(Due to computer problems, I have been unable to add photographs to this post. However, links to 2 photo albums are given at the end.)
Calderglen Harriers have a number of traditions. One is an annual pilgrimage to complete the West Highland Way, a 96 miles stretch from Milngavie to Fort William, as a relay. This is not a race in the traditional sense since there are no other clubs involved but more a personal challenge for those taking part. In every year except one (details later), the mission has been accomplished. I took part in 2008 while still a member and, over a conversation in the pub after the National Road Relay this year, was persuaded there was enough room for me. I duly signed up.
The general rule is every participant is assigned their own leg but can complete as many other legs as they wish. Therefore, in theory, you could do the whole thing (to my knowledge, on this trip, no-one ever has). However, the leg is completed at the pace of whoever it is assigned to so, if someone accompanied me, they must hold back and wait. A mini bus zooms between changeovers picking up finishers and setting off starters. To get to Fort William in time for dinner, it means an early start so I was up at 3.40am for the mini bus collecting me at 4.10am. After a group photo at Milngavie, we were off.
Russell Couper was entrusted with the first 4 miles from Milngavie to Carbeth, setting off at 5.20am. He handed over to co-proprietor of the Athelite store in Hamilton, Genevieve Freeman, who had myself and David Watt for company for the 3.1 miles to Dumgoyne, my first time in Calderglen colours for 3 years. I did this leg to wake my body up with only partial success. It was already becoming very warm. On completion, I was informed that the yellow and black vertical stripes looked far better on me than “the red and white effort” I’ve been seen wearing in recent times. When I left the club, I did say “never say never.” I can’t be accused of not keeping my word.
The next few miles took in various spots in and around Loch Lomond during which I (briefly) braved a paddle in the loch, failed miserably at skimming stones and took photos of some ducks. The longest leg, 14 miles, was stone skimming specialist Kenny Leinster’s, a considerable short straw in the hot weather being experienced. As we waited for the changeover at a campsite in Inverarnan, I had a second take at waking up my body with a black coffee courtesy of Calderglen coach Alan Derrick and a third take with a can of Red Bull courtesy of the campsite shop. I also took a photo of some sheep.
Some miles later, we reached Crianlarich where, resisting the temptation of a roll and sausage at the train station café, opted to put some more miles in my legs. After all, I was using this as a training exercise. The 6 miles from Crianlarich to Tyndrum were given to Joanne McEvoy who set off with myself and Jim Holmes for company. Jim negotiated the first 2.5 miles then turned off to save himself for his own leg later while I carried on to give Joanne some encouragement plus a drink (I carried a rather luewarm Lucozade Sport with me) incase she needed it (she did). 6 hazardous miles over some very dodgy terrain later, we arrived in Tyndrum much to my relief. Here, I topped up on fluid with a litre bottle of water, slightly frustrated at being held up by a wee lady buying her weekend shopping while I and others stood behind with single items to purchase.
Next stop, Bridge of Orchy where we waited for club President Frances Maxwell to negotiate her leg in, by now, stifling heat. While others waited at the changeover, I had a paddle in the river and continued my photographing of various wildlife, capturing two wee dogs having a paddle. Fond memories of my canicross adventures! When Frances came in, Calderglen’s Grand Prix race series leader George Stewart had a little 2.5 miles stretch up and over a hill when he would hand over to me at Inveroran for my 8.7 mile leg to the Black Cottage. The bus seemed a bit empty as Alan transported me to the start. “Is anyone doing this with me?” I asked. “No” said Alan. “Is it only me?” I enquired to make sure. “Yes” came the reply. This was my leg in 2008. It is very simple. There are no left turns. Those have been the instructions every year since 2007 when Eddie Reid turned left instead of carrying on to Rannoch Moor, detouring towards Oban, signalling the only year the relay was abandoned. With those orders ringing in my ears, receiving the high five from George Stewart, off I went watched by Russell Couper and David Watt having a pint outside the Inveroran Hotel.
Joanne McEvoy kindly provided me with a Lucozade in exchange for the fluid I had provided for her earlier. I drained the bottle before I had reached halfway. The sun was high in the sky as I battled over Rannoch Moor, a wilderness with no shelter whatsoever. The first 5 miles of the leg is more or less a continuous climb then it levels off, climbs again then has a rocky descent to the Black Cottage. I fought away under the burning sun, focussing on no more than taking one step forward then another and another. No wonder no-one came with me! The water I poured over my head and shoulders at the start had evaporated. Reaching the descent was a godsend. I narrowly avoided copping a twisted ankle descending towards the changeover. Otherwise, I negotiated it safely, gratefully handing over to Scott Hill after 55 minutes 14 seconds of gruelling running. I considered just under 6:20 per mile over that course in a heat wave decent going.
Tiredness hit me and the next bit was a blur as I slept to the next changeover where all I remember is being charged £1.50 for a can of Irn Bru. I was severely dehydrated. The later stages saw Alan Derrick run 7 miles to Lundavra, Jim Holmes do 6 miles to within a mile of the finish then most of us, me included having recovered enough, do the last leg (0.8 miles) en masse to the finishing post in Fort William 13 hours 53 minutes after starting. Russell Couper was the early pacesetter. I assured my chasing pack we would get him on the tiny incline which by now passed for a hill and to surge up then run hard off the top. This worked then I, having blown a gasket, fell behind the pack. The 96 miles has been done in 12 hours before but weather conditions were extreme so the time can be excused. 18.6 miles for me over the whole day.
The next challenge was to make the 7.15pm dinner reservation at our accommodation, the Ben Nevis Hotel. I was drinking water like a fish. I and my room mate, Colin Banks, fared well in this race being among the first ready for seating. Dinner then a few refreshments in the hotel bar gave a smooth finish to a great day.
Sunday brought a more sedate pace with a trip on the ferry to Corran Beach for a couple of hours early afternoon. Various activities sprung up and I was tempted into a swimming gala in the rather cold sea. I was up against Kenny Leinster, not so fresh from his 14 miles round Loch Lomond the day before, in my heat (there were 3 heats) with Joanne McEvoy judging. “Winner stays in” declared Alan Derrick. Despite my best efforts to finish 2nd and exit the icy depths, to my horror and despite my protestations to the contrary, Joanne declared me the winner. I lined up for a 3 man final against David Wardrope and George Stewart during which I accidentally dunted George on the head on my way to a convincing defeat by David. Frozen, wet and having swallowed several mouthfuls of sea water, I finally staggered out.
After such hilarity, it was back on the ferry then homeward bound via an ice cream stop at Tyndrum. It had been a fantastic weekend beyond words and a pleasure to enjoy the best Scotland has to offer in great weather in the company of genuinely friendly people. The above only covers a fraction of the laughs experienced. If you were there over the weekend, thank you so much. I had a ball.
A collection of photos, with amusing captions, can be found here courtesy of Alan Derrick, Frances Maxwell and Joanne McEvoy.
My photos, with less amusing captions, can be found here. Thank you to the various roving photographers who took the time and trouble to photograph me throughout the day.
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