Outdoors with Karolina

When I woke up, my tent was still standing. It worked, good heavens- it worked! Maybe the tent has lost a little bit of its shape, but it was standing. My challenge has been saved, I could carry on knowing I will be having the roof (or piece of fabric) above my head. Coffee tasted heavenly that morning. Osprey just flew above the river. Never seen one before. There was magic in the air. Even the slight drizzle couldn’t spoil it.

I have changed my plans the day before. I was still headed for Kingussie but decided to take a little detour to Newtonmore to see the Challenge Control- actual people behind the challenge. I have met Sue and Ali on my previous TGO, this year they have also been joined by Gayle and Mick. What does Challenge Control actually do? Those are the people who make sure your crossing is as safe as possible- keeping track of people’s progress (you call or text every few days to let them know if everything is going according to the plan) but also work all year round- organising the event, taking the applications, managing the whole process. And they are lovely too! Hats off to you guys, for giving us the opportunity to participate in such a great event!

Anyway, adding few miles to my route just for a cup of tea and a little chat in Newtonmore, I set off early. Somehow my planned easy day, became the long day again. Quick uphill and I came across my first obstacle. Took my boots and socks off and crossed the stream- cold water wakes you up quicker than a coffee, I can tell you that! From there track took me alongside the Elrick Burn up to 650m and then I couldn’t follow the track anymore. Next two and half miles were basically bog hopping, no chance for dry feet. But again, it was easier to follow than I thought it would be. I was just following the little stream as the whole landscape looked all the same.

And then I saw them. Cairngorms. With a little bit of snow still left after the winter. I smiled. Few years ago, when I started exploring Scotland, I was always headed to the west coast, ignoring Cairngorms. In my mind, they were just rolling hills, only a little bit bigger. Oh, how wrong was I! Cairngorms quickly became one of my favourite places in Scotland (it’s the biggest national park in UK too- there is so much to explore there!). Cairngorms, I could see them again!

And as if seeing Cairngorms was the sign, I have reached the track again. Oh, what a wonderful feeling! Even seen a hiker who told me I was the first challenger hes seen that day and reassured me it’s not far to Newtonmore from there. Thank you, not sure how much more my blistered feet could take.

As soon as I reached Newtonmore Hostel I’ve seen a familiar face. It was Andy from Ultralight OutdoorGear (they are not paying me- but if you need ANY hiking gear, give them a go, I can’t recommend enough!) who I’ve met the year before. Soon I was having my cup of tea laughing away with Andy and newly met Jackie and Brian. Turned out we were all following the same route for next few days, brilliant! Soon we got joined by Ali from Challenge Control. How weird it is that being around people who you only met once, year before, can feel like a little family reunion!

Kingussie is not far from Newtonmore. Three and half miles. It took me an hour and a half walking on a pavement. I even needed a stop, sat on a bench and gave myself a little pep talk. My feet were in bits, every step painful. I couldn’t take anymore. I’ve added 10km to my day just to stop for that cup of tea. No regrets. Slowly, step after step, mind over matter, I made it to Kingussie. Luxury. Room. Bed. Bath. Chinese takeaway. I made it.

Route taken: Dalbeg- Elrick Burn- Unnamed Bog- River Dulnain- Meall Unaig- Allt Mor- Loch Gynack- Newtonmore- Kingussie (30.5km)