This blog describes Manny Gorman's successful round of all 219 Corbetts in 70 days, in one continuous journey by running, cycling and sailing.

Manny's 70 Day Schedule

The Corbetts are Scottish hills between 2,500 and 3,000ft, with at least 500ft ascent on all sides.

"You're an idiot, but a truly inspirational one!" (Stuart Simpson)

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Day 1 - The Clisham & more besides!

Saturday 25th April
Hi folks!
First day went great with Mindy MacLeod setting me up with borrowed bike and bus lift to the start line for Clisham. My dissappointment of being on my own for the 1st hill was soon dispelled with the unexpected company of a new friend, Alan "ae up lad" from Sheffield, who's lovely missus Kay, insisted I take him up the hill so she could get piece to read her paper. A smashing walk & pint after Alan, many thanks.

On the post-pints cycle to Rodel, chose to ignore Mindy's advice and headed down the east coast road, which was absolutely fabulous and well worth the extra hills.

A note of thanks to Neil MacLean of Leverburgh for a loan of a good bike, appreciated indeed.
The setting at Rodel in lovely weather, with my first sight of the much discussed yacht "Finlandia", owned by John Allen (ex Cairngorm MRT leader and author of his just launched "Cairngorm John", tales from the mrt"), all just set the adrenaline pumping!

A quick visit to the quaint St Cuthberts ancient church on top of the hill then down to find Brenda and booked us into the fabulous Rodel hotel and made very welcome by Donnie MacLeod.

A beautiful meal with the crew John & Anne, Archie & Sandra overlooking a stunning sunset bay, and a few drinks to celebrate a great start to the trip finished the day off just nicely.

Another 58 days of the same would be grand...

Manny at the summit of Clisham - one down, 218 to go!

5 comments:

Murdo MacLeod said...

How many pints did you have Manny? You got your saints mixed up. The Harris one is St. Clements. If you called Donnie from Rodel Hotel a MacLeod, he probably would have refused to serve you-he is a MacDonald. Anyway, I am glad you enjoyed the hilly terrain of the Bays. I tried to keep up my training by running from Tarbert to Geocrab a couple of times last week. I hope the weather improves for you.

Slàinte agus deagh dhùrachd,


Mindy

Christine said...

Good to hear you got off to a god start. Hope the weather improves.

Davy and Christine

Anonymous said...

What an undertaking. Wish you all the best. Will keep an eye on your progress from the armchair.

Donald, Rhoda & Stuart.

Anonymous said...

Thanks Manny for a great day out on the mountains. Good luck with the rest of the trip.
Allan from Sheffield.

Eoan said...

This is some challenge you are talking on, very impressed. Good luck!