Well, there was no escape for Michelle as she and I arrived at Bonaly for a re-run of my previous week's trek in the Pentlands. We had picked the hottest day of the year, so far, to put ourselves through our paces over the same course I had done the previous week with my brother, John.We arrived at Bonaly at 9.30 a.m. and were eager to get started. The sooner we got started, the sooner we'd be finished!! Michelle had no idea what lay ahead of her!!!
Detailed instructions of the route in hand, courtesy of John, we made our way up the first incline. Even that first part of the climb was hard work as the temperature began to rise. Uphill and out into the open hills where there was no escaping the sun as we headed over Capelaw. I was impressed that we managed to find our way to Castlelaw Farm, next to the M.O.D. shooting range, without getting lost!! John's directions were proving 'foolproof'! Obviously he knows me well!!! Enroute we met quite a number of students, in groups, taking part in a Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme overnight camping excercise. With teachers strategically placed throughout the Pentlands, this ensured they would come to no harm. 
Our first stop was at Harlaw Visitor Centre for lunch and a most welcome break. We quickly chose a vacant bench in the shade to avoid the heat from the sun. Michelle and I were wearing our "Steph" T-Shirts and this encouraged a conversation with two teachers (who were patiently waiting for a group of their students to arrive) about the West Highland Way. They had completed the 96 mile walk on two previous occasions. It was encouraging talking to them and finding out things to avoid, whilst gaining some useful tips too.
Our first stop was at Harlaw Visitor Centre for lunch and a most welcome break. We quickly chose a vacant bench in the shade to avoid the heat from the sun. Michelle and I were wearing our "Steph" T-Shirts and this encouraged a conversation with two teachers (who were patiently waiting for a group of their students to arrive) about the West Highland Way. They had completed the 96 mile walk on two previous occasions. It was encouraging talking to them and finding out things to avoid, whilst gaining some useful tips too.If they're reading this page, Thank You!!!
After lunch, and also smothering ourselves in suntan lotion, we were on our way again towards Nine Mile Burn Path and headed up the ridge leading to West Kip, East Kip and Scald Law. I 
hadn't enlightened Michelle to the climb that was ahead of us as I didn't want to spoil the surprise!!! Actually, I didn't want to put her off as the sun was relentless and beating down which was energy sapping. Plenty fluids was the secret and Michelle never once asked for a "Blue WKD or Pimms"!! At the summit of Scald Law the views were every bit as spectacular as before, except this time the wind was much calmer and warmer than it had been the previous week. If it was that warm at the top of Scald Law then we knew those running in the Edinburgh Marathon were having a tough run! 
hadn't enlightened Michelle to the climb that was ahead of us as I didn't want to spoil the surprise!!! Actually, I didn't want to put her off as the sun was relentless and beating down which was energy sapping. Plenty fluids was the secret and Michelle never once asked for a "Blue WKD or Pimms"!! At the summit of Scald Law the views were every bit as spectacular as before, except this time the wind was much calmer and warmer than it had been the previous week. If it was that warm at the top of Scald Law then we knew those running in the Edinburgh Marathon were having a tough run! 
We then headed down towards the road where we 'refueled' beside the house and burn at the bottom of the hill. It was great to sit in the shade of a tree, although we didn't want to sit for too long and stiffen up.
The next part of the walk was on road for about 2 miles before we branched off to go back over the hill back to Bonaly and our starting point. Our chauffeur for the day, Arthur, kindly headed in to meet us with extra water, which was greatly appreciated. It was a 'feel good' factor on the descent down to the carpark where we arrived back at the car at 5.30 p.m. A long day, in extremely hot conditions, and fair to say we were exhausted. However, we felt a great sense of achievement completing the course without going off track. Albeit John had given us step by step directions but two females, on their own, neither of whom can map read, I think we did well!!
Next week-end will see our last long training sessions on Saturday afternoon and Sunday as final preparation for June 6th. If we're not prepared by then, we never will be!!! Final countdown ~ both scarey and exciting at the same time!!!
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