30 June 2014 - That's Us Half Way!

Been  a while since I've posted on this blog. Doesn't mean I've not been busy mind!

Tough Mudder was a blast, a thoroughly enjoyable day out with Mike Todd and Kev Brown, we covered the 11.7 miles and 21 obstacles in 3 hour and 35 minutes.

Two days later Susan and I met up with The Bastardos for the West Highland Way. An epic journey indeed.

I can't count the miles covered in the West Highland Way because I never ran them, so here are the totals so far...

Ran so far this year 499.81
To run 500.19

Kinlochleven to Fort William 21 June 2014

Bastardos rule number 96: Always start your last day with the worst hangover of the week!

Oooft, got woken around 7am by Shona who was handing out British Heart Foundation t-shirts for us to wear on this, our last day. 

Room 2 in the Blackwater Hostel, Kinlochleven was hangover central! You wouldn't have thought you'd have been able to dance to Northern Soul at 2am after walking 80 miles eh? But the Bastardos can!

Susan and Kaya had made everyone a packed lunch (much appreciated), this was dished out to everyone along with some fruit, crisps and biscuits.

We went to The Tailrace Inn for a full Scottish (my 6th of the week!) After breakfast we got our stretches done in the car park outside and we were off. Kinlochleven to Fort William, 16 miles. The mood was positive as it has been all week, but it also felt a wee bit bitter-sweet as it was the last day.

A very steep climb out of Kinlochleven took about 40 minutes and the mileage gain wasn't the best. After it levelled out a bit we got our pace on and cracked 6 miles just before 1pm, we stopped and had some lunch at a beautiful part of the Glen. I've lived in Scotland all of my life, but have been moved to tears a few times this week with the stunning scenery that surrounds us. We just have to remember to look up!

Shona has been encouraging all of the group to scatter some of Stevie's ashes at a place of their choosing. I took the opportunity to do this here, such a glorious view and our last lunch together as a group on the hillside is something I'll always remember.

After lunch we still have 10 miles to go, so we're looking at approximately another 5 hours of walking. Johnny B has used the word 'undulating' all week to describe areas of the walk. I hate that word, it means 'wave like', up and down, but there always seems to be more ups! An American lady stopped us and requested a photo of James. James has walked the whole route wearing his kilt every step of the way. Fantastic but not surprising achievement from a great young man.

The walk took us through the 'undulating' countryside, and after about 20 minutes we were passed by the front runner in the West Highland Way Race. Now, think about this, we've been walking all week, this guy completed the whole route in a new course record of 14hrs 20mins 11secs, astonishing!

We stopped a quick chat at a West Highland Way Race aid station and I was delighted to meet John Kynaston. He's a guru when it comes to all things ultrarunning, so it was an absolute pleasure to shake his hand and spend a couple of minutes in his company.

The walk then moved into the forest and the shade was very welcome as the sun was trying it's hardest to break through the clouds. Approaching the highest point we met a group of 5 (should have been 8) people who had stared in Fort William and are doing to West Highland Way in the opposite direction from ourselves, they were two hours in and had lost three of their group already. Hopefully they learned the 'stay together' rule and have a successful week. Did they say two hours? Two hours until the finish!

There's the ruin of a Fort here, it's a 10 minute walk up another hill. As were pondering going up an American couple came down from the Fort and Enzo enquired what it was like and (Cockney accent required for the next wee bit) "let's have a look at yer photas?" 

Bastardos rule number 2: Never use more energy than is required, ever.

Last break to refuel and Kaya chose to scatter some ashes here, very appropriate as we were at marker for the West Highland Way and also in the shadow of the great Ben Nevis mountain. 

It's downhill all the way to Fort William. I feel myself welling up as we enter the town itself. I knew it was gonna happen, but the lump in my throat was making it hard to speak. Sunglasses on.

Pauline, Andrea and Stuart had driven up to meet us at the finish and drive us home. A gesture that will never be forgotten, and which was also very much appreciated.

The finish, overwhelming, I find it hard to think about. 

Every Bastardo present scattered some ashes at the end of the West Highland Way. Shona's Dad had sent over a bottle of Glenfiddich Whisky, which Shona carried all day in her backpack, along with a set of small glasses. Here we stood, 96 miles down the Way, and raised a glass to Stevies memory. 

Bastardo Number 1

Gotta stop now.

Don't know what your plans are today, but change them.

Please consider donating a fiver to one of Shona's chosen charities using the links below.

British Heart Foundation

Perth Autism Support

Kingshouse to Kinlochleven 20 June 2014

After the 'quiet' night in the Hobbit Houses we made our way to the Kingshouse Hotel for breakfast. I had 'The Climbers' which is made up of:

• Bacon
• Link Sausage
• Mushrooms
• Fruit Pudding
• Black Pudding
• Tattie Scone
• Fried Egg
• Toast

Awesome!

We then went out side for our morning stretch and were joined by two young deer, breathtaking how close these fabulous animals came to us without a flinch.

Shona scattered some ashes in the river at the back of Kingshouse, again, to witness moments like this it's hard to explain how your heart swells with pride at the love Steve and Shona shared.

Next stop...Devils Staircase. We had a miles walk to the foot of the Devils Staircase, this was a great loosener for what was to be a difficult climb.

The views from the ascent on Devils Staircase are something to behold. All around are mountains that dwarf you and you can't do anything but be humbled in this environment.

Top of the staircase was very special and we spent some time here taking photos and simply taking in the atmosphere and enjoying the achievement of the climb.

The downhill is a long steep descent into Kinochleven. We spent the night at the Blackwater Hostel. As we were having an early start for the last day, we popped over to the Co-Op for some supplies:

Food = £20

Bevvy = £51

Priorities Sorted!

The craic in the Hostel at night was fantastic, we got talking with some guys who were doing the 'Ten round the Ben' cycle race, others doing the WHW and met up again with the 'Midge Muncher' from the By The Way Hostel!

What happens on the Way stays on the Way, but here's a glimpse:

Vodka

Gin

Red wine

Stella

Northen Soul

Table Dancing

Tops Off (men only!)

BOOM!

If you are able, please consider donating to one of Shona's chosen charities using the links below.

British Heart Foundation

Perth Autism Support

Tyndrum to Kingshouse 19 June 2014

Not the best nights kip at the hostel, we were up and out early from the hostel as were doing19 miles today, our longest of the week. Breakfast was had at the Green Welly Shop and we also got some funny looks as we did our morning stretches in the car park.

Susan scattered some of Lanky's ashes at an area of grass out the front of the Green Welly Shop, he and Shona often stopped here when in the area.

As Johnny B was at home today (returning at night) Jon Baker was tasked with navigation. Steep ascent for about half a mile to start with and we were walking through the glen in beautiful sunshine, but thankfully a bit cooler than the start of the week.

First stop off was to be Bridge of Orchy and we made this in around two and a half hours. We stopped for a cup of tea (tea tastes great out of a flask) and got our WHW passports stamped.

James scattered some ashes in the river here, a lovely moment, it's very special to be here at these times.

Next stop was Inveroran for lunch, so it was up and up and up for around a mile until we reached a cairn where the views were absolutely astonishing. Inveroran Inn was visible in the distance but we were still a half hour walk away.

Once we reached the Inn it was time to break out the Murrays pies Purv delivered and order a pint of Guinness to wash it down.

Rannoch Moor lay between us and Kingshouse, a 12 mile stretch that is on an old Drovers road. Every step was felt as my feet now feel like they are on fire.

We were to look out for Ba Bridge, we never found it, but on reflection think we sat on it, got the map out and tried to locate it! Johnny B will be shaking his heid!

We did a good 5 hours walking in very hot weather before again getting the map out thinking we still had an hour to go and realising we only had 15 minutes and we'd be there! What a feeling that was.

Stayed in the Hobbit Houses at the Glencoe Skiing Centre. Went to the Kingshouse Hotel with Enzo and James to watch Uruguay v England. Johnny B arrived back at half time and kindly gave us a lift back up the road.

Some craic when we got back to the Hobbit House to see the girls. We finished off the gin and had a dance...well, I did!

If you are able, please consider donating to one Shona's chosen charities using the links below.

British Heart Foundation
https://www.justgiving.com/stephenlankyalexander1

Perth Autism Support
https://www.justgiving.com/stephenlankyalexander

Inverarnan to Tyndrum 18 June 2014

After a great nights sleep and a full Scottish breakfast at The Drovers Inn The Bastardos headed off for Crianlarich, before the days final destination of Tyndrum (12 miles in total).

Much better terrain for walking today, land rover tracks underfoot for most of the day. Temperatures hit 23 degrees and for me that really saps the energy. Being away from Loch Lomond the views today were all the mountains and glens, simply stunning.

We arrived in Crianlarich for lunch after around 3 hours. The Rod and Reel pub was the destination for a bite to eat, a pint and some great craic. Many stories were shared and I heard a few new ones about the big fella. Another moment on this trip that's very special.

After lunch Enzo scattered some of Lanky's ashes under a railway bridge in Crianlarich. Lanky always said he hated Crianlarich (Johnny B will explain if ye ask him), so it was only appropriate that we included this in the special locations that will be forever Stevie!

The afternoon walk to Tyndrum saw some fantastic views down through forest tracks and the shelter provided from the trees was very welcome.

We're staying at the By The Way hostel in Tyndrum, and a very welcome sight was Bobby Purves with Murrays pies and bottles of beer! Bobby then took Shona to the chippy to pick up a round of fish suppers.

Ross had left us to return home this morning and was really missed by the group. It has been great to have had his company for a few days, he's a cracking young man.

If you are able to, please leave a donation to Shona's chosen charities, please use the links below.

British Heart Foundation

https://www.justgiving.com/stephenlankyalexander1

Perth Autism Support

https://www.justgiving.com/stephenlankyalexander

Rowardenen to Inverarnan 17 June 2014

Always gonna be a hard day, and not only in the physical sense. A year to the day since Lanky passed away. I can hear him laughing at me wakng up in what felt like the top bunk of a Gautanamo Bay prison cell!

Fantastic full Scottish breakfast with as much coffee as a coffee drinker could handle provided the sustenance required for the first part of the days walk.

The Bastardos numbers were swelled today by Josie and Sean Buchan, and Pauline Baker. Once Kaya had led the troops through their stretches we were off. Thankfully we had a decent bit of cloud cover and got a steady pace going. One of the great things about this week is having the opportunity to spent little bits of time with different people, but also getting time by yourself, and all in the most magnificent scenery you could ever hope for.

First part of the walk today was the 7 miles Rowardenen to Inversnaid where we stopped for lunch and replenished the water bottles. The sun was getting its game on around now and the heat was intense.

The second section was Inversnaid to Inverarnon, also 7 miles. The terrain in this section was very technical underfoot. Mair tree stumps and rocks than ye could shake a stick at! A long (and I mean long) walk down the glen brings you eventually to the Drovers Inn (Est. 1705) which is the quirkiest place I've ever stayed in. Stuffed animals everywhere. There's even a dancing bear to greet you at reception!

Wonderful meal (fish and chips for me) accompanied by a good few pints and it's time for rest in a decent bed in The Gun Room!

I'd been anxious about this date for a while, not knowing how I'd be feeling. It's turned out to be perfect. Walking the route that Lanky had walked years ago, I can feel his presence, and also being with great people, where else would you rather be?

Shona has a couple of Just Giving pages on the go, if your able to, please spare a couple o' quid the big fellas memory.

British Heart Foundation
https://www.justgiving.com/stephenlankyalexander1

Perth Autism Support
https://www.justgiving.com/stephenlankyalexander

Drymen to Rowardenen 16 June 2014

Susan and I arrived in Drymen around 9am. Met up with The Bastardos at The Drymen Inn, dropped off our bags and we were off just before 10am. Gentle wee walk on pavement for a mile before we got into the real deal, beautiful countryside and wonderful weather.
We made our way up the top of Conic Hill. Very special moment as Johnny B explained to us that when he and Lanky did the WHW before they never made it up Conic Hill (Bobby Purves will explain) ...but he made it today. Some of his ashes were scattered at the top and a wee nip of Talisker was raised to his memory.
From Conic Hill we made our way down to Balhama. Short rest break here and we were back on our Way.

Hard shift in the afternoon. A very warm day and I met midges for the first time ever!
Arrived at Rowardenen around 6:30pm and our accommodation was an experience. Bunkhouses...but really it was a portacabin with two bunks made out of very rough 4 by 2s!
Great night in the bar, good music and fierce craic. Day 1 has been a belter.

Day 1 - 16 June 2014

Monday morning alarm goes off at 5:15, quite apt as we're meeting up with friends to walk the West Highland Way in memory of Stephen Alexander who sadly passed away a year ago this week. Gonna be an emotional journey but really looking forward to getting away and spending a week in God's country.

Up an at 'em! Taxi. Train. Taxi. Then we'll meet up with Shona, Kaya, James, Ross, Johnny B and Enzo

InAbootIt