20 [email protected] Novel adventure CYCLE RACE IS A REAL KILLIE RIDE THE SCOTTISH MARMOTTE The UK’s first Marmotte Gran Fondo race will take place in Scotland this year and offers riders a chance to cycle like a pro. The prestigious Marmotte title has been awarded to the event, which starts in Kilmarnock. On September 25, the Marmotte Gran Fondo Ecosse 2016 will see up to 8000 riders cycling 137k and taking on 1535m of demanding climbs. The ride is supported by the Braveheart Cycling Fund. The Gran Fondo is part of an outdoors festival in Kilmarnock from September 23 to 25. There will also be a Chrono race for riders held over 20k, with 206m of climbing, and a 4k Tour of Colour fun run. For details of the Marmotte Gran Fondo Ecosse, go to www.marmotteecosse.com. It REMOTE is part of a pan-European series. Adventurers will cross Rannoch Moor

Adventurers Alan BY SEA: 500 MILES BY LAND: 260 MILES Rankin and Willie Starting from under the They go by foot across Mull Gibson will set off next Forth rail bridge at South and take a ferry to Morvern. month to complete the Queensferry, they head north They head north, crossing first-ever re-enactment up the east coast to Orkney. Loch Linnhe to Appin then of the trail in Robert Turning south at North eastwards by Glencoe, Louis Stevenson’s Ronaldsay, they head for Rannoch Moor and The Cape Wrath and down The Trossachs to the Forth Valley. classic book Kidnapped. Minch, passing west of Skye. They will skirt Stirling, head Te duo hope to trace the From Skye, they pass the along the Hillfoots and on to FIONA 130-year-old adventure story south of Coll and Tiree then cross the Forth at Limekilns, RUSSELL by sailing 500 miles around land at the island of Erraid at returning to South Queensferry Scotland then walking 260 miles the south-west corner of Mull. and then on to Edinburgh. GRUELLING Marmotte Gran Fondo across the country. Te challenge will raise funds RUSHERS IS ON Adventure duo for three charities – Parkinson’s Mull, Morvern, Appin, Glencoe, was published in 1886. It tells Teenagers are being urged to take will embark on a UK, Ocean Youth Trust Scotland Rannoch Moor, Te Trossachs, the story of David Balfour’s part in a new obstacle event – the and Stevenson Adventures. Hillfoots and returns over the kidnapping and subsequent Young Rushers. 700-mile journey Te aim is to complete the Forth to South Queensferry. adventure as he is smuggled The race takes place in Glasgow’s challenge in less than 18 days, Following the story of around the coast of Scotland. Pollok Park on July 9 and is part of over land and sea starting on May 22. Kidnapped, the adventure will In the book, he survives the Adrenaline Rush series of as they follow Alan, who is an experienced fnish in Scotland’s capital city. shipwreck, witnesses the urban obstacle races. The 5k Young sailor, said: “We plan to follow, Rushers race is for children aged Te friends will spend nights infamous Appin Murder 14+. They need to be accompanied the route taken as close as possible, the route camping in the hills and taking then fees the Redcoats with by a responsible adult. described in the book. shelter and accommodation Alan Breck Stewart across Eight Adrenaline Rush events – in Robert Louis “Unlike the story, however, where they can. Scotland to South Queensferry including a minimum of 20 Stevenson’s book there will be no real-life kidnap Veteran mountain marathon and on to Edinburgh to claim obstacles – will take place across and hopefully no shipwreck man Willie will lead the walk his fortune. the UK from May to August. They Kidnapped to raise either.” and run across Scotland. HOW TO WALK THE are supported by Inmotion Sport Te adventure will see Alan He said: “When I saw the route, STEVENSON WAY and the Macmillan Cancer Charity cash for charities and Willie sailing their yacht ■ Go to www.theadrenalinerush. I thought, ‘Trust Stevenson to It is possible to hike the 230-mile com Trade Winds northwards from make the trip such an epic one’. Stevenson Way from Mull to South Queensferry on the It takes us to remote places and Edinburgh. An ofcial long- Firth of Forth. has more than 42,000ft of ascent.” distance trail is detailed at KIT OF THE WEEK Tey will sail past Aberdeen, Alan is no stranger to www.stevensonway.org.uk Equip yourself for a wild camping around Orkney, passing Cape adventure challenges. In 2006, It is an interpretation of the trip with Camp-A-Box Complete. Wrath, then around Skye to he became the frst person to route Stevenson suggests David The innovative product is south of Tiree before landing sail and cycle around Scotland. took in the book Kidnapped. created by Swedish brand Wildo. on the rocky island of Erraid And three years ago, he sailed Due to the distance involved It includes a plate with lid, two near Mull. singlehanded around the UK and sizes of fold-up cup, and the remoteness of much of a cutting board, Te pair will face the dangers Ireland, stopping to run a 10k at the route, most walkers complete condiment of busy shipping areas, open 10 ports along the way. the Way in short sections, shaker and a seas and tidal headlands. He has competed in more carrying their own food. fork-and-spoon When they reach Erraid, than 20 mountain marathons, It is possible to do most of the combined they will swap sailing boats for tackled ultra-distance cross- route in weekend, or two-day, spork. walking shoes to hike and run Scotland routes and completed stints but the Mull and the ■ Camp-A-Box the 260 miles to Edinburgh. the punishing 50-mile Ramsey Rannoch Moor sections are Complete, Advice Te overland route crosses £15.99, www. Round. Stevenson’s Kidnapped best walked over four days. newheights. and Join me on my adventures in Scotland’s great outdoors by checking out my award-winning co.uk ideas website at www.fionaoutdoors.co.uk – you’ll find lots of great information about walking, cycling, running and other outdoor activities as well as kit reviews.