eleven down, 271 to go!

Well well well! I did not expect to be writing that title in January. I had really written off the winter for Munro bagging, as I don't have the kit and I don't have the confidence. Schiehallion last year was a real treat but I realised after our failed attempt on Meall nan Tarmachan a few weeks later that bagging in the snow is a totally different ballgame.

When a winter skills course appeared on a deal website, I hesitated for just a short time before buying it and not giving myself a choice but to go ahead and just DO IT. I wanted to know whether winter-bagging was for me or not.

I booked a place on Glentrek's Winter Walking Expedition for the 26th of January. At the time I booked it, there wasn't much snow in the north. That was soon to change...

The snow came again last week, with the Borders and Aberdeenshire being hit really hard. Us in our Edinburgh bubble weren't really affected. The snow fell but it certainly didn't lie. The tragic events that have taken place in the mountains in recent weeks added to the uncertainty as the 26th got closer. I wasn't sure whether the course would even go ahead. Having received a call on Thursday to say it was in doubt, I was torn between wanting to go and not wanting to risk going. However, on Friday I heard the day was going ahead...and now it was just a matter of getting there.

Stage one was getting to Kinross on Friday evening to stay with my outlaws. There were some almost hairy moments on the M90 with visibility low but it actually proved more difficult getting into Dave's parent's road and drive - I had no idea there had been so much snow up there! I was relieved to get there of course but perhaps even more nervous about what the A93 would bring.

Stage two - which began before 7am on Saturday morning with the sheer effort of getting out of bed - was getting from Kinross to the Spittal of Glenshee Hotel. By the time I'd got my gear on, my lovely boyfriend had already started my car, filled my flask and packed my rolls into my backpack. All I had to do now was to get myself up the road.

Things started to get more challenging shortly after Scone. I knew this would be the case, and I was reassured by the other cars ahead of me and behind me, but I was still really anxious about the drive. I haven't driven in wintery conditions since my days driving a Rabbies bus through the winter of 2010/11 and that wasn't an experience I wanted to repeat in a hurry! This was the first time I'd ever driven up the A93 and now (with the benefit of hindsight a day later) I'm itching to do it again in slightly better conditions. When I did get the chance to look out of the window, the sights were absolutely beautiful. The golden sun rose above the snow topped mountains as I drove down white avenues of trees. It was sublime.

One of the worst moments had to be on the uphill section of road just after Blairgowrie. By that point I was number 5 in a line of around 15 cars when 2 cars in front - at different times - decided to stop on the climb to let others past. We were forced into the southbound lane - which was totally covered in snow - to dodge them. I was skidding all over the place and not a happy bunny at the folk who stopped. Worst place to do it!

Eventually I was within a couple of miles of Glenshee, I was making good time when - everything stopped. The snow gates were still closed up ahead, and there was a long line of traffic. The only benefit was that this was my view from where I was stopped:

I was there for about half an hour before we moved again. Thankfully the others on the course were in the same line of traffic, and we all arrived around the same time. Having dropped my guard at the relief of seeing the S of G Hotel I very nearly overshot the entrance and got myself stuck. Thankfully my wee car managed to skid its way in to the carpark and I breathed a massive sigh of relief. I met Mike and Paul from Glentrek and collected my ice axe (scary), crampons, winter boots and helmet. We then made our way up to the ski centre carpark at Glenshee. I was very happy to leave my car at the hotel and accept a lift in a 4x4! It was a stunning drive up and I was amazed by the number of skiing/snowboarding folk heading the same way.

Carn Aosda in the distance

The group (8 in total) got the kit on and we started walking towards the ski centre.


I felt like I was in another world. Not only was it my first trip to Glenshee but also my first insight into the world of skiing - it looked like a lot of fun!

We picked our way through the skiers and began climbing. Mike said we were heading for Carn Aosda, which was the first time I realised we'd be bagging a Munro today. I was so excited!

It was really tough going in the snow. On most steps the snow was up to my knees, and occasionally it was thigh and hip deep. It had all fallen the previous night so was quite soft. Mike and Paul kept searching for hard snow to give us some winter skills training, but it was nigh impossible to find. However as we went, they shared a wealth of information about the snow.

I like the 'beak' of snow in the ridge on the left

Mike in the snow

Mike blazing a trail ahead

Soon we were away from the ski runs and the hills began to take shape around us. The wind was blowing a hoolie and the snow was coming with it. I was very thankful for Dave's ski goggles!

The group & some hangers-on!

Off-piste skiers!

Windy!

Mike and Paul

We stopped quite frequently which was great, as it was tiring work pounding through the snow!

Soon we reached more rocky terrain and a ridge - which was a relief as there wasn't nearly as much snow on the ridge. It was at that moment I experienced another first - I saw my first ever mountain hare!

Once we got further along the ridge, and within touching distance of the summit of Carn Aosda, we stopped for lunch and some winter skills. Mike and Paul finally found the much sought-after hard snow. We did some sliding and some ice axe work, as well as learning some very valuable and interesting information on avalanches. I think the whole group was humbled - I was astonished at just how easy avalanches can occur.

We then did a bit of abseiling with the rope held by the snow - very impressive stuff!

By this point I really wasn't feeling well. I think I'd just caught a chill from stopping, as well as a touch of fatigue. I couldn't stop yawning and I felt really nauseous. My hands were freezing, partly because of my rubbish circulation, partly because of my lack of an inner pair of gloves, and mostly because it was bloody freezing up there! I'm not sure of the temperature but had to be in the minuses - we were almost at 3000 feet and the weather was changing.

Soon we made the final burst up to the top of Carn Aosda, and I bagged - unexpectedly - my 11th Munro! Yet again, this Munro was entirely different to any other. It was the first one I'd done as a group effort, it was one I didn't know I was doing until I was...doing it, and my first proper experience of real winter-bagging.

I was elated - and freezing!!

Munro number 11 - Carn Aosda!

After a group photo we - or rather I - scarpered off the summit pretty quickly! We came down by a ski run through some really deep snow, and very quickly were back amongst the skiers and snowboarders.

After we had a debrief and a cup of tea back at the Spittal of Glenshee Hotel, I turned for home. The drive down was thankfully uneventful and I was back in Edinburgh around 7pm. A hot shower, fish supper, can of irn bru and an evening of watching Mrs Doubtfire later, I was tucked up in bed and giving it big ZZZZZs.

Today I'm feeling a wee bit tired but very happy to have bagged an unexpected Munro and to have had a fabulous day out. I feel quite proud of myself for forcing myself way out of my comfort zone. Most of all I'd have to thank Mike and Paul at Glentrek for a brilliant day out! I'm still undecided if winter-bagging is for me - I think I need to build up my confidence with a bit more summer-bagging before I head out in the serious snow again! What a day though!

Braving the cold

With the arrival of the snow this week, walks that were in my mind had to be shelved. I've been itching to complete my final two stages of the Borders Abbeys Way but even I had to admit that persevering through the snow would've been silly. Jedburgh, Hawick and Selkirk will always be there for me to walk between them.

The Munros too, will always be there. Although I'm taking part in a winter skills course at Glenshee next weekend, the events of yesterday at Glencoe are a humbling reminder to us all that we cannot beat the weather.

With that in mind I've focused my efforts on getting out and about as much as possible, walking where I can, and building up the miles so that 96 in one go in March won't feel like such a shock.

Having thoroughly enjoyed the 13 miles on the Water of Leith last weekend, I was always tempted to do it again this weekend. However Saturday took Dave and I to Peebles where we took a snowy stroll at Glensax.

Peebles and the Tweed

The clouds and the sky were doing some pretty amazing things, so we enjoyed the changing views as we strolled.

It was quite slippy underfoot but we took it easy before turning for home. My Granny should offer tea and cakes to passing walkers - we certainly had our fill and were greatly appreciative!

From Peebles we made our to way to West Linton for a week-early Burns Night celebration. Not the last of January's haggis intake, that's for sure!









On Sunday we decided to venture slightly north and take a wee stroll on the Fife Coastal Path. I realised that just like the Borders Abbeys Way I'm building up the FCP in stages, having walked from Crail to St Andrews and from Leuchars to Newport-on-Tay. Today I thought I'd give the first bit a go - or the former 'first bit', starting at North Queensferry. However Dave and I decided to make it even more interesting and park the car at South Queensferry. Neither of us had walked over the Forth Road Bridge before, and today seemed like as good a day as any to give it a go - it was blowing an absolute hoolie!

It was certainly a bracing - and at times terrifying - adventure, full of interesting things to see. Sail boats, rowing boats, trains on the Rail Bridge, spot the Stobart truck etc. There was also the ice-cream headache to contend with - it was freezing!

Soon we reached the other side and made our way through North Queensferry to pick up the Fife Coastal Path.

It was nice to get bielded from the wind for a short time, but it wasn't long until we had the coast on our right and the wind in our faces. The path took us through a nature reserve and past a former WW1 jetty. It was nice to stroll, passing dog walkers along the way.

Soon enough we stumbled upon two houses, not far from Inverkeithing but seemingly in the middle of nowhere. All of a sudden we heard a very loud noise; my first thought was a train. However, in the garage of one of the houses, there was an almighty drum and base dance party going on. At midday....it was unbelievably random, and very entertaining.

We had hoped to walk to Dalgetty Bay and planned to retrace our steps when we got there. We could see it in the distance and it didn't look too far. However...having walked a bit further, we realised the path went massively inland to Inverkeithing before it reached Dalgetty Bay. The path took us past a quarry, and an ugly metal recycling yard. By the time we'd reached the Royal Burgh of Inverkeithing, we were feeling quite uninspired, and weren't inclined to continue walking. I was also freezing, having underestimated just how cold it would be (duh).

So we turned south, and made our way back. Past the loud dance party, and back in view of the Rail Bridge. We also saw a guy in a wetsuit practicing his 100m sprints on a wee beach at the back of North Queensferry.

We made our way over the bridge once more, arriving back at the car 3 hours after we'd left, reckoning we'd done around 8 miles.

I couldn't feel my fingers, and my feet were not much happier. I'll be layering up more next week in the snow!

I'm pleased to have experienced another different walk, and although we didn't make it as far as we'd hoped, three hours in the bracing icy east coast January wind was plenty. After a busy week it has been nice to get some good fresh air and less time on my bum!

Putting the 'Author' into Authority

Slowly but surely I am getting back into the swing of routine...back to work, back to reality. However with plans in mind and things to look forward to I am hoping cold wet January passes with not too much trouble.

I have a lot on my mind and there is something about this time of year that often makes things seem bleaker than they are. When the evenings brighten up and the winter chill passes, it often becomes easier to feel more positive about life. I'm definitely guilty of letting seasonal changes affect my mood and temperament and sometimes it feels like a real battle to resist this. I think all you can do is keep focusing on what is ahead.

Something that came into question this week - amongst many other things - was the concept of authority. My authority, the authority of others, and the doubt and lack of trust I seem to have about my own authority. All too easily I can be convinced that what I am feeling is in some way wrong or incorrect. I've been trying recently to "own what I feel" rather than second guess my instincts or opinions. The problem lies in my deference to others and in turn their ability to rewrite or dictate my feelings and emotions.

My authority is in doubt. I doubt it. So how to get around this? Perhaps I need to work harder at putting the 'author' into authority. Only I can truly know what I feel. It's up to me to write my next chapter. I'm in charge.

So I'll again work harder at owning what I feel and not letting others dictate. Rather than deferring to the opinions - or more often limitations - of others, I will stand up for what I think. Even if what I think is somehow 'wrong' in their view, I will not yield to the judgement of others.

In an effort to put the author into authority I was even more determined to get out for a walk this weekend. I was all too aware that I had already broken my own promise to blog more often. I try to resist the urge to blog about my random thoughts and feelings, so quite often I'll go more than a week without knuckling down to blog. The more I walk, the more I have to write about.

With that in mind I had hoped to get out on the Borders Abbeys Way this weekend and complete at least one section of my remaining two. But with the weather forecast not looking too good, perhaps this wasn't the way to go. I knew I'd be beyond frustrated if I didn't get out at all. Over a pint of Jarl in the Golden Rule on Friday night (after a cracking performance of The Nutcracker ballet - no pun intended), Dave and I discussed our options. One of our 'go-to' walks is the Water of Leith, and quite a few times we've walked along the canal from our flat, down to the Water of Leith visitor centre at Slateford and then along the path all the way to Leith. A rewarding walk and a short bus journey home. Last summer we walked to the visitor centre and then up to Balerno for the first time, again taking the bus home. I knew the day would come when we'd complete the whole thing from Balerno to Leith - just shy of 13 miles.

Saturday was The Day. We awoke to blue skies and knew we'd chosen our day well. We took the 44 up to Balerno and set off at a blistering pace. The chilly but sunny day had encouraged many others out and about - everything from Saturday Strollers to New Year Resolution Runners, with Panting Pedallers keeping us on our toes. There were dogs aplenty, and even a few horses.

We rattled through the first four or five miles without even realising. We weren't in a hurry but the day was so nice and we both felt so appreciative to be out walking, the miles seemed to just fly by. I'd worn my boots to see how they coped with 13 miles of firm paths - knowing this would all be good preparation for the West Highland Way. Before we realised, we'd got to the great wee visitor centre at Slateford, made use of their facilities, donated to their great cause, and were almost at the half way mark.

By this point our pace had slowed slightly, although I know we were both keeping in mind the reward once we got to Leith. I was struggling a bit with my right leg, having tied one boot tighter than the other - I just can't seem to get this right. I put off sorting it - until I started getting pains in my right hip/pelvis and knew it was time to loosen that boot. The relief was instant and again it was a good lesson for longer walks to come - tie my boots right!

Soon we reached the home of Scottish Rugby.

I always forget how quickly Roseburn becomes the Dean Village, the Dean Village becomes Stockbridge, and Stockbridge becomes Broughton Street. Soon the signs were reading 'Leith 2 miles' and we were nearing our goal.

There were numerous diversions along the way but the Water of Leith Conservation Trust are doing a grand job in preservation and maintenance.

My hips were starting to get sore again - something that used to happen when I (used to) run, I think in part to do with the 'pounding' of the pavements. I couldn't help but think of the two 20 mile days that I'm going to come up against on the West Highland Way. At the 13 mile point (aka The End) I felt I could keep walking but I wouldn't find it very enjoyable. That being said, we hadn't eaten or drank anything in almost four hours (we hadn't taken water due to the lack of bathrooms along the way!), and I know this won't be the case on the WHW as I'll keep myself far more hydrated and refreshed - despite the lack of bathrooms! My hips were a bit sore but nothing drastic, and the balls of my feet would've had something more to say if I'd kept going. However, I was pleased to complete 13 miles and still feel good :)

I felt even better once I'd stepped over the threshold of Teuchters Landing! We'd taken three hours and fifty minutes to get there. My hands were so cold I could barely feel them and my fingers had swollen up - but somehow a cold pint was just what I needed :) Continuing my discovery of 2012 that craft beer really is the way forward, a pint of Brewdog's Punk IPA slipped down nicely...and kept slipping down...little did I realise at the cost of £5.25 a pint...!!

However the food always hits the spot there, and Haggis Stovies and Macaroni Cheese in mugs were just the right amount of carbs and protein we required. The chips were just a treat! With a fire on, very friendly service, dog and people watching, and Heineken Cup rugby on the TV, we were more than happy!

Our faces glowed with the achievement (hold on - that could've been coming in from the cold to the warmth...or the pints!) and our feet throbbed with the excitement of a rest.

By 8pm we were home, showered and almost asleep!

I'm so pleased to have finally completed this walk as a 'one-er', and plan to do again a couple of times at least for training purposes. It is such a pleasurable walk, full of ever-changing sights and sounds. There are always different things, people and activities to view, and it never feels repetitive.

As for putting the author into authority, I intend to grasp my pen in hand and boldly go where this Anxious Ambler has never been before...

Here we go, 2013!

It is funny to read back my post of January 3rd, 2012; to relive the memorable moments of 2011 and to revisit the positive vibes I took in to 2012.

2012 proved to be a fantastic year, full of many highs. It all began at the top of the Royal Mile, when the clock struck midnight and the sky exploded in a frenzy of fireworks. I was ready to say goodbye to the highs - and most importantly - the lows of 2011. Just a minute into January 2012 and the slate was clean. It was blank too - there were no real plans, only hopes and dreams.

By the end of January, I'd conquered a Munro and had an interview for a job that I so desperately wanted. Schiehallion in the snow lingers on as one of my favourite moments of the year. My second Munro, the views north, the company, the cupcakes, the sheer delight at the achievement. The interview took place on January 25th and is memorable not only for that but for the double dose of haggis - for lunch and for dinner!

Just a week later and Dave and I were out on Meall nan Tarmachan - sadly not Munro number three but a lesson in humility and respect for Alba's peaks. A few days later I was offered a temporary position at Absolute Escapes, and was delighted to accept. Before beginning work on the 20th of February, mum and I took a great trip to Crieff Hydro - complete with a fine walk, a distillery tour and some hilarious crazy golf! Dave and I took the train to Inverness for a romantic Valentine's Day/Night in the Capital of the Highlands.

 


 





March brought a swinging sixties party which was most enjoyable, and was in general a swinging month. A change of pace in my work life, and a few short walks here and there. A research trip on the West Highland Way whetted my appetite for more, and a brilliant Beer and Food Matching evening at the Edinburgh Cookery School whetted my appetite and more!

I turned 26 in April, and celebrated with deep fried haggis balls (what else?). It also brought my first proper 'taste of the trails'. I was now, through my work, far more aware of Scotland's long distance trails and got myself properly kitted out. I spent some time on the Borders Abbeys Way and the Fife Coastal Path, and found I had very itchy feet for more!

Thankfully May brought my third Munro - a second attempt at Meall nan Tarmachan, and a successful one! Although this Munro seemed adamant on teaching me lessons - this time I learnt all about 'tops' that are not Munros on their own! But the thought of a double-bag was now in my mind...

May also brought the first wedding of three in 2012, Fraser and Hayley at Hopetoun House. It was a sunny, blue-sky day, and a lot of fun.

 
By the middle of the year, I was busy, happy and trying to get out on more walks! My job was made permanent, and I managed to complete another two stages of the Borders Abbeys Way, from Selkirk to Melrose and from St Boswells to Kelso, on Fathers Day with Dad and Andrew. I also did what I hadn't done in AGES (and secretly what I thought I'd never do again) and RAN five miles! All for a fantastic cause - although we didn't break the world record, The Kilt Run in June was surely the most fun one can have with their kilt on. Post-run Dave and I hotfooted it to Skye for a cracking few days under the Skye sun. This time I was on my own time, allowing me to see different parts of this intoxicating island than I was used to. Exploring Sleat and taking the Glenelg ferry added to my already large appreciation of the Misty Isle.

We also celebrated the graduation of my youngest brother, Ross (number 701) in Glasgow, a great day!

The nice weather was not to continue and although I did a bit more walking in July, it was very wet walking indeed! Mum, Dad, Ross and myself ventured out on the Rob Roy Way one soaking July day, and enjoyed our stroll up Glen Ogle. Dad and I continued to Inverarnan for the night, and took a short stroll on the West Highland Way the following day. I'll never look at a squashed frog in the same way again...

July also brought happy family times, with a trip to Hopeman, our much-loved Moray Coast destination of choice, and a Macnab torch relay - inspired by the Olympic torch relay - to honour my mum and all her selflessness, dedication and support. We were joined by middle brother Colin, back from Cannes.

August arrived, and with it a trip to my favourite American state, North Carolina. It was fantastic to be reunited with my friends from university there, and to share in the joyous occasion of Susannah and Sunjay's wedding. It also tested my ability to cope with humidity (I didn't do well), to relax after a busy few months, and to catch up with my dear friend Emily.

Home from the States, the end of August brought Brave (twice), my first Edinburgh Military Tattoo, and - TWO more Munros! Mum, Dad and myself conquered Mayar and Dreish in spectacular Glen Clova, Munros number four and five.

This end of August double-bag sparked me into life and I spent the following two weekends bagging four more! Certainly the peak of my Munro conquering, six in 3 weeks. September started well although I found myself struggling mid-month and questioning my anxiety-beating progress. I must learn to channel the feeling of achievement, of being on top of the world, when times are tough.

Whilst June had briefly ignited my running career, September led me back to a bike - something else I hadn't done for a while. The West Linton Three Peaks Challenge proved to be a very testing - but very worthwhile - experience!

October brought with it a truly memorable trip to the west with Dave - and my tenth Munro! We climbed Ben Vane on day one of our trip, and spent the rest our time away recovering! The smallest Munro, but seriously tough going!

There were so many highlights on this trip, but the best - in fact probably the highlight of the year - was travelling to Staffa and Iona. Sand so white I could only dream about, Dave testing the acoustics of Fingal's Cave with a rousing edition of O Flower of Scotland, and getting close - too close - to seal pups. A magical adventure.

October also brought the lovely wedding of Alicia and Stuart in Edinburgh, a work trip to the Yorkshire Dales, an adventure to Alton Towers and the Edinburgh Mountain Film Festival. A very busy month - a very enjoyable month!

By November I had pretty much accepted that I'd be finishing my 2012 Munro count at 9 (10 in total) but I wasn't done walking yet - I completed another section of the Borders Abbeys Way, this time from Kelso to Jedburgh. I hope to complete the final two stages as soon as possible this year. It was a lovely day with Dad and Dave, with some beautiful autumnal colours.

It was a slower month, but with highlights such as Susannah's graduation in Edinburgh and St Andrews Day, and low moments like Scotland's "rugby" and getting two teeth wheeked oot.

And suddenly it was December. There was Panto, games, golf, drinking, lots of food, Christmas, Hogmanay, family reunions and good times.

I start 2013 feeling quite normal - if that's not a weird thing to say! I'm in a much better position now than I was this time last year. Even writing this blog post has made me realise that. I don't often recognise my own progression but I have this evening. I start on a more even keel, although of course I still have hopes, dreams and aims for this year.

There is already much to look forward to. Coming up in January - the Nutcracker ballet at the theatre and the epic that is Les Miserables in the cinema! The rest of the year promises a winter walking expedition in the Cairngorms with Glentrek, a navigational skills course with the Mountaineering Council of Scotland, a gliding experience in Perthshire, a trip to Arran, a trip to America to be bridesmaid for one of my good friends, as well as hopes to travel to Cannes to see Colin, a trip to Epsom to see Ross, many more Munros, at least one long distance trail in its entirety, the completion of the Borders Abbeys Way in stages, and more.

I aim to blog more! I aim to take further steps to progress in my personal battle against anxiety. I aim to have more fun and enjoy more laughs in life. As always, I have lots to be thankful for, and I've thoroughly enjoyed this trip down 2012's memory lane.

Lang may yer lum reek!