Following the death of her grandmother last year, Karen Arnold (13) of Alyth has decided to do something to raise funds for the Dundee Maggie’s  Centre which gives vital support to individuals and families affected by cancer.

She and her friend Meghan Bissett (12) also from Alyth, are doing a sponsored walk around the Cateran trail, a trek of over 60 miles, breaking the walk into a number of shorter sections. The girls plan to start on 27^th March, completing the walk during Easter weekend.

This will be quite a challenge for both girls so please support them by giving a donation if you can.

Thank you

The first day of the walk we started in Blairgowrie early on Sunday morning, walking over the hill to Bridge of Cally for a brief stop in the Hotel. We then walked up to Ballintuim. It was a long day - 12 miles -but the weather was great and the girls did really well. It was a great start to our journey. For this stage both mums and our friend Janice joined the girls.

On the second stage to Enochdhu we were joined by the girls friend Morgan. This was a shorter section but was made harder as it was very hot. This was helped by a stop for ice-cream at Kirkmichael.

On the third day we were driven to the start of the walk by Grandad. We were met at Enochdhu by a photographer from the Courier. After sheltering from a sudden rain shower and strong winds the photographs were duly taken and we set off for the Spittal of Glenshee. Karen's brother, Martin, joined us today. Martin walked The Cateran Trail when he was 12 . We stopped for lunch at the hut and signed the visitors book. It was cooler for this section which was good as we had a bit of a climb to do. The path was good however and we were surprised to arrive at the end in good time. 

Day 4 was from Spittal of Glenshee to Forter Castle. This was a slightly longer about 8 miles. It needed a little more map work as we could have used a few more marker posts to show the way. The girls were quite excited as they were to be at Forter Castle by a reporter from Daybreak Scotland ! Luckily they arrived in time to sort the hair, etc .The girls did an excellent interview which hopefully some people saw - even if we couldn't pick it up in Alyth ! Well done girls - brought a tear to our eyes !

On day 5 we  were joined by friend Fiona Murray. It was quite a pleasant walk as we did the alternative route. It was slightly longer than the original Cateran Trail route which we had walked 10 years ago which had been all on the road and not very good walking. We saw lots of lambs - some very newly born ! Well done Fiona for keeping up.

On the 6th day we started in Glenisla on another warm day. We had thought this was going to be a reasonably easy section although it was 11 miles.There were a surprising number of uphill sections but we had some great views ! Karen did especially well today as she had hurt herself falling at the ice skating earlier in the week. We made good time and it was good walking over Alyth hill to home.

Last section of the walk on Saturday 23rd April. Left Alyth square at 10 am. We were joined again by Janice, and Grandad was there to see us off. It was a bit cloudy when we began. We walked along Alyth den and we were surprised to find several teddy bears hiding in the trees looking after easter eggs. Don't worry we took photographs but left the eggs ! Hope the children they were left for had fun !

We then walked up the road to Drimmie Woods for a coffee stop. Unfortunately on leaving the woods the rain started - but as this was the first time we had needed waterproofs for the whole walk we can't complain. We made good time and arrived in Blairgowrie at 1pm a little bit damp but in good spirits.

 

We are very proud of what the girls have achieved. At no point has either of them complained about walking - they have just taken it in their stride. Well done both of you. You have raised over £1000 for the Maggies Centre Dundee.