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