The Munro Mission - 'The Real Story'

This Saturday evening the Munro Mission team will be holding a short reception in Edinburgh for some of their supporters and we would like to take this oppoprtunity to invite YOU to come along!

This will be a great opportunity to hear some of the stories that didn't make it onto the blog and to meet the team and to quiz them on the last couple of months.

The event is by invitation only but there are a few spaces left so if you are interested in attending then please send an email to decaidmunromission@live.co.uk or call 07746 746 726 and we can send you some more details.

All are welcome and it is free to attend but places are very limited so get in touch early to avoid disappointment!

The day after...

After a wonderful nights sleep in the holiday cottage at Crask the team were up and out by 0700 to get back on the road. First, Henry Snell took the team about 3 hours south to the Inver Hotel where his parents Sue and Chris Snell very kindly cooked the team a delicious brunch. The team were at the hotel just over a month ago during week 2 of the Mission when they stayed a night during one of the toughest parts of the Mission. Tom and Alex were therefore very satisfied to be sitting down to a delicious cooked breakfast knowing that they had now completed all 283 Munros within the 49 day target!

Next was a stop at the BLESMA care home in Crieff for a lovely lunch. Last week Hazel, the manager at the home very kindly sent the team a wonderful goody box containing hand knitted socks, and lots of chocolate and sweets to keep the team going up the final few Munros. Ceri, Tom, Rachel, James and Lucy then went on to visit Jimmy Sinclair the oldest surviving Desert Rat at his home in Kirkcaldy. Jimmy is 'only 99 years old' and was so inspiring to talk to. He told all kinds of stories and showed pictures of when he was a Desert Rat. He has also written some wonderful poems including one entitled 'Afghanistan'.

After a wonderful afternoon everyone headed back to Edinburgh for a massive kit sort ready for the long drive back down to Exeter the next day. The vehicles were emptied, the kit was cleaned, sorted and packed and everything was reunited with its rightful owner...apart from a lot of odd socks! The team ended a wonderful day at Rupert's house for a delicious supper and a final send off.

Day 49 - The FINAL Munros

Sunday 18th September

The DecAid Munro Mission team and supporters on the way back down Ben Hope; the last Munro on the DecAid Munro Mission

48 days...6 hours...56 minutes - The Munro Mission is complete! Tom O'Connell (24) and Alex Robinson (21) have climbed all 283 Scottish Munros in just 49 days with absolutely no motorised transport.

The day began at 0500 when the support team woke Tom and Alex up for the last time at their camping spot at the foot of Ben Klibreck just on the road south of Altnaharra. They had fallen asleep to the familiar sound of rain beating against the side of the tent and unfortunately it had not eased off by the time they awoke! The last morning was a bit of a disappointment for Alex, who had described his feelings on the last night as similar to excitement felt on Christmas Eve! The reality was a little less rosy for him as Ben Klibreck was particularly challenging due to hard navigation and boggy conditions, and took the team 4 1/2 hours to climb, a little longer than scheduled. Ben Klibreck was dedicated to the Royal Veterinary Corps and sponsored by VION FOOD GROUP UK with the message "The sacrifices made by our Armed Forces must always be remembered".

It was really fantastic for the team to have so many supporters to wish them well up the final Munros. Lt. Col. Nick Cheshire, Lucy and Becky headed up the penultimate Munro with the climbers, whilst media members Sophie and James, Rachel Mander, photographer Henry Snell, Tom Elliott, James Fish, Sarah Keane and Ceri's wife and daughter Jo and Alice waited for them at the bottom. The team were then greeted with egg banjos courtesy of Training Major at EUOTC Gerry Lakey.

They team were certainly not let off lightly on their last day as they were met with horizontal rain on the final road cycle of the Mission. It took them an hour to cycle the 20k distance from the base of Ben Klibreck to the base of Ben Hope, their 283rd Munro. Also in the team of well wishers and supporters was Rupert Laing's father and their lovely dog Bumble. Mr Laing, accompanied by Sarah and Sophie, headed off to the base of Ben Hope ahead of the others to allow themselves a more leisurely ascent! Also ahead of the team were Roger Green and a friend from Nitewatches who met them at the top. Nitewatches was a sponsor of The Mission and very kindly sponsored Ben Hope.

The weather had turned just before Mr Laing, Sophie and Sarah set off, and didn't improve as they gained height. Long -limbed Henry Snell bounded to the summit ahead of the rest of the team which was greatly appreciated in the thick cloud as he was able to help guide the team to the top. Also at the top before the climbers were James Fish and the aunt of Captain Andrew Griffiths, making for a very healthy welcome party.

The climb of Ben Hope was made even more special as Ceri rejoined the team for the last Munro of The Mission. Furthermore, his wife Jo and daughter Ceri had made the journey up to be with the team when they reached the top which meant a great deal to Ceri. It was incredibly important that Ceri be with everyone on the summit, despite the fact that he was still in quite a bit of foot pain.

At exactly 1530 on Sunday the 18th of September, Tom, Alex, Ceri, Jo, Alice, Lewis, Tom Elliott, Rachel Mander, Nick Cheshire, Gerry Lakey, Lucy and Becky reached joined everyone else on the summit of Ben Hope, the 283rd Munro to be climbed during The Mission. It was an incredibly special moment and those already on the summit applauded as the team approached the cairn. Tom and Alex placed their posies on the top of the cairn of Ben Hope, which had been dedicated to all future casualties of the conflict in Afghanistan. Various photos were taken in the mist as can be seen below.

Tom and Alex shower each other in Champagne to celebrate reaching their last summit on The Mission, whilst Ceri and Becky hold the DecAid flag.

The The DecAid Munro Mission team with supporters and Ceri's family on the summit of Ben Hope

The boys sprayed each other with champagne before Lt. Col. Nick Cheshire said some very fitting words regarding the motivation for the challenge and paid tribute to all who have given their lives in the conflict.

The group then made their last descent of the Mission and were able to take some more photographs altogether when the mist had subsided slightly.

Once at the bottom everyone was whisked away to Crask Inn where Sarah had worked her magic again and organised for the group to have a lovely dinner and stay in the Inn's cottage just across the road. After a delicious meal, the team launched chinese lanterns as a final tribute to all those men and women killed in action in Afghanistan over the last decade.

End of day 49 - 283 Munros climbed

Day 48

Saturday, 17th September 2011.

Starting at 10am felt like a massive lie in for the team, who have been getting up at 4am most mornings this week. The support team had cycled in the bikes to the camp so Alex and Tom could begin their penultimate day promptly.

After bacon rolls, courtesy of the EUOTC Training Major, Gerry Lakey, the boys commenced a very long road bike north towards Inchnadamph.

They climbed 2 Munros - Ben More Assynt and Convial - both dedicated to the SAS and sponsored by Lieutenant Colonel Simon Brewis. This included a very craggy and long ridge walk, but Tom and Alex were joined by Henry Snell, Lucy, James Fish and Nick which helped to keep them motivated.

In the afternoon, Tom and Alex embarked on a 74km cycle to the foot of Ben Kilbreck – tomorrow’s penultimate Munro – where a camp was ready to provide some shelter in the pouring rain.

End of Day 4 - 281 Munros climbed

Day 47

Friday 16th September 2011

The team are in really good spirits – knowing that they are only two days from finishing is a huge boost, but they can’t imagine how they are going to settle back in to normal life!

Tom and Alex were joined on their 6 Munro climbs by Becky, Nick Cheshire and Lucy. It was really wet and windy but good paths meant that, to the surprise of the support team, they arrived 15 minutes ahead of schedule.

They were greeted at the camp by their ever expanding ‘support team family’, which tonight included Tom Elliot and James Fish.

Day 46 – Dinner for two?

Thursday, 15th September 2011

The team have been pushing themselves really hard in this final week - 4am starts are starting to seem normal - but Alex and Tom remain determined as ever.

On Thursday, the team climbed 7 Munros.

If that wasn’t tiring enough, there was a 25km cycle at the end of the day.

Earlier in the day, the support team had met Andrew Mathefon and his son Alex. They welcomed everyone to their farmhouse where they could dry their boots on the AGA, have a warm shower, and do some washing. This was such a luxury after spending the last 5 nights in wild camps!

The Mathefon’s kindness didn’t stop there! Alex Mathefon runs an food export business, and asked the Munro Mission team to be the face of a new cereal snack. Lots of pictures were taken, while Alex M stocked the team up with food.

In the evening, members of the support team hosted a reception at the Ben Wyvis Hotel, located just outside of Inverness. Guests included Nite Watches, local landowners and bereaved families.

A wild camp was set up at the foot of Ben Wyvis. Lewis didn’t want Alex and Tom to feel left out as the support team enjoyed the reception, so he set up a dining table for the boys to welcome them after their long cycle!

End of Day 4

Day 45 – In honour of the Royal Engineers

Wednesday, 14^th September 2011.

The boys were allowed to leave a bit later at 0940 as they only got to sleep at 0400! The support team observed that they were not in a good way this morning; understandably they were absolutely shattered and anxious of the day ahead.

It was meant to be a shorter day but they didn’t get in until 1230, after climbing 9 Munros in honour of the Royal Engineers: A’ Chailleach, Sgurr Breac, Sgurr nan Each, Sgurr nan Clach Geala, Meal a’ Chrasgaidh, Sgurr Mor, Beinn Liath Mhor Fannaich, Meall Gorm (kindly sponsored by Sir Hugh Stucley) and An Coileachan which was dedicated to Sgt Andrew James Jones, and sponsored by Foot Anstey.

When they returned, Tom and Alex were in really good spirits, to the surprise and admiration of the support team!! They were graced with amazing views all day and better weather.

The Commanding Officer of Exeter University OTC (EUOTC), Lieutenant Colonel Nick Cheshire, Lucy and Henry Snell set up a wild camp on the saddle of a hill. Nick put out a line of glow sticks to point the boys in the right direction as they were coming down the hill. They were later joined by Gerry Lakey, the Training Major at EUOTC.

The whole team then settled down to a wonderful beef stew courtesy of Ceri’s wife Jo – it is really great to have expanded the support team and for the boys to have such great company cheering them for the last few days of the mission.

End of Day 45 – 271 Munros completed. As the team climb the final 12 Munros in Scotland, please show your support by encouraging donations to http://www.uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/decaidmunromission

Day 44 – 24 gruelling hours

Tuesday 13^th September 2011

Tuesday was a really tough day for the team; the climbs were exhausting and they suffered a few frustrating set-backs. Even though Tom and Alex are only 5 days away from finishing, it is days such as these where the ambitiousness of the challenge manifests itself.

It was a five hour walk between the first two Munros, Slioch and Beinn Tarsuinn which were both dedicated to the Royal Military Police. Their progress was slowed down by lots of big river crossings as the burns were so swollen.

The support team recced a big river crossing near the wild camp and decided that it was far too dangerous to attempt; Becky tried to go across using a rope but there were far too many under currents to stay standing up. The team had to walk 6 km up to the Loch to cross over the river. Alex and Tom came back to camp at 0230 after a 24 hour day very delirious and exhausted.

Becky and her sister Katie went to meet team whilst Lucy and Lewis cooked supper. When Tom and Alex got back, the whole support team helped them to get themselves and their kit dry.
Tom said it was “one of the hardest days we have ever had”; the wind and rain was relentless.

They were really grateful to have Steve, an outdoor instructor, with them on such a tough day. Yet, despite such a testing day, Tom and Alex remained focused, and completed a further 7 scheduled Munros!

Sgurr Ban and Mullach Coire Mhic Fhearchair, both dedicated to the Royal Military Police, the latter of which was sponsored by Nick Cheshire.

They powered on to climb 5 Munros in honour of the Royal Engineers: Beinn a’ Chlaidheimh, A’ Mhaighdean, Ruadh Stac Mor, Sgurr Fiona (An Teallach), sponsored by Anthony Laing and Bidein a’ Ghlas Thuill

The boys have put themselves under enormous pressure, but are driven by their sense of indebtedness to those who have made far greater sacrifices while serving in Afghanistan over the last 10 years. We all need to give support to British Forces and their families. All money raised will go directly to service charities SAAFA Forces Help and BLESMA. Please encourage donations to: http://www.uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/decaidmunromission

End of Day 44: 262 Munros completed.

Blog update imminent!

Sorry for the delay in updating the blog - the team are in a wildcamp and currently have no signal to send their report. Also, the tracker doesn't seem to be working, but they are still all fine! The blog will be updated ASAP...watch this space!

Day 43 – the team are uplifted by visitors

Monday, 12th September 2011

After a very heavy night's sleep in Torridon Hostel, the team were up at 0340 to ensure they left by 0500, ready for the long day ahead, and still on top form. They had heard the reports of bad weather heading from the west to hit North West Scotland, so they started early to try and get as much done as possible.

Becky and James Boggis (a university friend of Tom's) joined Tom and Alex for the short 15 minute cycle to the foot of Tom na Gruagaich, dedicated to Cpl Jonathan Moore - Royal Regiment of Scotland, and sponsored by Fiona Laing. The next Munro Sgurr Mor, was dedicated to Corporal Thomas Mason, Royal Regiment of Scotland. They climbed these Munros in record time; helped by a good path at the end which was excellent for running down.

Lewis and Lucy then met them with their road bikes and a hot chocolate at the bottom at around 0945. It was then a short cycle to the bottom of the next two Munros - Mullach an Raithain and Spidean a’ Choire Leith, both dedicated to the Royal Corps of Signals. There they were met by Mrs. Whitelaw whose son was tragically killed in action and Lynsey Houston the partner of Lance Corporal Joe Pool who was also lost his life in Afghanistan last year. The team very much enjoyed meeting them, as the Munro dedications embody the incentive of the mission. Graham from Skye Hi also came to meet the team and to join them for the rest of the day - he and his wife were also with the team last week. The team was very grateful for some extra navigation help: the Torridon area is home to some of Scotland’s toughest Munros.

It was very wet all the way up and back and very slippery under foot, especially on the rock. Alex had a wonderful time sliding down on his bottom until he got very close to some crags. His life flashed before his eyes as he was faced with a rather nasty drop and very little way of braking. He managed to steer away just in time!

Becky and Lucy then went to meet the team as they came off the 4th Munro to swap positions with James and Tom Elliott. The team then continued up Ruadh-stac Mor, also for the Royal Signals, and Spidean Coire nan Clach, in honour of the Royal Military Police. Despite the weather there were some stuinning views including some spectaular waterfalls. The rivers and waterfalls are absolutely gushing up here; there is a huge amount of water around at the moment.

After a lot of scrambling and climbing up scree the team made it up Ruadh-stac Mor ahead of schedule. They managed to stay up high on the ridge along to the next one without losing much height but it still had its scrambles!

Then it was back down to the road for a last 7km bike ride back to a bunkhouse in Kinlochewe. Tom and Alex really enjoyed a little cycle to loosen off their muscles.

A good sausage casserole supper was then enjoyed by all after warming up with a shower and some dry clothes.

There is less than a week to go now. The team are really pushing themselves for the final stretch. Please help us reach our fundraising target for 2 fantastic charities to recognise the huge sacrifices our troops have made over the last 10 years in Afghanistan, and donate here: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/decaidmunromission.

End of Day 43 - 253 Munros climbed. £33,210.44 raised.

Day 42 – One fateful week remains!

Sunday, 11th September 2011.

After an amazing full English breakfast cooked by Sarah the team, joined by Becky and Lucy for the second day running, were raring to go for a day of cycling and climbing a total of 3 Munros.

The team faced some pretty tough terrain on the first Munro of the day, Beinn Liath Mhor, dedicated to Corporal Jonathan Moore, Royal Regiment of Scotland, and soon got a bit behind schedule. Yesterday’s sun was long gone; it started raining on way up and didn't stop for the rest of the day, completely saturated the ground.

The second Munro, Sgorr Ruadh, dedicated to Royal Marine Sgt Paul Bartlett, proved a mental as well as a physical struggle. The team had to head back down, loosing height, in order to come up again. From then on, however, they managed to stick on a ridge and picked up some paths along the way.

Maol Chean-Dearg was dedicated to LCpl Jason Hashmi and Cpl Sarah Bryant, Intelligence Corps. Its sponsors Maureen and Des Feely left this message:

"In memory of our daughter Sarah Louise Bryant"

This Munro was a bit further away and the rain (perhaps the tail end of Hurricane Katia) got even worse. This route was very craggy; the team sad to do an uphill scramble up a scree filled gully. The bad weather and hard terrain slowed the sodden team down a lot. Yet morale remained high despite aching limbs.

The team were relieved to find a good path back down to road just outside Torridon, where they met the support vehicle with bikes. The support team went to leave and follow bikes a few km down to the hostel but found that the lights had been left on too long, leaving them with a flat battery! A quick jump start from some friendly passers by and all resumed to normal.

The team were back in the hostel for 1800 ready for a good shower, a good supper and an early night!

End of Day 42 – 247 Munros climbed, £32,590.44 raised. In the final week of the challenge please encourage donations to http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/decaidmunromission

Day 41 – Here comes the sun…

Saturday, 10th September 2011

The team was awoken at 0600 to the sound of very heavy rain on the tent and a howling gale. Fortunately it soon passed but not soon enough as the support team battled with porridge on the stove and cups of tea for the boys in the howling wind!

Becky and Lucy joined Tom and Alex for the first two Munros: Lurg Mhor, dedicated to the Coldstream Guards, and Bidean a’ Choire Sheasgaich, in remembrance of  Gdsm Neil 'Tony' Downes, Gdsm Daniel Probyn and Gdsm Simon Davison (Grenadier Guards).  They found the climb very boggy, hard going and a steep incline from the camp. Alex and Tom felt the strain on their legs which were feeling very heavy, but they still managed to maintain a good pace all day, and even ran most of the route!

The next few Munros had been recce'd before so made it a lot easier and saved lots of time as they managed to remember some
short cuts. These Munros were dedicated to the Grenadier Guards.

Sgurr Choinnich was dedicated to Gdsm David Atherton and Gdsm Daryl Hickey. Sponsors the Bourne Family left the following message: "We are proud to sponsor Sgurr Choinnich as a mark of our thanks to the admiration to these brave young people."

Sgurr a’ Chaorachain (Monar) was climbed in memory of Gdsm Jamie Janes and Munro Maoile Lunndaidh climbed in remembrance of WO1 Chant, Sgt Matthew Telford and Gdsm James 'Jimmy' Major.

Henry’s awesome navigating was also fundamental to the team’s progress. This was his last day with team. He has been an absolute hero (Alex’s words!!) at navigating team through some pretty tough days in awful weather!

The sun shone on the team for the final Munro, Moruisg, dedicated to LSgt Dave Greenhalgh, Grenadier Guards, revealing cracking views of next weeks route in the sun.

The support team was greeted with sunshine and smiles at the bike stop! The day was finished with a short cycle down to Gerrys Hostel.

End of Day 41 – 244 Munros climbed. The Mission has raised £32,590.44 so far. Please encourage donations to http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/decaidmunromission

Day 40 - 'Chiller night'

Friday, 9th September 2011

It was a pretty chilly night in the stalkers shed even though the chiller was switched off! Nevertheless, the wonderful kitchen next door in the holiday cottage made sure the team enjoyed a very civilised breakfast in the morning at a kitchen table rather than the usual plastic bowl full of cereal out of the van!

They headed off on their roadbikes with Tom Elliott and Becky also on theirs. They headed down some very scenic lanes with breathtaking scenery. Unfortunately it was too dark appreciate their surroundings at that time of the morning, but they enjoyed a day of views once the sun had risen.

Both Alex and Tom are in good spirits but their limbs are really feeling it now. In the morning they climbed 4 munros: for two soldiers of the Mercian Regiment, the team climbed Sgurr na Ruaidhe, dedicated to Pte Jason Williams and Carn na Gobhar for Sgt Michael Lockett MC. They dedicated the two further munros: Sgurr a'Choire Ghlas and Sgurr Fuar-Thuill to Tpr Jack Sadler of the Honourable Artillery Company and Marine Stephen Birdsall respectively.

The support team met them with their lunch and the roadbikes, luckily on time: driving between the various rendezvous points takes frustratingly long due to the lack of direct roads!

After a quick pit stop and a short cycle down to a power station, the team headed on up Carn na Gobhar - in honour of the Irish Guards and Sgurr na Lapaich - in remembrance of Irish Guardsman LSgt Mark Burgan. For the Coldstream Guards they continued on to climb An Riabhachan - personally dedicated to LCpl James Hill and An Socach. It was an extremely long day especially as the terrain was so boggy and the weather very wet.

Meanwhile Lewis and Ceri drove Bonnie and Henry up to some sheilings for a wild camp. It was a particularly wild off road track which Ceri and Lewis negotiated very well, especially the very narrow bridges, which only just allowed the 4x4 to pass.

Becky and Lucy meanwhile headed up to a rendezvous point to meet the team as they came off the final munro. It was incredibly boggy so really it was very important that the support team recce'd a route back for them and negotiated a river crossing along the way. Fortunately there was a wire across the river!

The team finished much later than anticipated at 0230. Bonnie did a wonderful job cooking supper for the 5 of them when they came back. Sadly the team had to be up for a 0700 start (pushed back an hour after the late finish).

End of Day 40 - the team has now climbed 238 munros and have raised £32,577.75 for our two chosen service charities - BLESMA and SAAFA. As the team reach the final week of their challenge please encourage donations to the Virgin Money Giving Site.

Day 39 Update - The team are 1 day ahead!

Thursday, 8th September 2011.

The team soared ahead of schedule today as they climbed 2 days worth of munros in one. As well as the 5 munros mentioned in the previous blog, the team also climbed 4 further munros in honour of the Mercian Regiment: A'Ghlas-bheinn - dedicated to Pte Douglas Niall Halliday and CSgt Martyn Horton, Sgurr nan Ceathreamhan - dedicated to Pte Thoman Sephton, An Socach - dedicated to Lt John Saderson and Rfn Remand Kulung, and An Soscach, as well as Beinn Fhada (Ben Attow) dedicated to Maring David Marsh.

That makes a total of 10 munros yesterday! This is an amazing achievement as they power on through the mission and on towards the finish line.

The team have now climbed 230 munros - only 53 to go! That's nothing, right?

Day 39 – Silhouetted Stags and Curious Bulls

Thursday, 8th September 2011

Tom and Alex were up and out by 0500 after a luxury bacon roll breakfast, and were off into the pouring rain again! But they were ready for the day ahead thanks to a night spent in a lovely bothy courtesy of Edinburgh University. The inside of the bothy was wonderfully decorated, and the team spent last night playing twister on the spots that were painted on the floor and then toasting marshmallows on the open fire.

Tom, Alex and Becky had a good day of climbing which started with a wonderful viewing of a stag silhouetted on the top of a hill in the morning sun. They were confronted with every type of weather too; rain, wind, sun and showers as they completed another five munros which were all dedicated to the Mercian Regiment: Beinn Flhionhlaidh, Carn Eighe, Mam Sodhail, Tom a’ Choinich and Toll Creagach. Benn Fhionhlaidh was climbed in honour of LCpl Paul Anthony Sandford and Drummer Thomas Wright and was sponsored by Bob Spencer of Risk Management UK who left the message: “Risk management UK is proud to sponsor DecAid in support of the Mercian Regiment. The sacrifices made by our Armed Forces must always be remembered. Bob Spencer MD”. Toll Creagach was dedicated to Private Brian Tunnicliffe and Carn Eighe was dedicated to Capt Sean Dolan.

The support team managed to have a few extra hours sleep when the team left until it was light enough to pack up the 4x4 with all the kit. They were then back in action: gathering everything together into the vehicle and organising for the next nights camp, stuffing wet boots with newspaper, making the next nights supper and sorting out the dirty washing.

The support team then headed down the off road track in the car next to the still very swollen river they passed yesterday and headed back to pick up the van and the trailor from a small car park at the bottom.

The 4x4 then headed off to do a recce of tonight's camping spot which is up near the damn on Loch Mullardoch. Meanwhile Lucy and Sarah took themselves off to do a shop at Aldi in Inverness and then headed up to Loch Mullardoch to meet the 4x4. There were a herd of very interested cows all around the track below the damn and a very suspicious bull that was particularly interested in the car!

Lucy and sarah meanwhile managed to speak to the very nice estate stalker who offered us his shed to camp in and the use of a very plush kitchen in the holiday cottage next door. It is normally used as a chiller for the deer meat but the stalker very kindly turned off the chiller for us so that we weren't quite camping in a fridge!

Ceri and Lewis headed up to the road bike drop off ready for the team so that they could cycle down to the shed and Henry and Tom headed up the last munro to meet Tom, Alex and Becky.

They all arrived back at around 2230 for a quick chicken curry supper and into bed by midnight.

End of day 39 – 225 munros climbed

Day 38 - Morale is high!

Wednesday, 7th September 2011

A wonderful long sleep left everyone feeling rejuvenated and their kit toasty and dry after being hung over the fire overnight. The team left in really good spirits with Rob Keane after some really good porridge!

They headed off up Ciste Dhubh first, in honour of the Royal Gloucester, Wiltshire and Berkshire Regiment and then headed west to Aonach Meadhoin, Sgurr a Bhealaich Dheirg, Saileag, and Sgurr na Ciste Duibhe, which were dedicated to the Yorkshire Regiment.

They also climbed Sgurr na Carnach - dedicated to Cpl Harvey Holmes, Mercian Regiment and finally Sgurr Fhuaran for LCpl Alan David Cochran and Cpl Terry Webster, also from the Mercian Regiment.

After another very wet day, the team came into Glenlicht House, a bothy owned by The University of Edinburgh mountaineering society, bang on time at 1800. They were very wet but the support team got a good fire going and the kit is slowly drying out. They all enjoyed a delicious stir-fry supper.

The team is just 10 days away from completing the mission. Alex will be the youngest person to have climbed all the munros and it will be the 2nd quickest time ever!

Day 37 - Wet & Wild

Tuesday, 6th September 2011

After a very late 0200 finish on the bikes last night and a (hopefully) shorter day today the team decided to catch up on some sleep and start at 0900 this morning. Unfortunately the weather hadn't changed overnight and even a good nights sleep couldn't revive their spirits!

The day was ridiculously wet and extremely windy; it was very tough battling against the wind and the rain all day - even the best gortex couldn't cope! Alex was very nearly lifted off his feet and they were crawling along some of the route in order to stay out of the wind. The team came across some very swollen and flooding rivers.

Despite the weather, the 'munro hopping' continued. In honour of the Royal Welsh Regiment, the team scrambled across Carn Ghluasaid, Sgurr nan Conbhairea - dedicated to Private James Prosser, and Sail Chaorainn.

In memory of Pte Jonathan Monk and Pte John Brackpool of the Princess of Wales Regiment the team climbed Mullach Fraoch-choire. The journey across A’ Chralaig was dedicated to the Royal Gloucester, Wiltshire and Berkshire Regiment.

Meanwhile half of the support team trudged into the youth hostel at Alltbeithe (only accessible by a 3 hour walk from the nearest road) and set up camp. It was a really cosy building which was very eco friendly with wind and solar powered lights, two fires which heat the water for the shower and everything is recycled bar a couple of bags of rubbish a month!

The team arrived in well ahead of schedule at 1800 ahead of Sarah, Becky and Lucy who were still on their way with the rest of the kit and the supper (they had to pick Becky up from the station). The team made the most of the spare time and had a quick 2 hour kip! The support team arrived and unpacked. Sarah concocted a delicious paella style supper which apparently contained a mystery ingredient...it has never been revealed and we're not sure we want to know!

They were joined for supper by Rob Keane a friend of Cpl Terry Webster who planned to spend the day with the team the next day.

After supper the boys made straight for the bunk beds and managed to get a good 10 hour sleep in total - a first!

The team has now climbed 213 munros!

Thank you to Skye Hi Mountain Guides

As the team leave Skye, they would like to say another huge thank you to Graham and Annie Patterson at Skye Hi for their generosity and kindness in supporting the team throughout one of the most crucial and challenging times of the mission.

Graham was the team's guide on Skye, and his knowledge of the Cuillin Ridge was fundamental to the team's motivation and progress.

THANK YOU!

Day 36 – Skye completed!

Monday 5th September 2011

After sleeping until 14:45 the team awoke to a beautiful day! The support team packed up their daysacks and cooked them some more pasta! Tom, Alex and Jack headed off on the road bikes to the foot of Bla Bheinn for the final munro on Skye. The climb of this munro was dedicated to Private Tony Rawson, of the Royal Anglians and was sponsored by Chris Laing. Graham headed up the munro with the team, joined by Lucy and Jack. It was fairly easy going with a good path most of the way up although lots of scrambling towards the end. It took them 4 hrs in total which was very good going.

They then hopped back on the bikes for a very long cycle off Skye, beyond Morvich and on to Ratagan where they will stay tonight at the youth hostel. They will be able to afford a later start tomorrow as they have completed the long cycle tonight. Tom and Alex are doing incredibly well.

The team have now successfully climbed 208 munros!

Day 35 – Update: the toughest endurance test yet!

Sunday 4th September 2011

This morning the team had departed from the 5 star campsite at Morvich by 06:30 and headed west on their roadbikes towards the Isle of Skye. Tom and Alex were joined by Lucy's brother Jack who cycled with the team for the 3 hour cycle to Sligachan. It was a beautiful morning and the scenery looked stunning in the early morning sun as they crossed the bridge at the Kyle of Lochalsh onto the Isle of Skye. The views certainly helped Tom and Alex take their minds of their aching limbs; you could see for miles right out to the islands beyond Skye.

Once at Sligachan Tom, Alex and the support team met up with Graham Paterson and his wife Annie from Skye Hi Guides. Graham was extremely kind in June when he took the team up for a recce on the notoriously difficult and technical Cuillin ridge. He very kindly offered to help Tom and Alex again for the real challenge and will be spending two days with them completing the 12 munros on Skye. 11 are part of the ridge and then Bla Bheinn is on its own further east.

The boys disappeared up onto the ridge with Graham at 1000 and didn't return until 0800 the following morning! In total 27 hours of climbing and scrambling on the Cuillin ridge; the team climbed and abseiled 6 munros in the dark!

For the Royal Anglian Regiment they climbed Sgurr na Mhadaidh, Sgurr a’ Ghreadaidh - dedicated to Cpl Scott Hardy, and Sgurr Mhic Choinnich for the Royal Irish Regiment; all of which were sponsored by the Romsey Ladies.

The Hicks Family sponsored Sgurr na Banachdich, climbed in memory of Capt David Hicks, Royal Anglians.

Also for the Royal Irish Regiment, the team conquered munros Sgurr Alasdair, dedicated to Ranger Aaron McCormick and Sgurr Dubh Mor. Sgurr na Eag was climbed in honour of the Royal Welsh Regiment. The team also climbed Am Bastier, dedicated to Private John Thrumble of The Royal Artillery, and Bruach na Frithe for the Royal Anglian Regiment.

They climbed the notorious Inaccessible Pinnacle, sponsored by Karen Cummings, to commemorate Lance Corporal Paul Muirhead, Royal Irish Regiment.

At the top of Sgurr Nan Guillian the team had a sip of Speckled Hen ale which had been given in honour of Capt David Hicks, Royal Anglians.

Graham hardly ever does the ridge in one go and has never done or known anyone to do such a large chunk in the dark, so it really was a massive achievement and to keep going for 27 hours is pretty incredible! But the team were rewarded with the most amazing views and incredible sunsets along the way. They had a wonderful day although it was by far the toughest endurance test they have had so far.

When they arrived at Glen Brittle memorial hall (for walkers and mountaineers), Tom, Alex and Graham were fed pasta bolognese before climbing into bed. They got a good 6 hours sleep before being awoken at 1445 to climb Bla Bheinn. Meanwhile the support team spent time cleaning their vehicles, fixing bikes and sorting food supplies as well as accommodation for the next few days, and writing press releases for the local and national press on the team's achievements so far.

They have now completed over 200 munros!