Our hiking goal for this year was two separate hikes, one in Scotland and one in Ireland. While we did not hike every single mile of either, we did meet our goal of hiking at least 100 miles on both routes. In all, we hiked 108.8 miles on the two routes.
In Scotland, the famous Rob Roy Way sits in the Scottish Highlands and forms the backdrop for the exploits of the legendary folk hero of the same name. This was a guided hike with two professional guides and a group of 12 hikers over seven days, including a rest day. Each day we hiked an average of 9.5 miles in an average time of 5.6 hours. Elevation gain varied, but the most we experienced was about 1000 feet in one day. Total for Rob Roy: 57 miles, 33.55 hours over six days.
In Ireland, the Dingle Way is a circumnavigation of the Dingle Peninsula, which sits on the western shore of Ireland facing the Atlantic. The trail goes along high cliffs overlooking giant foam-capped waves beating against the sheer rock walls forming the coastline. This was a self-guided hike: just the two of us. Like the Rob Roy, it was spread over seven days, with one rest day. Each day we hiked an average 8.6 miles in an average time of 5.1 hours. Total for Dingle Way: 51.8 miles, 30.75 hours over six days.
In the three months leading up to our departure, we hiked approximately 125 miles on local trails in preparation for this adventure. However, in March we both had the flu (despite flu shots), which robbed us of almost a month of training. We hiked Freeman Lake, Otter Creek, and Bernheim. Each time, we dressed and packed as though we were on the trail in Scotland or Ireland. In our backpacks, each weighing about 20 pounds, we carried water, food, rain gear, warm clothing, a first aid kit, and basic survival tools.
Our bi-weekly training at B-Fit was excellent and gave us a definite advantage. Our legs were strong, and they never gave out during our lengthy adventure. All the squats and lunges, along with the Versa Climber, gave our legs that added advantage we would need on the trail. All the core exercises made us stronger and allowed us to lift up and over all the many obstacles we encountered in the natural world in which we found ourselves. Finally, by pushing ourselves during each B-Fit workout, we strengthened our endurance, allowing us to complete each day’s hike without being exhausted. During the hike, Paula wore her MYZONE belt and was pleased to see all the calories she burned each day. Another result was the effort category. It seemed to decrease with each day we hiked, and some of that was the terrain.
We believe our training adequately prepared us. Our conditioning was never a challenge. We never had blisters or any of the typical hiker issues. We were 100% prepared. Having said that, there were two surprises, one good and one bad. The good surprise occurred in Scotland on our second day. Our guide announced we were hiking on a moor, which we were unsure of what that meant. The moor was a huge grassy area of highly acidic soil in which nothing but a certain type of grass will grow. Sure enough, the moor was brown, dry grass as far as the eye could see. No other plants or trees. Now we know what a moor is. Our worst day of hiking was our first day on the Dingle Way. The bad news was the surface: the trail went through rocks, bogs, water, and sheep droppings. So, we had to carefully place our feet with each step, lest we step on a rock and twist an ankle. This bog was several miles, during which our boots and socks became soaked. This situation was tiring, and by having to look down at every step, we missed the true enjoyment of hiking.
If interested in planning an excursion like this, start with Google. Active Adventure Vacations or Treks is a good place to start. There are many outfitters out there that provide various exciting treks. Some are area specific, like Patagonia (South America) or Italy (Dolomites.) We use a company that has many years of experience offering guides and self-guided tours to choose from. It’s called Ryder-Walker Alpine Adventures. Their focus is Europe, especially Switzerland, but they have trekked all over.
In conclusion, we dreamed it. We planned it. We did it. And we had a ball. We saw and learned things we would never have imagined. We definitely achieved our goal!
