Made it to Glasgow

All made it to Glasgow last night in one piece and met up with an Italian who is joining them on their journey. This morning they'll have set off walking, good luck!

And they're off!!

The full group assembled before they head off to Glasgow, starting tomorrow on The West Highland Way.

Three sleeps to go!

Well the excitement is mounting! Bags are getting packed - or at least various items of clothing getting looked out and strewn about the house in little piles. The midge nets have been unearthed and given an air and the boots waterproofed. What more do we need? Suntan cream? That might just be a bit optimistic going by the forecast but they have been known to get it wrong. Flapjack has been baked - only problem might not be much left by the time it reaches the car so maybe have to replenish supplies tomorrow. The sponsorship has been rolling in fast so a huge thank you to all our supporters. Hopefully we might be able to get online and give you a wee update on our progress as we go along, modern technology and energy permitting. If not there will definitely be plenty of tales to recall once we are back. So wish us luck and if anyone wants to be at Fort William a week on Sunday to hopefully welcome us, or join us on any of the days, you would be most welcome.

Help!

Sorry, last update got cut short very suddenly because there was an sos to go the clipping shed with midge repellent! There were swarms, torturing a captive meal of two shearers who couldn't escape. So, we will see if jungle formula, avon so soft, or the little blighters win. Got a horrible feeling that I know who is going to be the victor in this battle. Can someone please tell us it will not be as bad as this in two weeks time! If there is a record for the fastest walk of the WHW we could very well be challengers to beat it. Roll on sunshine, wind, garlic, sweaty socks.... whatever it takes to keep them at bay.

How many sleeps to go?

Hi everyone, sorry been a bit quiet on the blog front. Think everyone has been very busy, doing own thing this past week. But, preparations seem well in hand and the order is in for the magic midge repellent that will keep us nice and soft. Wonder if Avon sponsor people..... Plan is to do the Three Brethern walk again next weekend for those who are available. The sponsorship just keeps on rolling in thank you all very much.

The hat!

Been a query, someone wondering if Pat's hat was with us yesterday. Certainly was even made an appearance out of the mist!

There was even another head with us too!

And Donald explaining how big it was!

Halterburn walk

Well with only three weeks to go we had a cracking circular walk in the Halterburn area near Kirk Yetholm today. It was pretty wet underfoot, the mist continually encased us with one minute the views breathtaking and the next completely out of sight. Despite this however, it was a fantastic walk and showed off the rolling Border hills in all their moods. High up on the Penine Way we even managed to have one foot over the line into England for a photo shoot! We were joined today by Julia's friend Hilary and hopefully we have another addition to any future trips into the hills. Somehow, the weather didn't really matter today as the climbs were gradual and often hidden out of sight until we were almost upon them but once on top well worth the effort. The views were spectacular and between the blankets of mist you could see for miles and miles. We didn't go quite as far as the Schil but thought that would keep for another trip. Instead after ascending White Law we climbed up over Latchly Hill, and then Wild Goose Hill where there was a huge cheer when reception clicked in and we discovered Andy Murray had won the first set at Wimbledon. Then the final hill Sunnyside awaited us before the amble back down to the cars. We encountered several walkers completing the Penine Way but unlike them we didn't get a free half pint in the hotel in Kirk Yetholm. Of course we only looked in to see how the tennis was getting on after we had finished. A great day out in beautiful grassy countryside lots of laughs along the way and even a cherry stone spitting competition thrown in.No guessing which photo that is! Maybe in a few years time there will be some cherry trees dotted  about the hillside. Great patchwork of little shelterbelts already scattered about the landscape. Well not sure if there is another group walk before the WHW but it is all getting very close. But, one thing is for sure we will definitely be returning to the Yetholm Hills for another walk in the future.

Pics from Halterburn walk

Three weeks to go!

Right now I'm not sure what month of the year it is! It is howling a gale, absolutely chucking it down outside, and you can't see any distance down the valley for rain and mist. Summer - you really must be joking! And just to test the sanity Ronnie is planning a walk near Halterbun in the Yethom area on Sunday, high up on the Penine Way to the Schil. The trouble is there is no turning back now, the sponsorship is amazing and we are just a drookin' away from the £2,000 mark. I suppose it might be an easier option than watching the Wimbledon Tennis Final. Well done Andy Murray. Wonder what the reception on these fancy phones is like up in the Yetholm Hills. By the way it seems that Pat's hat has some competition on the mascot front as her wee dog Talla is bringing in the money for us. Well done Talla, maybe Paul will be suggesting we take a canoe with us if this weather continues! Thanks for all the support and hopefully the camera will be waterproof on Sunday. CT