Kiltwalk 2011 My Favourite Day of Last Year

For all of you who walked the Kiltwalk last year then you'll remember we were blessed with it being one of the hottest days of the year and while it made the walkers toil in the latter stages, the glorious sunshine was thoroughly enjoyed by the hundreds of family and friends who had turned out to spectate.

The sight of familiar faces cheering us on at the half way stage was an inspiration for many of us and gave us the drive and energy to stagger those last 13 miles to complete the challenge.

As many of us walked we were receiving texts or phone calls from family who were basking in the sunshine at Loch Lomond Shores where the entertainment was enjoyed almost as much as the copious amounts of ice cream eaten by all, so it was a day to be enjoyed and remembered by all.

For me personally, the day was even better as my wee Mum, who was wheelchair bound and suffered from dementia, had a day out with her family and she sat for hours enjoying the sunshine, the ice cream and watching the walkers in their kilts crossing the line and when ever we visited my mum she would talk about the day and how much she had enjoyed it and was looking forward to repeating the day in 2012.

Sadly that's not to be, as my Mum died a few weeks ago and today we scattered her ashes in the garden of remembrance, so this years walk will be tinged with sadness as she won't be there to watch me cross the line, however I know that when the going gets tough on the 8th April her spirit will be willing me on.