The walk took place on a not-so-nice Sunday, with over 8,000 people taking part, raising funds for thier respective charities. We had 48 walkers who nominated us as their chosen charity - 10 taking part in the 6 mile walk and 38 doing the full 12 mile walk, of which I was one.
Our Secretary, Gill Mitchell, met as many of us as she could at the start to give us final words of encouragement, and to capture us on her camera. I'll hopefully get the pictures from her and get them online soon.
After a procession from Meadowbank Stadium to Holyrood Park, headed up by a pipe band, the 12 mile walk got underway at 11.00am, and several thousand people headed around Queens Drive in Holyrood Park anticlockwise in dry but overcast conditions. Unfortunately, the weather forecasters got it right as this only lasted about 20 minutes and it started to drizzle. Then it got a bit heavier. Then heavier still until it was pouring down ! At least it helped keep us cool. This lasted for about 1½ hours and then thankfully it faired up, and we managed to dry out again.
All the walkers were still in good spirits and enjoying the occasion despite the weather. The route took us a full circuit (and a bit !) of Queens Drive, up through the Cowgate, Grassmarket, King's Stables Road, Princes Street Gardens West, The Mound, Market Street, East Market Street, New Street, Calton Road, Calton Hill, Waterloo Place, Regent Road, Carlton Terrace, Royal Terrace, London Road, Leith Walk, Great Junction Street, Henderson Street, Sandport Place, Dock Street, Dock Place in Leith Docks, through Leith Docks emerging at The Shore to Bernard Street, Constitution Street, Queen Charlotte Street, Links Place, across Leith Links to Vanburgh Place, Easter Road, St Clair Street, Hawkhill Avenue, Lochend Road South, Marionville Road, Wishaw Terrace and finally entering Meadowbank Stadium via the marathon gate to the finish. Believe me, it FELT more than 12 miles !
The 6 mile walk got underway at about 11.20am and the route also started in Holyrood Park, into Holyrood Palace via the southern-most gates, around the fountain & departing via the gates at the south-west corner, up part of Queens Drive and then doubling back down again and following the 12 mile route until East Market Street. It then headed down the Royal Mile and back to Meadowbank Stadium via Holyrood Park again (at least I think it did as I was on the 12 mile walk).
Plenty of water stops were provided en route, with entertainment from fiddlers, jazz bands, and mobile discos to keep us going. Of course, you could stop for a "pit stop" in any of the "hostelries" on the route as well if you wanted to - I am glad to say I managed to keep myself going and resist the temptation !
I eventually reached the finish line after what seemed an eternity - 3 hours and 46 minutes , and in 394th place in the mens event (yes it is me - they spelt my name wrong !). I was a little disappointed as I hoped for quicker, but it's not bad out of 659 in the mens event. Happily, I was also blister free, albeit a little sore. That evening and Monday I was more than a little sore ! If I do it again I MUST do some practise walks - zero exercise to 12 mile walk is not advisable, as I found out the hard way !!!
Despite my aches and pains, I can say I did enjoy the experience, and I wont rule it out for next year. It's not quite a promise to do it, but maybe ....
For more information on the walk, including including route maps and the results, visit the Great Scottish Walk website.
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