Bittersweet trek creates lifelong friendships for this merry but midge-mauled and emotional band of brothers
Fifteen walkers with combined age of 1,000 tackle the West Highland Way in memory of sibling and pal
It’s quite easy to play the
numbers game when it comes to a situation like this. The length of the West Highland Way – 96 miles. Walkers – 15, with a combined age of 1,000. The target set for fundraising for Prostate Cancer UK – £30,000. And the estimated number of steps taken by all 15 over six days of hiking – three million.
The 15 were a group of 60-somethings, the majority originating from Dundee but mostly now spread across the globe. We called ourselves Stu’s Band of Brothers, a mini diaspora who banded together to raise funds for Prostate Cancer UK in memory of my brother Stuart Fraser, who passed away last September.
The trek, which we affectionately called the 1,000 Years Hike, was the end result of eight months of planning and training. Hiking, dieting and gym work – all of these were part and parcel of each Brother’s routine.
The West Highland Way stretches from Milngavie near Glasgow to Fort William, through Scotland’s most stunning vistas. We aimed to walk around 15 miles each day to reach the finish line in six days.
The hike was planned with intricate detail. Ian Crighton was the logistical mastermind, organising all meals and accommodation, while Neil
Anderson was continually updating the website to keep those who had donated up to speed with our progress. I’ve had to organise group hikes over the years, but never with this level of organisational expertise.
And me? All I had to do was roll out of bed in the morning, devour a hearty breakfast and contemplate what was in store that day. With badges and bandanas, T-shirts and flags, our cause was soon evident to all the other walkers we encountered along the way.
Stuart was originally from Dundee but settled in Ashtead, Surrey. He had hoped to join the team for part of the hike but even his fighting spirit was not enough. I was one of the most experienced of the group as I had walked the route twice already, both times also for charity. However, after the second time I decided that was that. But when I heard about this venture, I couldn’t say no to having another crack at it. Doing it with Stuart’s closest friends was an added bonus.
Not only that, but Prostate Cancer UK was a great help to Stuart before he died, and I knew that hundreds of other sufferers have benefited from its support. When we were talking about the hike before he died, he suggested we called the hikers Stu’s Band of Brothers. I couldn’t have thought of a better name myself.
The only problem I had on my previous experiences of walking the Way was the dreaded midge. But now that I was longer in the tooth, I wasn’t only fighting off these beasties but also trying to avoid various aching limbs. Luckily, one of the group was a retired GP so his skills came into use on more than one occasion!
The West Highland Way follows a route almost due north from Milngavie. It takes in Drymen, Crianlarich, Bridge of Orchy, Glencoe and Kinlochleven before dropping into Fort William, under the majestic shadow of Ben Nevis. It’s a mix of rolling farmland, sparkling lochs, craggy mountains and thick forests.
It’s little wonder that thousands match their fitness against the arduous task.
Our tough scramble up the shore of Loch Lomond was met with a glorious vista on Glen Falloch, where the mountains
around Crianlarich spring into view. Our climb up Conic Hill was rewarded by a stunning view up Loch Lomond and, when we had conquered the wilds of Rannoch Moor, the mighty Buachaille Etive Mor – one of Scotland’s highest mountains – greeted us as we descended into Glen Coe. I could sense that there was a lot of emotion in our ranks as Stuart was never far from our thoughts. For instance, if a downpour occurred, we’d say: “That’s Stuart having a go at us!”
Similarly, if the sun was shining, we’d put it down to him putting in a good word for us.
The walk was a challenge none of us could take for granted, and an event in which everyone rose to the occasion – tackling ticks, battling blisters and being mauled by midges, suffering strains and fighting fatigue. But while doing all of this in memory of Stuart, nothing could dissipate our fighting spirit.
I have walked extensively in the Scotland, either in a group or with only a couple of fellow walkers. But I have never experienced such an occasion as the 1,000 Years Hike where 15 guys, some of whom I had never met, could naturally gel into such an uncomplicated unit.
Finally, when Ben Nevis was spotted as I descended into Glen Nevis, I knew all the hard work had been done. With the finishing tape in sight at Fort William, I got a spring in my step for the last few miles. I was just like the others, enjoying a bittersweet moment knowing we’d almost finished after a memorable six days.
Chief organiser Ian was Stuart’s closest friend. He said: “I think it is one of the greatest events I have been involved with and it now almost overwhelms me with emotion to think about it. It is also intertwined with the sense of loss of my best friend.
“Friendships have been reinforced and made through the camaraderie the hike generated. Adventures such as the one we have all experienced will stay long in our memories and create bonds that will last long into the future. Everyone has their own tale to tell whether it be cuts, scrapes, blisters, bruises, bites or sprains.
“The main thing is that not only have we raised a substantial amount for prostate cancer research, we have highlighted the potential problem that men might face.”
Five of the Brothers flew into the UK to take part in the fundraiser. One of them, Vancouver-based Gordon Emslie, was making his first visit to Scotland in 41 years.
Hesaid:“Thewalkwas memorable on so many levels, delivering everything and more than I could have imagined or asked for. To be with such a great group of friends old and new was indeed special. The banter, the camaraderie and the support never stopped.”
Neil is also another who looks back on the hike with mixed emotions. “Exhilarated, happy, frustrated, tired, empty – all these could describe my feelings once the hike was over,” he said. “We got there, in every sense. Satisfaction and the feeling of achievement trumps them all. If only Stuart could have been with us.”
This band of brothers is now bonded for life.