Two Routes Across Scotland

A gentle stroll through the Highlands of Scotland with the occasional photograph of wonderful sights seen along the way. This blog charts my experiences on the TGO Challenge - the world's premier backpacking event. The Challenge is to plan and execute your own unsupported foot crossing of Scotland, from the West coast to the East coast, and takes place during 15 days each May. Sounds easy? Think again! Sounds your sort of thing? Then read and enjoy ... and come join us some time!

Tuesday, 5 July 2011

The 2011 Challenge, day 14: Inverurie to Balmedie (12)

I walked down to the water's edge and dipped a pole into the sea to symbolise the end of my Challenge, then I texted Challenge Control to let them know that I had finished. I dropped my pack and took this photograph of myself.

The beaches North of Aberdeen are amazing - I really don't know why more Challengers don't aim to finish up here - and I had this one to myself. Acres and acres of amazing golden sand, all totally deserted.

It just had to be done, didn't it?

I took some clothes off (I'll leave you to ponder how many, and which) and ran out into the sea. It wasn't quite as cold as I'd imagined, and I stayed in the waves a while. However, I'm not a strong swimmer and I was entirely alone, so I did not go too far out. Thigh-deep, with the occasional wave almost to my waist, was about as far as I was prepared to push it.

As I returned across the strand, a vicious wind blew along the beach, and my bare legs received a thorough sandblasting.

But I didn't care. For I had finished!