So, That Was 2015…

2015 appears to have been a really busy year.

It started in January (…like it does most years…) with me having to take Aedan down to Bisley for an Olympics thing. He didn’t get picked for the 2020 squad by GB, we think because we live so far north, (for financial reasons), but they may eventually pick him up…

In February, there was a whole load of box packing going on and a house move, just a few miles across to the other side of town, but it was an extremely stressful time that I had a few problems dealing with. Once we had moved I was the first to settle in and feel at home. We probably won’t be in this house for long, we’ll see, but I love living here, my new regular walk is wonderful and easily varied and extended.

I walked with Laura a bit too, which we have been able to make far more regular this year and has been wonderful too. We vary whether we walk here, or near Laura’s, or elsewhere for a change. In February, we walked here and at Revack Lodge.

Heading for Loch Romach (…I think…)

Looking towards the Monadhliath from the Revack view point

Onward into March and I really got into my stride with my new regular routes, which are an absolute delight. I just love walking from my home and almost directly onto the Altyre Estate, it’s so lovely to be able to do the majority of my walking off road, even if it isn’t overly taxing, it’s very pleasant!

Loch of Blairs

Ogham Stone

April and things are getting more and more busy. We had two competing at the Scottish Championships at Tulliallen this year, with Aedan being automatically nominated to shoot as part of the team due to his exceptional performance. Scotland won against Norway and England, they also won the home nations competition and Aedan medaled in his individual competions too.

There was walking, both with Laura and David, although our attempt at Ben Wyvis at the end of the month was foiled by slushy snow conditions underfoot.

I don’t do snow…

After April, there is May.

May didn’t start too well. Aedan mangaged to undo all my hard work and break his arm falling off his bike, days before his first exam and his eighteenth birthday. His right arm, and he is right-handed, of course. Huh.

And of course, just days after he had the temporary cast removed, a plate put in and a new cast, I was off on The Great Outdoors Challenge 2015.

This year I started from Dornie (although I stayed the night before in Shiel Bridge as I like the Trekkers Lodge) and made my merry little way to Kinnaber Links (again…) this time managing to temporarily misplace myself in a familiar area and then get blown off the top of a peat hag, spraining my ankle in the process. Still manage to limp in to the Cheese and Wine though! Such fun.

New friends, Craig and Vicky

…and old

Cheese and Wine!

After party party…

Ouch

Puddings and Cocktails

Alan and his Incredible Brother David

Perfect Pavlova (everyone else had Eton Mess…)

Carl

 

The finish

Anyway, enough of May, onto June. What happened in June?

I walked on Altyre a whole lot more than a I usually walk in June and Aedan had his cast off.

July saw a lot of walking, with David but mainly with Laura and we did a bit of trigpointing and accidental geocaching. I also reached my third and main target since I’d started my health and fitness campaign the week before Christmas, a total loss of 40lbs. Dead chuffed!

Seriously, how…

August was upon us and there was yet still more walking. Laura and I finally got up Ben Rinnes together, I’ve been up there twice before and hated it, but I thoroughly enjoyed this day out.

Happy Laura!

Just to prove we are walking together

We were back to Bisley, for the Junior Internation competition, this time with Ciara as part of the Scottish squad. Aedan was only just back to regular shooting, so didn’t compete this year. Ciara did an amazing job and Scotland did well again.

This time Ben Aigan, new to me, return for Laura

And we had some of our favourite visitors come to park on our drive. We took them for a walk up the Cromdale Hills

And it was the start of a season of glorious colour and fungi.

September was soon upon us, and there was more walking. This time with David and by myself, but on unfamiliar ground. I took myself up Ben Ledi and had a brilliant day! The weather was glorious, but the hill was busy. I met over fifty walkers, only nine of which didn’t say hello, and there were five dogs.

And of course, more local walking…

Checking out the Tomintoul Spur of the Speyside Way for a Bronze D of E Qualifier

West Lomond

And then we headed off into October and we did a ton of walking together! Ciara and Conall competed in their first (and very well I might say!) Grand Prix in Scotland and Aedan returned to competition.

Ben Wyvis, YEY!!

We had an excellent couple of days in Torridon

Fabulous, loved it.

October also saw the return to the Girly Walks, I took Laura with me

November, nearly at the end now. More Grand Prix success, especially for Aedan who broke the Scottish Junior record.

 

A fantastic day on Carn Mor, we had some really special walks this year!

Yet more trigpointing fun with Laura!

December has been very quiet. I have walked, with Laura and alone, but mainly locally. The boys competed at the Grand Prix again and Aedan broke his own record, again, this time equally the GB record, although it doesn’t count as it isn’t a nominated competition. Mind you, think he may be one to watch…

What does 2016 hold for us all? Who knows. There will be many more competitions as Aedan hopes to make selection within the next few years. Conall also enjoys competition and as he ends his first year of shooting, has shown great potential. Ciara also shoots really well, but she has plans for university in September, so we will have to see how she can fit all that in. Rhiannon is in her third year of university and doing really well, next year will see her start her fourth and final year, so we’ll see what plans she makes after that. I’ll be taking part in The Great Outdoors Challenge 2016, hopefully slightly less eventfull, I hope…

It looks it may be another busy year, I’ll keep you posted!

Thank you for joining me and I wish you all the very best for 2016. Sláinte!