Wild Hearts - Wolf Trek , 8/9 August 2009 Blog
Whitelaw Wells Wanderers
The Wolf Trek is a charity walk in aid of the Wild Hearts, from Forres to the Cairngorms Ski Centre, 45 miles overnight. The following is one team's view of the event.
Preparation
Our team of 13 had trained hard for this, individually and collectively, many times round the Pentland Hills and sundry other locations, all 'miles in the bank' for the big day. Events of this kind need serious preparation, and we had planned for this from February. Equally important, we had fundraised hard as well, through friends, family, business acquaintances, and had also run a series of fun fundraising events like a BBQ, a Curry Night, etc..
We also had to get our team and support, 16 in total, from the central belt to Moray, a logistical challenge which was met by a variety of methods. A group came up by train on the morning of the event, and were well entertained by a raucous but friendly hen party in the same carriage. We wished each other luck.
The team
Whole walk - Corena, David, Hun, Iain and Mark
Relay - Nelson, Sandra, Siobhan (part one); Katrine, Stephen (part two); Joanne, Rishma, Wendy (part three)
Support - Caroline, Mary, Michelle
The start
The whole team assembled at Dallas Dhu distillery, Forres at about 3pm for registration. Last minute checks on equipment were carried out, and after a motivational and inspirational speech from Mike Jackson, the founder of Wild Hearts, 4pm came and we were off.
Part one - Forres to Lochindorb 17 miles.
From the start we followed an old railway track, or the Dava Way, for about 7 miles. At the start everyone has lots of energy and we are swept along at a brisk pace on a wave of enthusiasm. There are markers every 5 miles (although it has to be said by the end each 5 miles felt longer…) We hit the first marker after only 1 hour 20 minutes, which we know is a fast pace. The only problem is that its still a bit crowded, but we chat to the other walkers and compare notes.
We pause for our first break just beyond the first water stop (after 7 miles), but in the confusion lose touch with a couple of our relay team. We had intended doing the whole walk as a team, and we did, but there were periods when we drifted apart for a few miles as well.
We press on, admiring the scenery and reflecting on the almost perfect weather. We pass the 10 mile marker, walk along a road for a bit, then the 15 mile marker, and start anticipating the first checkpoint/changeover. The first part is a solid 17 miles, which although fairly flat is a fair distance, and it is 9.00 pm and getting dark when we roll into the camp at Lochindorb.
Our time was much faster than anticipated, so much so that the support and next relay walkers are a few minutes behind, but we are soon tucking into our pies and filled rolls, much appreciated. Less appreciated were the million midgies sharing the campsite, but we had a variety of interesting headgear and strange ointments keeping them at bay. And we were delighted when Sandra and Siobhan, who had become detached earlier, rolled in just 10 minutes behind us, their stint done. Nelson also put his feet up at this stage, and Katrine and Stephen joined us for their bit.
Part two - Lochindorb to Nethy Bridge 15 miles.
9.40pm and we set off in the gathering gloom, pursued by armies of midges, with our headlights and torches on. We then suffered our only casualty of the event, when Hun had to pull out as his knee seized up. This was always a possibility for any of us, as these distances test the body and no-one is ever quite sure when some bit of the body might malfunction.
It would be nice to describe the glorious scenery as we headed over the hills to Granton on-Spey, but despite the full moon we couldn't really see it. We climbed a few hundred feet between Carn Ruigh and Carn nan Gabhar, it was a bit up and down and rocky. Katrine and Stephen brought new energy, and we kept up a steady pace. A light breeze had chased most of the midgies away, but despite other walkers' lamps in the distance, there was a distinct feeling of being remote and 'in the middle of nowhere'. After a fairly long tiring stint of over 8 miles, we took a break at a water stop and recharged. The next bit was downhill into Granton, and we wandered through the town centre about 1am, cheerily waving at one or two slightly bemused locals as they emerged from the pubs. We paused at the rather grand, and high, bridge over the Spey. We were then on the Speyside way and soon tramping along another disused railway. We suspect the views were still magnificent, but until we do the same route in daylight we'll never know.
At 2.35 am, we rolled into checkpoint 2 at Nethy Bridge, a converted station with warmth, soup and coffee waiting. Again, our pace had surprised the support team, but they soon joined us with more supplies. Katrine and Stephen also got to take some well-earned rest, and were replaced by Joanne, Rishma and Wendy.
Part three - Nethy Bridge to Cairngorms Ski Centre 13 miles
With creaking legs and aching feet, we set off again at 3am. Once again, with a burst of new energy, we set off at a brisk pace, but those who have been on the road for 11 hours are beginning to feel the strain. We are now ploughing through Nethy Forest, and after a few miles we note the 35 mile marker. We have a quick stop at the next water stop a mile later, and set off again.
Over the next few miles we separate, as Iain keeps pace with the relay squad and the rest of us (older ones?) drift off a bit at the back. After what seems a long time, we emerge from the forest, pass a strangely coloured loch, and finally see the 40 mile marker. We agree that has to be the longest 5 miles…
Less than 2 miles later, we are reunited with the relay team, although Iain has pushed on. There is a rest stop at Glenmore Lodge with 3.5 miles to go, but Iain felt that too much rest and he would seize up, so on he went. It should be noted he romped home shortly afterwards - well done Iain.
Us lesser mortals had a coffee and rest, then got our aching limbs into gear for one last heave. Joanne. Rishma and Wendy then operated a 'buddy' system, with the intention on providing the moral support and pace to get us over that line. We were aware the last 1.5 miles was a 1,000 feet climb, which none of us were particularly looking forward to at that stage. However, we found that having prepared for the worst, the reality wasn't as fearsome as we thought, and were almost surprised when we turned a corner and the end was in sight. So at 7.30am, the 6 of us united and crossed the line together. Relief and celebrations.
The aftermath
After collecting our medals (pretty well-deserved we thought), we then had to climb another 200 yards to the Café, and were reunited with Iain and then the rest of the team. Lots of pictures, congratulations, hugs and handshakes.
And then it was return to base, food, showers and eventually back home.
Thanks
We have to thank all those who organised the Wolf trek, and all our sponsors, the funds are for a good cause.
We have to thank the unsung heroes of the support team who gave up their weekend to run about after us, providing us with food and moral support when required. We, the whole walkers, have to thank the relay squads, they were a big help. And we, the whole walkers, can thank each other, when you spend over 15 hours in someone's company walking an epic 45 miles, you need to get on and we did!