The Cateran Yomp takes place later this month, to raise money for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity and the Prince’s Youth Business Trust. Garry Fraser, one of those who took part last year, tells competitors what they can expect to enounter.
Fifty-odd miles in 24 hours? A dawdle, you might think. Over a flat terrain you would be right, but over the undulating Cateran Trail, which takes in some of Perthshire’s finest scenery, the dawdle could easily turn into a drudge.
A year ago, it was without any regard for impending difficulties that Team Scots Magazine me, David Webster and Derek Ralston set off on the inaugural Cateran Yomp.
Training had consisted, personally, of walking to and from work each day (10 miles) and the three of us walked Dundee’s Green Circular route a couple of weeks before the big day. We were confident we could make it, knowing that if one pulled out, the others had to forfeit their place. Them’s the rules.
At this point I must say that the support received throughout the trek was absolutely superb, with hot food and drink available at the main staging posts, and snacks and beverages sprinkled liberally along the route. There was also the chance of a welcome massage or physiotherapy, services which I found indispensible.
From Blairgowrie to Kirkmichael, the walk was pretty straightforward, but then came the first real climb, over to Glenshee. I had done this stage many times on its own, but I really felt the pace this time. By the time I got to Spittal, a dicky knee called out for some treatment, administered by a cheery physio. That eased the discomfort and gave me the necessary get-up-and-go for the next leg, a tortuous hike over to Glenisla.The Courier is entering its own team in this year’s gold event. If you wish to support us, please visit fundraising.soldierscharity.org/thecourierBy the time I got to Loch Beanie, a hard cross-country slog, I wasn’t very good company, despite the ever-attentive catering corps serving up some delicious camembert and biccies. The get-up-and-go had got up and gone. After a change of footwear at the next service station, plus some food and energy drinks, I was in a better mood and ready for the few miles through Auchintaple to the Kirkton of Glenisla.
When we got there, tired and foot-weary, the last thing on my mind was food and the fact a friend was waiting at his caravan along the road with cool beer and hot burgers was totally forgotten (Sorry again, Doug!). The massage and physio treatment at this stage took a wee bit longer than the first one, as I reeled off a list of aches and pains.
By now it was getting dark and the next few miles were make-or-break and it was very nearly break. I don’t know how many of you have walked the road from Glenisla to Wester Derry, but it is long, straight and uphill. More than once I thought about jacking it in, but I had my team to think of.
This was the worst part of the yomp for me, as I trudged a good 20 yards behind them muttering under my breath. However, I managed to shake off the lethargy and we reached New Bamff in the dark, head torches the order of the day, with our route illuminated by little fluorescent markers that hung from trees.
Bamff was beefburger territory, but I think we ate for the sake of eating. Still, it was comforting to meet others in the same state of exhaustion as ourselves.
The next few miles were up and over the Hill of Alyth, through the Den and up another long, unending hill to Drimmie Wood.
My spirits weren’t exactly soaring, but I was in a more amiable mood, knowing it was all downhill to the finish. And so, 21 hours and 51 minutes after we set out, we finished the yomp where a good hot breakfast and shower were followed by almost instant ZZZZZ!
When the dust settled we finished 39th as a team and 50th, 51st and 52nd individually.
I am certainly glad I did it, and the fact the three of us raised over £2,000 for the Soldiers’ Charity made the blisters, the sore knees and the mental torture very much worth it.For more on this year’s yomp, visit www.soldierscharity.org/yomp