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)

Monday, May 4, 2009

Day 10 - Troon

4th May 2009
A welcoming committee of myself, Brenda, Johnston, Archie and Sandra stood shivering in the rain at Troon Marina to witness the completion of Stage 1 of Manny's epic journey. That's taken 10 days to climb the 11 hills on the islands of Harris, Skye, Rum, Mull, Jura and Arran, sailing between on John Allen's boat "Finlandia". The remaining 208 Corbetts are all on the Scottish mainland, so ought to be logistically slightly easier(?)

After a leisurely lunch at the Marina Restaurant "Scotts Troon", Johnston and I headed back to Glasgow leaving Manny to face a 32 mile cycle ride in pishing rain and howling wind into deepest darkest Galloway, to face a fun day out on the Merrick hills tomorrow.

Brenda, Manny and Chris at Troon Marina

8 comments:

Johnston said...

Aye, just about thawed out now!

Good to see Manny on the mainland. Good luck sir! Hope to see you some weekend soon.

blueskyscotland said...

Forecast is not very nice for the next few days.
However,it can only get better..!
Good luck...

Manny said...

Dear all, yes it was fantastic to get the islands finished at last, but the weather made us take a route change via Crinan Canal, and we lost a lot of time in this process. however it was great fun biking along the canal bank and doing all the manual lock gates to allow Finlandia through! Many thanks to Katey Boocock and Peter who turned up out of the blue on bikes with friends, and help with one of the locks and waved us off! The sail was a journey in its own right and huge thanks go the the Skipper John Allen, MBE and his first mate Anne. Thanks also to the 2 crews - Archie & Sandra followed by a swap over at Tobermory by John & Fiona - it was a memorable trip!
The 32 miles on road bike were tough in the wind and deluge at times, but nothing, nothing, nothing compared to Skye!!
Hopefully the weather will improve overnight for a big day over Merrick & Co.

bob@sandstonepress said...

Congratulations to Manny, to the Corbett Round Team, and to the captain and crews of Finlandia, on completing the islands section of this epic journey. With the safe departure of our star author Sandstone's interest technically ends, but I'll be logging in from time to time to keep up to date. Best wishes. Now, I wonder where and when it is to end.

Skipper John said...

Sorry to disappoint you Bob, but your star author is still stormbound in Troon Marina. However as Anne has already commented still having no trouble getting into the pubs.

Stuart said...

Your first day on the mainland looks as it could of been a bit testing, been watching the weather feeds and I guess you have had gale force winds, low cloud and incessant rain. Still, at least the wind has been mostly behind you :-)

The rest of this week doesn’t look too good but possibilities of a high setting in after next weekend, lets keep our fingers crossed.

Anonymous said...

Excerpt from Crew Log: Mon 4th May: Brodick.
Forecast: Strong SWesterly.
Favourable direction. Poor visability. Fast sail. Stronger wind than forecast. No other sailing vessels. We spot a yacht motoring - hope it's not in distress - couldn't help in these conditions. Pleased I had no breakfast.

11.45am: Troon harbour wall looms ahead. Phew.
But no relaxing yet.
Fi & John

Anonymous said...

Thanks to "Skipper John MBE" & the well victualled yacht "Finlandia" for a safe passage.
Also thanks to Skip John, Manny & Fi for their excellent company throughout. The craic was good & the entertainment outstanding, particularly "Pink Floyd Live at Brodick Bay".
Congratulations Manny on completing the "Island Hills" despite your injuries & delays due to the force of nature. (F5-F7 & few F8s). Best of luck and I hope fair weather for the mainland hills.
John