What did you get up to at the weekend? If you’re poring over the photographs and results list in this special supplement, chances are you went for a very long hike with hundreds of like-minded souls, across a bit of the world where the scenery never stops, all in the name of charity. If not, I urge you to give it a try next year. This year also saw the introduction of the Third Sector Bond Places Places enabling charities to offer the Challenge as part of their own fundraising drive.
The Caledonian Challenge pits teams of friends and colleagues against 54 miles of unforgiving Highland terrain, the unpredictable Highland climate and swarms of unrelenting Highland midgies. Some take it Very Seriously Indeed, others less so.
Distance-wise, it’s the equivalent of a canal-side stroll from Edinburgh city centre to Glasgow city centre. Unlike a trek along the towpath, however, it’s not flat and, to anyone who has done the bulk of their training on smooth towpaths, sections of the route that resemble rock-strewn river beds come as a bit of a shock. Oh, and you have just 24 hours to complete your mission.
Your secret weapons are frequent changes of socks, plenty of snacks and drinks, midgie repellent and a catalogue of jokes and songs with which to take your mind off the miles. Your best friends are your team-mates, your support crew waiting with hot meals, bandages and blister plasters, and – fingers crossed - favourable weather.
This year marked the 20th anniversary of the Caledonian Challenge, and there is something of a party atmosphere as participants line up for the start at Gairlochy - ten miles north of Fort William. The flag drops, and a brisk stroll along the banks of the Caledonian Canal brings walkers to Fort William and the first checkpoint in the shadow of Ben Nevis. Britain’s highest mountain is not part of the route, but Challengers will complete the equivalent of two and a half ascents of it in the hours to come.
The climbing starts immediately after leaving the checkpoint in Glen Nevis, as Stage 2 of the Caledonian Challenge joins the route of the West Highland Way to Kinlochleven. No pausing to catch your breath, though, or myriad midgies will feast on your flesh.
From Kinlochleven, stage 3 of the route zig-zags from sea level to the 550m summit of the Devil’s Staircase. Beelzebub really needs to have a word with his stonemason, as the rough and rocky descent towards Kingshouse punishes the knees, but the breathtaking view of Buachaille Etive Mor, and the realisation that it's mostly downhill from here to the finish some 27 miles away, makes the effort worthwhile.
Next stop, Glencoe ski centre for refreshments, painkillers and another change of socks.
Darkness falls as walkers follow Stage 4 of the trail across Rannoch Moor towards Inveroran on the shores of Loch Tulla. I say darkness but, this far north, at this time of year, it never really gets properly dark. Still, head torches are needed to pick out rocks that, unseen, will sprain an ankle or do serious damage to already tender toes.
Crossing the A82 at Bridge of Orchy, where the throng of Highland-bound tourist traffic is noticeable by its absence this side of midnight, the next incentive to push on is the feed station just six miles from the finish, and the hot soup that awaits.
Descending into Tyndrum in the early-morning light, fatigue gives way to thoughts of completing this epic adventure, and the pace picks up for a final flourish to the finish. You've done it. High-fives and medals all round, followed by a couple of hours’ kip in a marquee full of flaked-out hikers.
Walkers wake in high spirits, some with feet that no longer support their weight. Before long, the pain will subside and the blisters will be gone, but the memories will last a lifetime.Happy 20th birthday to the Caledonian Challenge, and three cheers for everyone brave, or daft, enough to take part.
ABOUT THE CALEDONIAN CHALLENGE:
The Caledonian Challenge was the brainchild of Angus MacDonald and Alex Blyth who, after running the London Marathon in 1996 dressed in kilts, were inspired to think up their own feat of endurance.
The 1997 Caledonian Challenge saw participants tackle 30 Munros in four days. Only two people completed the course.
The format of the event changed in 1998, when 51 people tackled 61 miles of the West Highland Way from Fort William to Inversnaid on the banks of Loch Lomond. Since then, the start and finish points have been moved to create a 54-mile course. More than 18,000 people have taken part, raising over £14 million for charity.
A separate challenge, the Caledonian Challenge THE24, sees walkers complete 24 miles of the Caledonian Challenge course, from Glen Nevis to Glencoe, in a target time of 12 hours.
Caledonian Challenge 10-11 June 2017. For more information www.caledonianchallenge.com
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