Stefan Durkacz

Following the Tay watershed exactly will be possible for the most part, but not always. In the lowland sections, particularly the initial days from Broughty Ferry to the Highland boundary fault, I'll be threading a way through cultivated land, sticking to minor roads and farm tracks, and maybe the odd dismantled railway line. Forestry may get in the way at one or two points as well. The extent to which I have to deviate from the watershed (or not) in these early days will need to be figured out on the ground. Between Forfar and Kirriemuir the A926 follows the watershed almost perfectly for around three miles. I'm not sure I want to be faithful to this section though. Tramping along a pavement-free 'A' road doesn't appeal, especially when there are options to follow minor roads slightly north, and a combination of roads, tracks and a dismantled railway to the south. The success of the venture depends on it being enjoyable, after all. There's one place where I ma...

A long weekend in Scotland with the family presented an opportunity to get out into the hills for a couple of days. At least I now have a new excuse: I'm in training! The venue was the complex little range of hills in the angle between Loch Arkaig and Loch Lochy. I was carrying a fairly heavy pack with ice axe, crampons and extra thermal clothing as well as all the usual gear - tent, sleeping bag, food for a night and two days, stove, gas canister and all the other bits and pieces. The weather:  benign with lots of sunshine and little wind; however it was very cold - the tail end of the coldest March in 50 years. Although the wind was generally light it was a biting easterly that was hard to ignore. Looking south east over Loch Lochy to the Grey Corries, Aonachs, Carn Mor Dearg and Ben Nevis Aside from the pure pleasure of having a break from work and getting out into the mountains, this was a good chance to test my fitness and also various bits of gear I've gradually been acqu...