I began training for the West Highland Way in January and have been building up my distances over the last few months. Today I decided, after a couple of false starts over the last couple of weeks, to walk from Banchory to Duthie Park along the Deeside Way. I had it in my mind that it was 17 km and would be a good distance to achieve, beating my previous record of just under 15km.
The Wing Commander dropped me at the entrance to the path in Banchory and Rousay and I set off on a warm but slightly misty day. The first part, to Milton of Crathes, is a lovely walk with views over the river. It wasn't busy but we were able to stop and speak to other dog walkers and pass the time of day before continuing on our way. Rousay was excited to have new 'sniffs' and she certainly inhaled them all!
After a brief 'comfort stop' at Milton of Crathes where a nesting robin gave Rousay a piece of its mind (I don't know why, maybe just existing in the same general space as it. Robins are like that) we continued on our way. This is where the path is incomplete and it involves short walks along the side of the busy Aberdeen-Banchory road but we were doing well, Rousay was behaving very well and I was enjoying listening to my special playlist. After walking 10km I decided to stop for a spot of lunch - ham and tomato sandwiches (shared with Rousay).
I was beginning to get a little concerned that I was still not in sight of Aberdeen but I thought I couldn't be too far away and the countryside was lovely despite a falling mistiness. Staring off again after our break I realised we were coming in to Drumoak where we had to leave the path again to walk through the village. At this point I realised I was still nowhere near the city and had seriously underestimated the distance! My expected 17km was looking more like 17 MILES. I am such a dimwit!
Half the difficulty with walking - or any challenge really - is remaining positive and confident. Both quickly left at this stage just as the walking became more difficult. The terrain itself isn't particularly challenging but there is a long stretch of the walk at this stage where the path becomes a road. It is quiet and there is not a lot of traffic but it meant I had to put Rousay on the lead (there were also fields of sheep that I didn't want her getting too interested in). All I could think about was what an idiot I was for underestimating the walk and how sore my feet were becoming. Each step became a chore.
Rousay is good on the lead but is not particularly happy. She prefers to run free and take time to sniff. Mind you she wasn't too bothered about the sheep. She gave them a cursory glance but carried on without too much bother. She doesn't like traffic though and immediately lies down on the verge if a vehicle approaches. I just wanted to put one foot in front of the other and keep moving. Not a good partnership at this point!
When we finally got back on the path I felt so defeated. I was still only approaching the outskirts of the city and I knew I had at least 2-3 hours to go to my stated destination. As if that wasn't enough, my phone was rapidly losing life. I decided to throw the towel in and call home for an emergency 'airlift'. I stumbled on to Culter where I was able to send one last text to my rescuer giving coordinates before the phone, like its owner, gave up the pretence of existing.
I managed 18.6km but this walk really drove home the importance of being prepared and staying positive. Walking is better done with more than one person - one of the drawbacks of training alone. Ultimately, I hope this experience has helped prepare me better for the challenge ahead but right now I need some sympathy and wine. I need wine most of all. But send sympathy too. And if you specialise in foot rubs and happen to be passing my door, please come in. And please remember to drop some dosh on my fundraising page. It is for a great cause. https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/jennygrieve-laing1
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