A Weekend at ‘Boot Camp’

Posted on 18th September 2016 by onemillionbootsteps

That’s me just home from two days with the Moray Women’s Aid Tartan trekkers. Staying at the RAF Highland Activities self catering facility Feshiebridge Lodge. I am calling it my boot camp. My company? Eight of my nine Sahara companions. The aim? To walk two days back to back. Oh – and just as important – some serious bonding time.

Friday night, rucksacks packed, sleeping bags at the ready, several vehicles packed with food, drink and heaps of enthusiasm headed for the facility situated between Aviemore and Kincraig. It had all the makings of a great weekend. Continue reading →

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Walking Talking and Writing

Posted on 10th September 2016 by onemillionbootsteps

By MHAIRI MCLEAN

Marie woke up and decided to embark on a deceivingly simple adventure by taking one million steps for charity. Not just any 1 million steps though (bed to bathroom doesn’t count, for example); only those extra steps made in walking boots. Exhausted yet? Oh, and just as an aside, the last 148 900 steps (ish) will be chalked up while crossing the shifting sands of the Sahara Desert. Told you she wanted an adventure. Continue reading →

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Go West!

Posted on 28th August 2016 by onemillionbootsteps

Kentra BayThat’s us just back from a week staying at the edge of the most westerly peninsula, Ardnamurchan. We discovered this little gem around 13 years ago now and now find a need to return as often as time lets us. It is peaceful, surrounded on all four sides by the most amazing scenery. It has a lovely community spirit which enables local producers of all kinds to ensure you are kept well fed and watered. Continue reading →

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Footprints in the Sand

Posted on 16th August 2016 by onemillionbootsteps

After yesterday’s planned climb to the top of Lochnagar was cancelled due to high winds, the location for what was to originally be Day 2 was thrown wide open. No longer tied to trying to find a suitable distance and terrain suitable for lower fitness (or tired mountain legs) in Deeside we decided to head for the coast. Susan says the sea makes her happy. Me too. In fact Mr Smith will recount many a day trip where I have literally plonked myself on a rock, often camera in hand, to watch the sea in motion. The choppier the better. No matter what stuff is happening inside my head, she helps me unravel it. The sea that is! So today’s destination is one which has been on the agenda a wee while for an evening walk, though today’s timing probably puts into perspective why we would always struggle to fit it in. Nairn to Whiteness Point and back. Continue reading →

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Striding Out to the Arches

Posted on 5th August 2016 by onemillionbootsteps

So begins two days in the Scottish Lowlands. A little place called Thornhill in the stunning Leadhills area. It offers a range of walks and with the Southern Uplands Way passing right through, we had lots of choice. Kara is my walking buddy for a couple of days.

Kara has played football and been active, though by her own admission hasn’t done much exercise in a while so our walks would be selected to be not too testing for a “first time out in a while”. Criteria? Well signed and trodden paths only – the hills may be beautiful but also exposed and easy to go astray I would imagine. And ideally dry, not boggy on Day 1 – we each only have one pair of boots with us, and staying in a hotel where drying might be an issue. So over a G&T last night we threw out 50% of those we had printed and today we chose the Striding Arches. Continue reading →

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