The 2005 walkers

Left to right they are:

(Front row kneeling)

Ewen Swinton, Alan Brown, Robert McGurn, Lyal Purves

(Back row standing)

John Laing, Phil Orr, Tony Hamilton, Ian Wilson, Derek Turnbull, Keith Johnston, Jim Milne, Shona Lemmon, Peter Croan, Roger Glenfield, Alex Kepes

Not pictured were Wendy Wilson and friend Tracy who set off earlier

(I'm taking the photograph)

Note: Another 7 people, plus Ewen again, are doing the same walk next week (28/5/05) Best of luck to them.

They are:

Ewen Swinton (again), Stefan Pflug, Forbes Shepherd, Gary Dick, Alan Brown (again), Michelle & John Brownlee, Peter Sandison, and not forgetting of course, "Sam" the dug.

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We bunched up for the group photo then set off. The forecast was for showers or light rain but with hardly a cloud in the sky hopes were high for favourable walking weather. Wendy Wilson and her friend Tracy had set off a few moments earlier to get a wee bit ahead on the first ascent.

Halfway up the climb the group started to spread out as the fitter ones pressed on. I assumed my usual position, not through choice, of tail end Charlie. I've adopted a new method of managing the rate of ascent, fell runners take note. When I can no longer hear the birdsong because of the blood rush in my head, I stop until I can hear the birds singing again, worked a treat.

Nearing the top of Brown Knowe we spotted strange crop circle arrangements in the heather marked by a silver cleft stick with the inscription "Resolution Point" on it. Theories as to its purpose ranged from alien invasion, RAF Tornado targets and oddball art works. We'll go with the Tornado targets until somebody tells us different.

Once over Brown Knowe and onto the Minch Moor road some heavy rain clouds could be seen to the south west but the views were still spectacular. As the sun beat down on the path ahead steam could be clearly seen rising from the damp ground. The lead group had stopped further ahead to allow the rest of us to catch up. Onward onto the Minch moor road and the rain could be seen rapidly approaching so it was out with the waterproofs. we were actually quite lucky and only caught the leading edge of the shower so by the time we reached the Three Brethren for lunch stop and a well earned rest the sun had come out again.

A few people called home from the Three Brethren stop over to assure their families they were still alive then after a "Radcliffe" or two we set off again on the descent through Red Score Nick and Yair Bridge. The weather had cleared again so it was quite a pleasant walk down the hillside, though tough on the knees. We stopped again at Fairnilee Farm to rally the troops. Lyal's son Gregor joined us there for the last hike over to Galashiels.

After a brief rest we set off up the last climb over hog Hill and down into Gala. I find this the hardest part of all. It's not as steep as the Brown Knowe ascent but there is one part, just above Fairnilee Farm, where the track goes straight up for 500 yards. You can see your personal hell stretched out in front of you. I fell well behind at this stage. A particularly worrying situation as I knew I'd have to cross the cow field alone. Two years ago, during a practice walk, I was chased by a large black cow and had to "lowp" a barbed wire fence to escape. What if she was still there? Would she remember me and come back to finish the job?. Luckily the cows were at either end of the field and well clear of the path but I'm sure the big black one was eying me up from afar. By the time I was at the style the group ahead had disappeared. Thankfully Ian Wilson was brining up the rear as he'd turned back to check on Phil Orr's progress. He'd skinned out at Fairnilee with a sore leg. I plodded on but was soon caught by Ian.

Finally over the last summit it was all down hill to Gala. The trailing four of myself, Ian Wilson, Wendy Wilson and friend Tracy grouped together for the last leg. Coming down the "Hollybush" we were met by Ewen Swinton, returning on his bike by this time, to check we were all there. The thought of several pints of Calder's Cream Ale helped pick up the pace for the last half mile to the Salmon Inn.

At the "Salmon" it was a question of straight to the bar, out into the beer garden, shoes off and feet up. Almost the whole group were there plus a few supporters discussing who hurt the most and what bits hurt the most. Phil Orr was there too and thankfully none the worse for wear.

A great time was had by all both during and after the walk. we hope to have raised a fair bit of cash for the Pumas funds. The total raised will appear here later, once all the pledges have been counted up.

In addition to raising funds for the Pumas I was also raising money for The Royal hospital for Neuro-Disability in London who did sterling work looking after a friends daughter following her tragic accident.