing by the pool but after a while we got itchy feet and decided to explore.  Of course, this was always my plan really, I had purposely booked our hotel (Radisson Blu next to Termini station) so that it was in easy reach of the main sights) and had booked tickets online to visit the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill for the afternoon - amazing. Rome really is an open-air museum, with ruins around every modern corner.  In 30+ degree heat we didn't feel too guilty not to be running, even when we were cooling ourselves down with delicious gelato.

Posing outside with my gladiator sandals

In Prague we took a running tour, however, Rome only offered a 3-4 mile running tour that was 50 Euros each.  Like true Scottish folk we opted for the free walking tour instead!  It took us about 30 minutes to walk to our walking tour so we felt we deserved our cappuccinos and chocolate croissants for breakfast.  It was our 7th Anniversary after all, we had to celebrate with some good food!  Disappointingly the Trevi Fountain, is in the process of being renovated so we never seen it in it's true glory.  Legend says that if you throw a penny into the fountain, it will ascertain another trip to Rome.  I didn't want to injure any of the workers with a coin but I'd like to think I'd return to see once again.  The walking tour, starting at the Spanish Steps, took us through the city centre via the various architectural marvels, piazzas, Pantheon and finished at the other side of the Tiber river in the Vatican City at St Peter's Basilica.  We had been walking for hours and was looking forward to a quick visit to the museums and Sistine Chapel.  

Piazza Navone

We were shocked to discover the queues were miles long, with a representative informing us that it would take around 3 1/2 hours to get entry.  Thank goodness I had bought us tickets online or we would've just went for pizza!  The tickets allowed us fast track tickets into the Vatican Museums where we marvelled at all the wonderful works of art all around and at Michelangelo's work of art on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. It was simply amazing, however, the crowds were unbelievable and it was hard not to get impatient with scores of people pushing and pulling - worse than the start of MOKRUN ;-).

At the bridge separating Rome and the Vatican

Just some Arty stuff ;-)

Did someone say gelato?

Lemoncelli - down it geachy!

Happy anniversary gleachy's

Food was a big part of our trip and it did not disappoint - coffee, pasta, pizza, paninis, prosecco, tiramasu and gelato - my favourite things.  You will not go hungry in Rome.  Anyone would think we were carbing up for an ultra-marathon!  Instead, I opted for a few 4-5 mile runs nearby the Hotel, through parks and monuments.  Some people think I'm crazy for running whilst I'm on holiday but it's part of my relaxation.  It's not a chore, I love it.  It makes me feel great and always changes my mood if I am ever feeling a little low or tired.  It gives me some alone time to think.  This time, it also gave me some time to purchase an anniversary gift for my husband whilst he snoozed!  Running allows me to get out into the fresh air and see the sights in a different light.  After a while it just seemed natural to dodge nuns and italian suits on the pavements, with the Colosseum and ruins as a backdrop.  Not quite Campbeltown Shipyard!  That being said, I think I'm a bit of a homebird these days - I was looking forward to getting back to my own bed already.  Although that was maybe because my husband had spilled tea all over our Hotel one!

Bring on the italian food!