TGOC2014….a bit more of the beginning

Plockton to Coulags and beyond and thence to Torridon

We took the train, I mean we travelled by train from Plockton to Strathcarron. Trains are too big and heavy to take. Anyway, somebody might notice.

The Plan (Ho-ho!) was to alight at Strathcarron and then walk a few miles in the direction of my Challenge start of Torridon to camp for the night. I had arranged for the very splendid Mick & Gayle to follow our route that evening so they could drink my tea and camp next door. They weren’t due to arrive in Strathcarron until 7.45pm

Not sure if the shell signifies a Pilgrim route, it certainly would in Spain or France

As if on cue the heavens opened whilst preparing to leave Strathcarron. This was actually A Good Thing. After the five minute delay to don full waterproofs, a taxi rolled up and out jumped Alan R who was to accompany me on the Challenge. This is Alan’s first Challenge and I feel a little nervous in case he doesn’t enjoy it – I did rather give him the hard sell!

Less than a couple of hours later we found a suitable spot to plant our tents, leaving enough space for M&G’s Terra Nova wotsit tent.

  Pitch for the night, north of Coulags

Alan and I climbed a bit of a hill to get a good view down to Strathcarron to try to spot M&G walking up the valley but without success. Mick’s specialist training in camouflage was obviously being put to good use – less than half an hour later we heard menacing demands for tea.

It was good to catch up with M&G. Their walking trip from their home to the start of the Challenge had to be aborted part-way through when Mick sustained an ankle injury. The injury was thankfully very successfully treated by driving Colin around Anglesey and making cheese sandwiches for hungry stray dogs. You should try it – it worked for Mick.

Next morning our posse of five headed further north, following Fionn-abhainn to Coire Fionnaraich Bothy where we would breakfast and drink tea & coffee to excess. We were on holiday after all!

Approaching Coire Fionnaraich Bothy

The bothy breakfast table

  Viv pretending to enjoy herself….in between rain-showers

Rain at Loch an Eion

Torridon comes into view as we rounded Ben Damph Forest

….and looking behind, the tremendous view up Glen Torridon

Dropping down to Upper Loch Torridon we met Marion & Graeme Dunsire – they were doing posh, staying at the hotel. We were slobbing it, three in Torridon SYHA and two on the very good (and FREE) campsite adjacent to the hostel.

The hostel was good. It was good to meet Challengers who were staying there – it felt like the Challenge was beginning at last.

All went swimmingly until a large party arrived, armed with beer, wine, TONS of food….and an equal quantity of bad manners. This party proceeded to take over the hostel – completely alienating the Challengers. They swarmed into the kitchen which made it virtually impossible for ‘us’ to prepare our meals.

I was not impressed.

Having said all that, Jules, who seemed to be running the hostel single handed, was an absolute delight. She is one that the SYHA should hang on to – she’s made of the right stuff.

Torridon SYHA 

The evening was spent chatting with Challengers too numerous to mention – but it was lovely to see Nigel again and to catch up with Croydon. Little Miss Maria was there along with Dave, a Challenge virgin. M&G joined us in the hostel for their evening meal….we had commandeered a table so we at least had some where to sit, eat and chat.

Viv had an early night whilst Alan and I had a couple of beers before bed which finished the day nicely: tomorrow we sign out and start our Challenge to Montrose!