Day 1
We commence our stroll at around 17:20 after witnessing a famous ICT victory against Clyde. The weather during the match was excellent, however, as the match drew to a close the skies blackened and the heavens opened. Our little walk was getting off to a wet start. We assembled at the front of the stadium for a photo� shoot and were the centre of attention for around ten minutes or so. The team bus was awaiting its journey north and we were given a few bottles of Miller to help us on our way.
As an Englander, I am not much used to wearing the traditional highland dress of a kilt and this inexperience was to be my downfall shortly into walk. Having worn the kilt �commando style� for much of the day I didn�t realise that, as the thighs rub together, they do get a little shore and chaffed, Ouch!, it was blooming sore alright. Only an hour into the walk we decided that, due to the weather, it would be a good idea to tog up accordingly and called upon the support bus sooner than expected. I took this opportunity to apply the Savalon cream to the nether regions.
Ah, that�s a bit better, comfort personified. We pass Croy station and head along the tarmac of the B802 into Kilsyth where a supply of a fish supper was ordered by our support vehicle driver, Colin. As we were running a little behind schedule we had to try to eat our supper whilst climbing some 1000ft out of Kilsyth along the Tak-Ma Doon Road and over the Kilsyth Hills. Not an easy task especially whilst using a trekking pole and gasping for breath. Supper was not a pleasure.
The chaffed thighs were starting to smart again and were made worse by a combination of sweat and dampness from the weather which had, sort of, washed away to recently applied cream. A bit more had to be slapped on. The steep climb took its toll on Mrs Gringo who had no choice but to hitch a lift of support bus as far as Corran Bridge.
Corran Bridge was like an oasis with its little pub at the cross roads of the B818 road. Tempting as it was to nip for a pint, it was resisted due to us being a lot behind schedule. The day light hours were nearing an end and the route we were taking was not lit. The beer had to wait. We did top up the water bottles though.
The drizzly rain and mist continued to dampen the spirits as we passed Loch Coulter Reservoir along this never ending road before, eventually, the orange glow from the lights of Stirling could be seen in the distance. We�d reached the street lit area�s just in time for the daylight to cease.
The Willy Wallace Hostel was reached at 10:15 p.m. and relaxation could commence. By the time we�d showered etc it wasn�t worth nipping out for a beer so cans have to suffice. The Hostel itself was my first ever experience of such an establishment and I wasn�t over impressed with it and wondered what I�d let myself in for. The climb up to, what seemed like, the fourth floor of the hostel, after trudging 16 miles was not particularly funny. The shower room was a bit naff too but at least the place was warm and dry. Canary did state that this place would probably be the worst of the trip.
The evenings entertainment was taken by up by Jnr and Canary ogling the Saturday night talent that was boisterously passing by in the street below. I�m sure those girls didn�t realise that it was Jnr�s dripping saliva that was hitting them rather than the rain.
Ped' Reading was 13.71 miles and 26845 steps.
Day 2
A self service breakfast to start the day, a bowl of Shreddies. Lovely. A cuppa to wash it all down and then do the washing up. Pack the bag and trudge down all those piggin� stairs to throw it on the bus. But at least it had stopped raining outside.
ITN had set off an hour ahead of the rest of us because he wanting to climb the 1373ft up Dumyat Hill to raise the Highland March flag. We met up later on the road to Sheriff Muir.
Our route out of Stirling took us out towards the Wallace Monument and the B998 road before heading off along an unclassified road to Sheriff Muir. This was another steep climb of about 1100ft causing much puffing and panting which had Mrs G struggling once again. The bus came to the rescue. A view across Stirling would have been nice but the mist got in the way, the ghostly outline of the Wallace Monument could be seen as we left the town behind us.
The desolate outlook of Sheriff Muir was made all the more eerie as the mist clouds came even lower producing some great photographic moments. The road was little used by the motorcar fraternity but an attractive blonde asked us in a 4x4 if we�d like a lift. We explained what we were up to and politely declined the offer.
A breather was taken at the Sheriff Muir Inn but we declined the temptation of booze. It was little early really but at least it was open. We also had our picture taken here by an elderly couple who�d heard about our venture and they had driven out from their home in Dunblane to catch a glimpse of us nutters.
Greenloaning was the destination for our lunchtime stop but we had to wait for the Alanbank Inn to open its doors. It was nice to sit in the sunshine and catch up on the Sunday papers and read all about ICT�s great victory of yesterday.
The pub opened on time and we scoffed away on beef burgers and washed it all down with various varieties of drinks. Ice cold Irn Bru is hard to beat. An ornamental dog was crowned with an ICT cap whilst overseeing our act of ganetry.
Back on the road again and Mrs G re-joins the trail. The afternoon stroll was the most boring of the week in my view. It was all road walking and many of these were featureless and dead straight. Yawn yawn yawn�.the A822 was, in fact, once the old military road. We yawn through Braco and trudge this wretched road all the way to our destination of Crieff. The town itself can be seen from quite a few miles away but, as you walk, it never seems to get any closer.
Crieff is reached shortly after 4.30 p.m. and in enough time to find a pub with a TV so we can watch Scotsport.
Another 22 miles are now on the clock.
Our accommodation for the night is the Braincroft Lodge which is situated just out of town. What a difference this place was to that of Stirling. More stairs to climb though but a least it was only two flights. The bedrooms were all en-suite too, which was very welcome. Dinner was of the fish and chip variety that involved a trip out to Comrie on the bus. Our scoff was taken back to the bunkhouse where the first session of the Really Nasty Horse Racing game got under way to the sound of opening beer cans and the HMII farting quartet. A torrential downpour broke the dry day whilst we tucked in to a well-deserved dinner.
Ped reading was 20.81miles 40738 steps.
Day 3
Shreddies and toast washed down with a brew. A champion start. Another dry day beckons too. Back to Crieff in the bus we go and are dropped off where we finished yesterday then walked out of town along Ferntower Road, which leads directly onto General Wade�s Military Road. This takes us through the grounds of the golf course before picking up the tarmac road at Gilmerton. The smell of the morning air was just what we needed after leaving the bunkhouse!!.
The A822 is our hard faced companion for the next few miles before we shoot off left and pick up the track of General Wade�s Road again. A slight wrong turning ensued shortly afterwards and a yomp across the hills was needed to get back of course. Canary was being closely watched at this point because of the sheep!!.
Ol� Wade�s Rd was re-joined to the sound of squelching boots, the boggy peat and running springs made the going wet and tough. The consensus of opinion here was, if it was good enough for 17th century soldiers then it was good enough for use.
A brief respite was taken once the tarmac was re-joined, taking on water and scoffing some fruit rejuvenated the limbs somewhat.
We take in the scenery of Sma� Glen for a while before going off road again near Corrymucklow. This time it wasn�t so bad, the track remaining mainly dry all the way along.
The glorious weather continues and I can feel the sun on my legs. Good job I�d got the shorts on today � or was it?
Back on the tarmac again and this road is an unclassified single track with very little traffic. Our silent stroll was interrupted when a car went by with a football scarf flapping away in the breeze whilst it hung from a window. We though it was Ger�s fan. However, as we came to a bend it the road there was this guy snapping away with a camera and also a video. This was the infamous Caley Fifer who had driven over from Dunfermline to gather evidence of our stroll for the respective web sites. What a top chap and his support was very welcome.
The weather was starting to take a turn for the worse as the dark clouds gathered. A flash of lightening in the far distance and the rumble of thunder gave an indication as to what was in store. The rain started but we carried on for a while until we started to climb up into the hills once more. We had passed by the support vehicle and the driver, Colin, just asked the simple question �Where do you think you�re going attached to those lightening conductors?� He was, of course, referring to Canary and myself who were using metal trekking poles. We decided to sit out the short storm in the bus for a while.
The climb over the hills was truly breathtaking in more ways than one. From around 1700ft the distant views of Schiehallion and Loch Tay, coupled with the baroness of the moors, were just stunning to say the least. Thunder was rumbling all around us but we seemed to have escaped the worst of it. It was all very atmospheric. At this height you can see why the lightening conductors wouldn�t have been a good idea.
We reached Kenmore at around 4.30 p.m. and headed for the first drinking establishment where Canary�s family members were there to greet us and the drinks flowed. The backs of my legs were feeling a little warm as I supped my pint.
The biggest talking point of this session wasn�t the walk but the high quality state of the gents toilets!!!.
The day was spoilt by the disappointing way in which the Pitlochry Hostel handled our booking. It took 45 minutes to sort things out and made life stressful for Steve who had to make several phone calls to sort out their incompetence. Because of this mess, dinner was taken late in the Taste of India restaurant � again not the best curry house in the world but at least it would make the �dawn chorus� an exciting occasion!!! I hit the sack at around 11 p.m. � my burning legs still smarting from the sun.
Ped reading was 23.84 miles 46654 steps
Day 4
The plan today, after opening all the windows for some fresh air!, was to head up the road to Ballinluig for a full Scottish breakfast at the roadside caf�. We were disappointed to find out that it didn�t open until 8 a.m. which wasn�t much good to us, so, it was back into the bus to head for Aberfeldy. We dropped lucky here, as a local bakers shop was open for freshly cooked bacon sarnies. Excellent.
Breakfast consumed we arrive back at Kenmore and started the days walk heading out of the lovely wee town with the River Tay on our right and the Tay Forest on the left. It�s all on road stuff today but at least they were quiet.
More piggin� climbing again, this time out of Kenmore, I really thought if we�d climb much more we�d end up on the piggin� moon, at one point the GPS gizmo read 1134ft. The peak of the infamous Munro, Schiehallion, was clearly seen and was in our view for much of the day. The weather is gorgeous again which didn�t help with my burning legs, the ICT �cup� flag being draped around my waist in a effort to keep the sun off. The Strath of Appin was quite magnificent but the approach to Tummel Bridge was disappointing. I thought we�d get a good view of Loch Tummel here but the tree�s blocked the view.
We were going to rest up in Tummel Bridge for lunch but there was no suitable establishment so it was decided we�d keep going to Trinafour which was an extra five miles or so away.
I was now beginning to feel the pace of this walk and all this climbing. Canary was well ahead of me and I was now alone. My legs were hardly working, my feet and shins now feeling the strain of the hills. Sunburn on the legs didn�t help either. There was no sign of an end to this morning session. I�m just thankful at this point in time that it wasn�t chucking it down with rain.
The rendezvous was eventually reached but I was greeted with the fact that there wasn�t anywhere here either to take a lunch stop. But, we have the bus, so we headed up the road the Struan Inn. The pub had only recently been taken over by new management and we were his first customers. Poor chap. Our HMII flag was ceremoniously draped over the bar.
These refreshments made all the difference to the limbs and the afternoon stroll over General Wade�s Road to Glen Garry and Dalnacordoch Lodge was a breeze. More piggin� climbing though, when will it end? The scenery was just superb though and well worth the effort. As the A9 main road came into view I knew the day was almost over. As we approached the bus on our final few yards we were ambushed by some mad Scottish walkers armed with blow up swords. It was good to see them again. We are then whisked away to our bunkhouse, which was situated near Laggan Bridge. The Pottery Bunkhouse was then taken over by the HMII army and the standard was raised outside.
Whilst relaxing in the lounge we spotted a lonely walker coming along the road. He came into the bunkhouse looking to stay the night and we struck up a conversation. Turns out he�d walked 27 miles today, from Fort August. He was taking part in the TGO Challenge* where competitors walk from certain points of the West Coast of Scotland to the East Coast. This guy was carrying all his kit and had no support vehicle. This chap was 65 years old. And we thought we were mad. He was certainly a great inspiration to us all.
Dinner was �in house� in the form of pasta and meatballs, all washed down with canned booze and whisky. Out comes the RNHRG and battle commences. This wasn�t the end of the evening though as my day (and almost the week) was spoilt when I had a small mishap. I had clambered over to check my �phone, which was on charge, and on the way back to the table I gave the hearth a hefty clout with my bare foot. The pain was unbelievable and enough to think I�d broken several toes. No ice was available so a towel was soaked in cold water. I really thought my walk was over.
Ped� reading was 20.59 miles40299 steps.
* TGO is a magazine called The Great Outdoors. The challenged is made each year consisting of a maximum of 250 people. More information on this can be found at www.smithwalk.demon.co.uk/about.html
Day 5
After checking the damaged toes from last night�s hearth kicking contest I decided to go for it. This was the day I had really been looking forward to. Weather conditions were perfect and, despite a few aches and pains from the toes and sunburn on the legs it was all systems go. Today was totally off road with not much chance of a rescue mission from our support crew so we all had to be 100% sure that we could do this. Mrs G declined.
Breakfast consisted off more Shreddies, a little bit o� toast and a boiled egg. Jumping on the bus to head back to where we finished yesterday I felt really good, a kind of relief from not having broken my toes.
At Dalnacardoch Lodge we are met by our friend from the Beeb, Pete, who was joining us for a short while to film and interview us as we strolled on.
The dirt track start to the walk through the woods was truly delightful especially when the tree�s give way to stunning views across the Dalnacardoch Forest region. Hills rise up on either side of us as we go out into the wilds. The lonely cottage at Badnambiast is passed with a wondering eye � did folk really live here once?. We ford rivers and crunch the shale as we pick our way towards Gaick Lodge. A slight miscalculation in map reading at Sronphadruig Lodge caused a slight detour and we had to back track due to missing the correct path. We ford another river, this time having to take the boots off, and pick our way along the edge of Loch an Dun on the steep slopes of An Dun. The mirror like reflections of the surrounding scenery was breathtaking. The small path then leads on to a wider dirt track as Loch Bhrodainn comes into view.
The biggest river crossing was across the Allt Gharbh Ghag where the water had spread out into about three separate sections so it�s probably just as well the weather had been kind for the last few days otherwise we may have had a problem. This was the last of the ford�s. Canary and I were left behind here as ITN and Jnr plodded on in search of mobile �phone signals to enable the live radio link up to go ahead with MFR radio. Gaick Lodge is passed by with no one in sight and Loch an t-Seilich lays ahead of us and, once again, the surrounding scenery is reflected in the water. I could stay here forever.
A short break is taken at Tromie Dam as Canary and me tuck into our sarnies, which were made up at the bunkhouse the night before.
It was midway through the afternoon when we saw our first other human being on the walk. As we enter Glen Tromie a lady from Bhran Cottage advises us that our colleagues had passed by about half an hour ago and they�d see us at our destination. It was reassuring to know they were on the right track � as well as us.
Still the sun shone which wasn�t doing my burnt legs much good, more sun cream being applied on a semi regular basis. The track througn Glen Tromie soon becomes hard tarmac and the walk starts to lose a bit of its appeal but the scenery keeps things alive. The River Tromie trickles along by the side of us and it�s interesting to see the foliage debris wrapped around the trees and bushes on the riverbank, a sign of the rivers more turbulent times. Glad we weren�t walking then, we thought. Canary then spotted a young Adder in the road but it scurried away before I could take a photo of it. Never seen one before.
Another walker is then heading towards us, he was a Yorkshireman who was also taking part in the TGO challenge. He was heading for Feshie.
One or two more residential buildings are in sight, which included a dilapidated caravan, which was probably home to the Ross County supporters club, this signals the nearing of our destination at Tromie Bridge and the end of a glorious days walking. We reached here shortly before 4.30 p.m. and were on the bus to Newtonmore for our overnighter at the Hostel.
The hostel was very comfortable and welcoming. Dinner was taken in the pub, whose name escapes me, and we managed to fleece their punters for a few bob including Dr Who (Tom Baker version). He was in town filmed for the BBC�s Monarch of Glen apparently. Real ale�s were on tap here too and dinner was excellent and well priced. A cracking end to a great days walking.
Ped Reading was 19.94 miles 39028 steps.
Day 6
Breakfast today was taken at the Transport Caf� just up the road from the hostel. Very reasonably priced it was too, how we could walk after that God alone knows. We are then ferried back to where we finished yesterday and on the way there we took Ruthven Barracks and raised the HM standard.
We start walking at around 8.15 a.m. along cycle route 7 towards Kincraig. The River Spey sits in the valley to our left as we pass by Insh Marsh�s Nature Reserve. A photo� opportunity was taken at Feshiebridge and another wee snake was spotted shortly afterwards. Most of this part of the walk was surrounded with tree�s and views across the Spey were confined to the odd glimpse. Are approach to Aviemore is blessed with views of the Cairngorms.
We march into Aviemore for a lunch break but not before Canary does a live radio interview with Moray Firth. This was quite amusing as he had never done this kind of thing before and he�d told his colleagues at work in Norwich of his impending debut. They had told him that if he got the word Hippopotamus into the conversion they would bung �10 to the charity. He managed it eight times � pure quality.
The tourists and residents of Aviemore were then fleeced of a few bob as we rolled into town. Our rendezvous was the Winking Owl pub and the HM Standard was clearly displayed in the window. A lunch break was taken here as we awaited the arrival of ITN�s relatives.
It also transpired that Grampian TV were now interested in doing a piece on us and were winging their way down from Inverness. An interview and some filming were done outside the boozer before we set off on the second leg of the day.
This route took us via the Spey Way for a couple of miles before heading back to the main road and then off into Carrbridge.
A team photo� was taken outside the Cairn Hotel before hoping on the bus back to Aviemore for our bunkhouse accommodation. We had walked about 21 miles today, which was around five more than planned. We were attempting to over walk day six and seven to make the last day easier.
The Aviemore bunkhouse was about as welcoming as a fart in a space suit. The dorm was like a prison cell (not that I�ve ever been in one you understand) with its whitewashed, breezeblock walls. The beds were comfy though. We though we had it made though as, next door, was a pub, which was selling real ale and also had a restaurant. What a rip off it all was. It was �2.60 a pint and the meal wouldn�t have filled a cat let alone someone who had been walking all day. When told of my dissatisfaction the proprietor just shrugged his shoulder. I will not be going there again.
I didn�t quite know what to make of today�s walk. It was nice to have ITN�s folks with us but I felt a, kind of, low ebb especially after yesterday�s high. The pub didn�t help matters either.
Ped Reading was 21.52 miles 42118 steps.
Day 7
The penultimate day started with the Shreddies again and some boiled eggs. well, lots of boiled eggs actually as we�d had them for a week in the bus so thought we�d best get rid. We were back in the bus to Carrbridge where the HM standard was raised at the historic bridge. Our route today takes us along the main road towards the A9. The road was quite busy and care had to be taken. Scenery wasn�t up to much as trees surrounded us. It was also the day I made my debut into live radio. A morning slot on the breakfast show was duly taken on MFR. Excellent.
We skirt alongside the A9 for a while following the cycle track (Old A9) and cars and lorries were tooting their horns in support. ITN�s relatives were now heading down to join us from Inverness on the train. We were trying to make it to Slochd summit in time for them to see us from the train but we were a little ahead of schedule. The sighting was made further up.
ITN�s folks joined us later on the walk after Colin picked them up from Carrbridge station. We continue our stroll and head towards Tomatin. A lady, who was from the junior school further up the road, stopped us and said the school children wanted to cheer us on as we went past and asked if we�d mind. As if we�d mind.
The sound of those children applauding took the aches away from all of us. We took a few photo�s with them and had a chat. Our lunch time stop at the Little Chef was soon put to a halt when we were told they were unable to serve any food because the tills weren�t working. Modern technology now prevents you from eating. We then back tracked to the Tomatin Inn and hung around for a while before it opened. Food and drink were consumed before recommencing the walk.
We joined by a reporter and photographer from the Press & Journal who proceeded to find a suitable location for a mug shot. This took some twenty minutes of messing about. The walk finally got underway again in earnest as we strolled along the B9154 (Old A9) through Moy. This tree lined road did not give many scenic views whatsoever and was a long boring stretch of tarmac. I was glad of someone to talk along here.
Destination for the day was Daviot where the bus was awaiting our arrival once again. We had covered about 20 miles today. Looking over at Daviot Wood it suddenly dawned on us that, beyond the hill, lay the city of Inverness - we were almost there. Finishing here also meant we had only about eight miles to do on the last day instead of about eighteen.
Our overnight stop was at Carrbridge and the brilliant bunkhouse. It was like a Wild West log cabin and was absolutely brilliant. I loved that place. Once again, we dined out and headed for the Cairn Hotel down the road. We there in time to see ourselves on BBC Scotland and this caused a few cheers in the pub. Our collection bucket was duly rattled and placed on the bar. A terrific end to the day. (Chris�s attempt to down a pint in one was almost successful until he put more back into the glass than he got out!!!).
Ped Reading was 19.51 miles 38194 steps.
Day 8
A lay over in bed this morning, the first of the week and very welcomed it was too. We had earned the right to have a late start and also a late dawn chorus. This was always going to be a very exciting day as the walk drew to a close and also the big match to see. Breakfast was taken at the Tomatin Little Chef were we met up with Lyndsay for the first time this trip. A full Olympic breakfast was consumed.
We headed up the road back to Daviot at around 9.30 a.m and hung around before the off. Our route this morning was to take us over General Wade�s Road all the way into Inverness. We were then joined by Caley Fifer, who was busy compiling footage for his web site. Laughter and reflection ensued as we waited for battle to commence.
A rendezvous was planned with various folk as we headed into town. The trudge along the path was riddled with ambushes from members of the advanced party. Contact was made with reinforcements ahead in the form of the drummer boys and also there to greet us was, about three miles out of town, Lyndsay, the MFR reporter. Colin was also on hand again with the bus and supplies. From our meeting point the city could be seen and a general sense of achievement came over all of us. Magnificent.
Our entry to the outskirts of town was very noisy as the horns and drums sounded. We were told to call in at Dow�s pub for a beer - we didn�t need telling twice. A strong band of ICT supporters were there to celebrate the occasion.
From here it was just a blur as we strolled along the Old Edinburgh Road into the city centre with our mass following behind us. Many shoppers seemed to be bemused as to what was happening as we proudly walked through. The noise was amazing.
The Innes bar was then about to be taken but we had been beaten to it by the thirsty regular (and not so regular) supporters.
On leaving here we were �piped� to the ground to be greeted by the club chairman and other board members. A champagne reception was held before we were given permission to walk around the pitch to take the applause of the fans. Truly magnificent, I will never forget that. The chants of �Gringo, Gringo, show us yer bum� was particularly amazing !! and the �You�re not English anymore..� chant, always brings a lump to my throat.
The team performed on the pitch too and clinched the title and made this one of the most memorable weeks of my life.
It wasn�t over then though as the evening progressed we attended the supporters club function at the Chieften Hotel where the players received their various awards. The championship trophy arrived too and just about everyone had a picture taken with it. The HMII walkers then had a photo taken with the team.
The evening was finished off back at the Innes where it was rather more peaceful. This gave me time to reflect and I shed a tear at the joy of it all.
Ped Reading was 8.7 miles 17044 steps.
Total Ped� Reading 148.62 miles and 290920 steps.