Irene Evison (UK) – Cona Glen to Cape Wrath
Butterflies are fluttering in my stomach as we turn off the small road along the lochside into the Cona Glen, the valley of the Cona River stretching inland from Loch Linnhe in the Highlands of Scotland. My legs are feeling strong after the first few miles, but that’s just as well, as I’ve got another 230 miles or so to go! I’m one of nearly 200 people setting off on a trail running event over 8 days from Fort William to the northwestern tip of mainland UK at Cape Wrath. The glen lies ahead of me, with the river to the left of our track, rusty water coloured by the peaty soils of the mountains all around us. I feel so lucky to be out there, appreciating the views, listening to the water rushing, feeling the breeze on my face, getting to know a few of my running companions. The start of eight days of a remarkable experience, travelling through some of the most stunning landscapes we have in the UK (in my view!). And I now get to call this place home, having recently moved to live just a few miles from the glen. I can wander up the glen any time, watching the colours change with the season, appreciating the nature on my doorstep.