Glen Finglas ~ Sunday 30/05/10

Fully recovered from yesterday, an early start again for a Sunday as we were on the road by 8.30 a.m. and heading to Glen Finglas at Brig O Turk, not far from Callander. The weather was being kind to us. Dry and warm but not the intense heat of the week before, thankfully! We arrived at Glen Finglas car park at 9.45 a.m. and wasted no time in getting started. Our route for the day, a 15 mile circular trail around Glen Finglas. These type of routes, circular ones, we have found are better than the ones where you walk out to a point and then have to turn and walk back the way you have just come.

This walk began with a walk (climb) through woodland around Lendrick Hill before emerging at the viewpoint where we enjoyed some amazing views. Wow, Scotland sure has the most beautiful scenery. We are very lucky! Continuing on the woodland path we eventually joined with a private road which led us into the heart of the estate. We then headed into Glen Meann on a hill track, which climbs over the back of Meall Cala and reaches a height of approx 1800 feet. The track was undulating, although there were some very steep climbs too. Underfoot the path consisted of rough stones which meant keeping an eye on where we were stepping. Apart from a couple of small groups of walkers it was relatively quiet compared to the Pentlands. Only cows and sheep for company. Michelle, with camera in hand, as always, was keen to photograph our friends, as you will see!!!

At the sign post for Balquhidder, just over 2 hours into our walk, we had a quick 20 minute break for something to eat. It was incredible how quickly we cooled down with the short stop and when the temperature dropped slightly too. Energy levels replenished we continued on our uphill climb. At the trail summit we placed a stone on the cairn and had the obligatory photograph taken as proof!! A fairly steep descent followed and caution was necessary ~ not only to avoid going over an ankle but also to avoid the many 'cow pats'!!

After the descent we stopped at the edge of Glen Finglas Reservoir to refuel. We found a beautiful picnic spot and basked in the warm sunshine. Shame actually that we couldn't linger for longer but as we still had a couple of hours walk ahead of us so we had to forge on! It wasn't too far or long to go before we joined the estate road that brought us to the last stretch of woodland path that led us back through the woods to the car park. It was 4.45 p.m. when we reached the car park and Michelle had the camera out to capture the moment! No time to worry about how we looked and neither of us felt it mattered anyway. It was a good feeling that all our months of training and preparation for the West Highland Way were completed and we're ready to face the challenge ahead of us!

The countdown has definitely begun ~ Sunday, 6th June ~ 9.00 a.m. will see us begin the 96 miles from Milngavie to Fort William. We will post our route on the blog (dates and miles) for those wishing to keep track of where we are each day. We will also be updating the blog, daily, God willing, whilst we are away so please log on to follow our progress.

Steph, in the words of your McFly song, "It's All About You" and with that focus at the forefront of our minds I know we will do it!

R.I.P. My No. 1 Daughter!

The Ochils ~ Saturday 29/05/10

In stark contrast to last Sunday's heatwave, Michelle and I set off on Saturday afternoon in heavy rain to Tillicoultry. Our aim was to climb to the summit of Ben Cleuch, a height of 2,363 feet.

We were well equipped with waterproofs, gloves, hats etc, which were much needed and used as you will see by the photographs! The trail started at the Alva Glen car park and took us through woodland to begin with, which sheltered us slightly from the heavy rain. The steady climb of Craighorn Ridge as we made our way to Ben Cleuch wasn't spoiled by the weather as the rain eased off. The higher we climbed the more wonderful the views were. It was brilliant reaching Ben Cleuch, although it was cold. However, we managed to find some shelter to take a sort break and something to eat. Of course, a photograph at the trig point was a must to prove we had reached our goal!!

This was a 10km circular route, not the distance we have been used to but nonetheless a good training exercise because of the climb. The descent from Ben Cleuch was not as easy as we thought it would be because of the wet conditions. The rain had made it very slippery underfoot and even with walking boots on caution was most definitely required. There were some steep drops so we treaded carefully! We arrived back at the car, injury free, and rewarded ourselves with a light refreshment in "The Woolpack" in Tillicoultry. A lovely pub with good atmosphere where the staff and locals were very friendly and welcoming. We would highly recommend it and it's only a few hundred yards from the car park.

We felt it a good afternoons work which will help us with the terrain ahead of us next week-end!!!

Pentlands 2 ~ 23rd May 2010

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.

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!

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!!!

16.5.10 - Pentlands

Only two weeks to go!! Can't believe how quickly the weeks have flown past. Training has been going well and almost prepared for the "Big Challenge". Steph's Uncle John, has acted as our unofficial and unpaid coach! We've picked up lots of tips and advice from him, which has been great and invaluable. If we put it all into practice then we should have an enjoyable 'West Highland Way' experience!

Last Sunday (16th May) John (Big Brother) took me up into the Pentlands for a training session. Michelle was at a works conference and unable to join us. It was a fantastic training exercise with beautiful scenery and views at the top of Scald Law to compensate for the hard ascent. Approximately an 18 mile, figure of eight route, starting at Bonaly and heading to Capelaw and Glencorse Resevoir.

Our first stop of the day was at Harlaw Visitors Centre for a picnic lunch in beautiful sunshine, as you will see from the photograph. We were joined by a group of students who were, we think, doing part of their Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme. In fact we met quite a few groups of students, throughout the day who were all in great form considering they had been camping overnight in the hills ~ so we had nothing to complain about having just fallen out of our comfy beds!!

After lunch it was onwards and most definitely 'upwards' as John had saved the best climbs until the afternoon!! The views of Edinburgh from Scald Law were fantastic. Extremeley windy at the top though. The proof can be seen from the photograph but worth every minute of the climb.

Michelle needn't feel disappointed about missing out on the "Pentlands Experience" as her and I are going to repeat the whole thing again this Sunday. As John is to be away we're on our own!!John has given me a map and directions so we don't get lost!! Not quite sure that will be suffice to save two damsels from straying off onto the wrong path!!

Will let you know how it goes in our next blog update!!!

09.04.10

It's a year today since Steph passed away and I think I speak for everyone who knew Steph when I say it is still so surreal to think that she has gone from our everyday lives.

Our thoughts are with Steph's family today as they face this extremely difficult day.

R.I.P. Steph - Loved and Remembered every day. xxxx

27.3.10 ~ Training

On Saturday (27.3.10) we decided to concentrate on distance, we left Falkirk around 13:10 and walked up towards Hallglen and Shieldhill where the plan was to proceed down through Brightons and Polmont but in Liz's true style we managed to differ from the planned route. Once we reached Shieldhill we headed up to and past California, taking a route that was unknown to us both, however that's the fun of walking, it was a beautiful day and we have got to get the miles under our belt!

Eventually in the distance we recognised Cockleroy (a hill that looks over Linlithgow) and realised how far out we'd actually walked. We soon arrived at Bowhouse roundabout near Muiravonside and took the road that takes us down through Maddiston but not before stopping for a refuel.

After a wee sandwich etc. we proceeded to walk down through Maddiston, Rumford and Brightons before arriving back in Falkirk where we walked past Callander Park and back to our start/finish point! A total of 14miles in 3hrs 50mins.

West Highland Way Walk in memory of Steph Smith

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this page. My name is Liz Smith and with the help of my work colleague and close friend, Michelle Cuthell, it is our intention to raise awareness of the disease called “Aspergillus” and hopefully raise money into the research of this awful and sometimes fatal disease. We aim to do this by walking “The West Highland Way” from 6th to 10th June, 2010. This is a 96 mile walk starting in Milngavie at Bearsden in Glasgow with the route taking us through Loch Lomond, over Rannoch Moor and finishing in Fort William. Our reason for taking on this challenge is in memory of my daughter Steph who tragically lost her life on 9th April, 2009 due to asthma and aspergillus.

Steph’s ambition, from a little girl, was to become a primary school teacher and she had strived so hard for four years for her B. Ed (Honours) Degree in Primary Teaching at Aberdeen University. A promising career which she was so suited and gifted to. She had been on her final three month placement in her former primary school in Nairn when she became unwell. At first it was thought that her symptoms were purely her asthma, and therefore this was what she was being treated for. However, on Tuesday, 31st. March, 2009, with her breathing causing her much distress, Steph was admitted to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness with a serious asthma attack and within a few days she was diagnosed as suffering from the disease known as ‘aspergillus’. This dreadful disease tragically got a hold of Steph and her immune system was unable to fight it off. The disease had become so aggressive even in that short space of time that it literally invaded her lungs and body, and antibiotics, specifically for this type of fungal infection, were ineffective in treating her.

Aspergillus is an illness, which until it touched our lives in April 2009, was unknown to us. Steph, was a beautiful young woman, in every sense of the word, both inside and out and who at the age of 21 had a tremendous life ahead of her. A vibrant, caring, thoughtful young woman with a zest for life. She was a healthy and active young woman who was an accomplished highland dancer and ballet dancer, being a former member of the Scottish Ballet Junior Associate Scheme and also a member of Ballet West. She was a Young Leader within the Girl Guides working towards her Queens Badge, a former Head Girl of Nairn Academy and as a member of the school’s Samba Band travelled to Latvia and also played clarinet in the Inverness Wind Orchestra. An extremely active young girl where the word “No” was never part of her vocabulary. She had a heart of gold, was so selfless and with her trademark ‘smile’ she was immensely popular among her peers and was everybody’s’ friend. A very mild asthmatic all her life but it was a condition which never hindered her in her activities in her all too short life. Such wonderful times lay ahead for her but tragically, just a couple of months away from graduating, she was struck down with this dreadful disease which cost her her life.

Our lives have changed beyond recognition following Steph’s untimely loss. We truly hope that through our efforts we can spare another person suffering as Steph did, and also save another family from having to go through the pain of losing someone they love to this cruel and distressing illness. A loss which goes beyond measure.

It was a tremendous privilege to be invited to attend a private Graduation Ceremony at Aberdeen University, on 7th July 2009, in Steph's honour,. where we were presented with her degree ~ B. Ed. Aegrotat Primary.