With much relief I arrived finally at the Hawes Inn in Queensferry on Monday (28/06/2010) evening at 7:15 PM, and dined in the RL Stevenson room.
The Kidnapped trail was an excellent way of delving deeper into Stevenson's classic tale, and provided a beautiful panorama of the Highlands and Midlands. And while much has changed since the 1750s, it's clear to me that the compassionate nature of the highland communities remain. In retrospect I feel I should take a moment to show gratitude to the many people -particularly in Mull, Morvern and the town of Glencoe- who assisted me with supplies, donations and occasional accommodation. Under such circumstances, the charity shown towards Balfour and Breck is entirely believable, even despite their outlaw status.
These 250 miles have also represented a character-building exercise; unless one has been both hiking and camping, the immediate sense of autonomy and independence is exceptional. Being able to set my own daily goals and having to navigate the trail and landscape according to weather, resource and health conditions required focus and surprising degree of problem solving, and was ultimately hugely rewarding.
I'd like also to thank everyone who has been following RLS for China, it is much appreciated. Even though the walk has come to an end, it's not too late to pledge. Also, do continue to check the website, as I intend to continue making posts, and will be posting the full RLS for China photo album.
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.
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
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/).
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/).
Friday, 2 July 2010
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