Sue and Martin in Mallorca 2019

Sue and Martin in Mallorca 2019
On the Archduke's Path in Mallorca

Tuesday 19 January 2010

TGO Challenge 2010 – A Route is Born

Ice crystals on the Bridgewater Canal - near Timperley - 7 January 2010
Late last night I finally pressed the ‘send’ button, delivering my route across Scotland in the last two weeks of May to be vetted.

It’s a low level route – 320 km (200 miles) with about 8600 metres of ascent and absolutely no summits.  There are numerous opportunities for ‘refreshments’.

Just in case my feet are ‘itchy’ around that time, I’ve provided my vetter with some ‘FWAs’ – Fine Weather Alternatives.  In the unlikely event of having the weather and the energy, these alternatives involve an additional 8600 metres ascent, and bring my Munro count for the journey to …

…zero!

So, for double the ascent and an extra 30 km (19 miles), I can still contrive to stay below the 3000 ft snowline.  So no crampons will be needed?

I do hope to get up a few minor summits, though.

Here’s the route:

Lochailort > Glenfinnan > Corran > Corrour > Killicrankie > Glenshee > Clova > Tarfside > North Water Bridge > a sand dune near Montrose.

It’s rumoured that the Corran ferry won’t be running, so a completely new route may be necessary!

I don’t expect to see anything like the above ice crystals, now a distant memory, as the Bridgewater Canal, whilst still having a covering of ice, is now defaced by a rather unsightly layer of debris.

6 comments:

Louise said...

You've spurred me on to get mine down onto the route sheet. Even if I don't use it this year, it'll be ready to copy across to next!

Almost positive thinking...

Alan Sloman said...

What! No Braemar? But it is possible you are visiting Stan & Bills from Glenshee?

Word = "Glyco" - Quite appropriate with recent conditions

Phreerunner said...

Hello Sugars
I will have to stash my route for another year if the Corran ferry isn't working. And my route does go through numerous 'fleshpots', but not Braemar or Callater; I will be in Clova and Tarfside, etc to rehydrate after what could be quite an energetic crossing despite its failure to reach 3000 feet.

Paul said...

Hmmm, you've spurred me on to think that maybe I should have a crack at this thing some time...

What gives with the ferry? Is it out of service for maintenance or something? It was certainly going strong this time last year, as the sirens on the darn thing were waking me up every morning for a week...

Anyway, it's not that far to swim is it? :-)

Phreerunner said...

You should try it Paul, but beware, it's addictive and may result in future conflicts if you have a limited holiday budget (in terms of days). I have found it to be a wonderful thing to do in retirement - it tones the muscles nicely for 'Summer in the Alps'!
It's very sociable as well - you should meet up with Alan Sloman sometime - he's one of many seasoned campaigners in your part of the world.

Phreerunner said...

PS Apparently the slipways may be closed for repairs. And whilst I'm not averse to wading the occasional creek I wouldn't want to risk finishing up in Oban. Maybe I could use a life raft like the one on tonight's One Show?