http://www.flickr.com/photos/qrtzcntrl/sets/72157624279311208/
*** route update - available here ** (Google Earth KML file, right-click save-as, save to computer, then open Google Earth, and open file from downloaded location, double click "Coast to coast in 5 mins" for a flyby tour, OR view in Google Maps here (map-mode) or here (earth-view) ***
** update 2: You can also see the detailed route here, and our detailed itinerary (including dried camping food tasty goodness). **
Leon and Emma Ross, along with Will Wilkin will be walking across as part of the to Coast Challenge. This will entail a distance of 200 miles and a plan to take in 12 munros, which will contribute to a total ascent of 36,000 feet. The route has been planned by the team, and includes lots of wild camps and some remote B&B rest stops (for well needed wee drams and proper food).
Their challenge will begin on 14th May in Mallaig on the west coast, then travelling via. ferry to Inverie in Knoydart, home to the most remote pub in the UK, then set off walking due East, taking in both the Monadhliath and Cairngorm Mountain ranges, before finishing on 29th May at Dunnottar Castle on the East coast, battling against the infamous west highland midges, snow, ice, inevitable rain, blisters and the need for a few pints of Scottish ale along the way.
As well as this trip being a significant personal challenge, the team wanted to use this experience to raise some money for charity, hoping that friends, family and colleagues will support us.
We are walking for the Charity CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young), and in memory of Kerry-Anne Offord, the girlfriend of Gary Horn, a close family friend, who tragically passed away as a result of SDS (Sudden Death Syndrome). Gary has dedicated his time since Kerry-Anne died to raising awareness for the Charity, as well as being a recipient of the help that the charity can give to those who have lost loved ones to the syndrome. ’s spirit and determination has inspired us to try and make it across for Kerry-Anne, and to hopefully do our bit to contribute to the number of people in the who may be saved from tragedy due to the excellent work that CRY carries out.
Hundreds of young people die unexpectedly of heart defects every year. CRY works to raise awareness of Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) and campaigns for proactive screening of young people. It offers help and support to those who have suffered a loss, provides medical information, carries out Mobile Cardiac Screening and ECG Testing Programmes within local communities and contributes to medical research. For more information please go to www.c-r-y.org.uk.
If you would like to donate some money, whether it be per mile (that will definitely ensure we all finish!) or a lump some for the whole trip, whatever you can spare will be massively appreciated. We promise not to post any pictures of blisters, and we’ll obviously take pics of ourselves at the start and finish to prove we did it!
Thanks all
Em, Leon and Will.
Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity. So please dig deep and donate now.