The Outdoors Station

The popularity of bushcraft or woodcraft, call it what you will, is steadily growing in the UK. More people are wanting to find out about their surroundings to maximize their enjoyment, for short days walks, just as much as long treks. I speak with Tony Bristow editor of BushcraftUK magazine and website regarding the development and potential future of this interesting pastime.

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The Thursday night meal and celebration at the Park Hotel in Montrose, is where Challengers meet up with old friends to share their experiences, hear hiking stories and congratulate each other for completing the trip. A night of good humour, companionship and for making plans for next time. During this particular evening I talk with Craig Macpherson from Texas, Rolk Kerikoff from Holland, Peter Varley, Jennet Tenant, Christine Roach and Ann Ling and of course conclude with final words from organizer Roger Smith.

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The final days walking involved navigating the notorious Fetteresso forest and the many misleading paths. However we finally make it to Stonehaven in one piece on a beautiful sunny day ready for the traditional paddle in the sea. Andy and Kate also complete their route to Montrose and relax on the campsite before enjoying the Wednesday night celebratory meal at the Park Hotel.

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Andy and Kate have a moment of reflection on this their last night at Northwater Bridge camspite and consider how they feel about this years crossing. At Spittal Cott I empty out my bag and review each item in turn and discuss what I did and didn't use and which items I could do without for next time, passing on any tips where I can.

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Finally we all arrive at the welcome haven of Tarfside and while we camp on the playing field, Andy and Kate take the soft option of warm beds and clean linen! In the hostel Andy has a very interesting chat with Rob Hausam who is hiking in sandles, while I catch up with Doug Scott, Beppe Valfre and Simone Pinzolo. The following day we head to The Retreat for a full breakfast before once again parting company and heading different ways to the coast.

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We meet Andy and Kate on route to Loch Callater Lodge and then share the rest of the journey over Jocks Road to find a secluded little spot in the woods, for a good rest and chat about using lightweight gear on the Challenge. Loch Callater has to be one of the most charming glens you could ever wish to walk along.

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One of the best known characters of the Challenge is Alan Sloman who always seems to be at the heart of any of the many social gatherings which take place during the crossing. This year he had somehow managed to combine the traverse of Scotland with a Lands End to John O'Groats walk for charity. A total of over 1600 miles. Of course, once he had finished the Challenge he then had to walk back to the West coast to reach his goal. This full length interview covers all aspects of his trip, the mental, the physical, the environment and of course, the gear!

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While Andy and Kate enjoy a restful start to their day off, our damp little group gather ourselves together before heading into Braemar for some well earned refreshments. Once in town we naturally head for the Fife Arms, and meet up with other challengers Peter Shepherd, Colin Ibbotson and David Albon.

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Andy starts the day by sharing the beauty of Glen Feshie, while we pack up and leave Martin to head via the Burma Road to Aviemore. We have one last brew stop before we arrive in town and hit the shops. The following day I have to say farewell to a tearful Rose and continue on my own in the hope of meeting Lee Wells and Tony Bone. Eventually we make it to Derry Lodge and look for sheltered spot away from the brewing storm.

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Andy and Kate start from Laggan, while Rose and I cross Loch Ness early in the morning before heading into the Monaghliath Mountains via Errogie. On route we meet Martin Banfield and Ian Cotterill and share a few miles with them and end the day at a lovely riverside camping spot where do a bit of a gear review.

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