On the Trail of Kidnapped . . .

Andrew Bell will be following the route taken in 1751 by David Balfour and Alan Breck in Robert Louis Stevenson's classic novel Kidnapped. From the 10th of June 2010, the walk will be taking place in aid of the Chinese HAND organisation lasting approximately 4 weeks.

In chapter 14 of the novel, Balfour is found shipwrecked off the coast of Mull on the tidal island of Erraid. In the chapters that follow, David and his companion Alan Breck make their way through the Highlands and eventually south to Edinburgh on a journey of discovery and intrigue.

Andrew will be setting out from Erraid, trekking through Mull, through Glencoe, down to Callander, finally finishing in Edinburgh. The total distance covered will be approximately 213 miles.

All proceeds will go to support the charitable HAND Organisation, a voluntary organisation providing medical care in rural China.








About the HAND Organisation

HAND operates in the Pihe County of Nujiang State in China’s Yunnan Province, south of Tibet and west of Burma. Where possible HAND provide patients with life saving or life changing operations, as well as the means to access medical care.

In addition HAND gives health education in the area so that local minority people are able to do all they can to protect the health of themselves and their families.

Official Website:

http://www.hand.org.cn/index.htm






How to Become a Sponsor

If you would like to make a pledge to the marathon walk in aid of the HAND organisation, please don't hesitate to get in touch by sending an e-mail to:

rlsforchina@yahoo.co.uk

Even if you can't spare money for a sponsorship, awareness-raising is also essential. Please tell a friend about RLS for China and don't forget the link! (http://www.rlsforchina.blogspot.com/).



Saturday, 26 June 2010

Not long now

Currently sitting in a hostel in Stirling! That means a mere 28 miles remain. I shall be finishing on the Edinburgh side of the Forth Road Bridge this Monday if all goes to plan.


I'm very much looking forward to go home; though equally I admit I'll miss this vagabond lifestyle. Everything seems that much more enjoyable when the pressure's off, and that's an exhilarating thing.
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Thursday, 17 June 2010

THE MIDGE; the unseen enemy



While potential hunger, thirst, sunburn and exhaustion have proven themselves to be serious possibilities, certain times of day have presented an even more immediate problem; the midge ('Culicoides impunctatus').

If you see a cloud of them, avoid it. Apparently it is only the females midges that pose a threat, congregating in warm, breeze-free and moist areas. If you do find yourself flanked by this force of nature, your only hope is to keep yourself covered, apply anti-midge spray (Avon Skin So Soft is also excellent) or smoke (perhaps the lesser of two evils). Let's not rule out flamethrowers either.

What a blessing it is that these two-winged insects only emerge between March and August -just in time for the tourists.
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Tuesday, 15 June 2010

One Week Complete!


I am now at the end of the first week, with 76 miles behind, and about 115 to go. Making my way north through Morvern now, and hoping to be at the Connell Ferry before long, and then heading for Glencoe. Pictures from the walk across Mull have now been posted and can be seen by clicking on the image.
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Thursday, 10 June 2010


Balfour's Bay was one of the most scenic locations I've ever seen! Beautifully tranquil and virtually abandoned ... surely a well-kept secret.

2 days ago at Fidden I was caught in torrential rain for 10 hours; excellent weather now though.

I'm now at Pennyghael, heading off tomorrow for Lochdon! Phew!
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Monday, 7 June 2010

On my way


Dear Everyone,

I'm sitting in an Oban internet cafe, and I'm pleased to say the walk has almost begun. I'll be making my way to Erraid soon, and properly setting off within the next 2 days. So far the weather's been better than I could have hoped for, and the scenery has been spectacular.

Plan to be in Balfour's Bay tonight!

A big thank you to everyone who has pledged so far.
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Thursday, 3 June 2010

A special thanks...

A special thank you to Sofie and Mario Alonzi for the use of their tent, sleeping bag, first aid kit, map equipment and many other essentials. What a great help!

Gratitude also to Eyal Poleg for the use of his hiking bag.

Not long to go! Expect photos soon!

Andrew
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