May and June have basically been about logistics.Finding maps , estimating walk times and mile limits, checking out parts of the coastal route that aren’t obviously walkable , avoiding roads where possible , arranging where am I going to stay and also rest points between St Cyrus and Portsoy.
Also pretty major considerations : What are my basic human needs such as what gear do I need ? What am I taking to eat , how much water am I going to need ? where to get these things and also what to do in toilet emergencies?
So I think I’ve come up with a pretty sound plan but nobodies perfect or can predict everything!
I discovered some pretty amazing os maps courtesy of the Aberdeenshire council planning department. Seems like one day they might do-over the coastal route. These along with the Os map app have helped me plan my routes and figure what needs to be looked at. There’s also some pretty amazing blog sites such as close to edge , where people have already attempted this journey … And further!
I’ve taken a ‘duke’ ( to quote my other half who is from the North of Ireland, means something entirely different in the North East of Scotland ) at some routes including whitehills and bears head bay , Scotstown beach to rattrey head , old slains castle to whinnyfold. All with different challenges be they vertical , weather related or distance related but I think I’m coming to understand how they connect to the greater coastal paths and will indeed mean I can avoid some roads. Let me tell you , I am really wetting my appetite for this walk and I’m excited to raise even more money for a good cause , taking on the challenge and just getting away from it all for a while too along this beautiful coastline.
click on the pictures for a better view!
So reckies almost done a week before the big walk ( 9 days starting 27th of June- 5th July ) There will also be a blog or Vlog per day as well , sometimes just with myself , sometimes with friends and family who will be joining me for the walk.
About those basic human needs – I’ve opted to not ruff it and travel light weight, leaving care packages with snacks and clothes in them with friends who are kindly putting me up along the way. I’ve invested a bit in some new clothing, shoes ,waterproofs, a water bladder and some walking sticks so I’ll be comfortable and fingers crossed , not too sore! June hasn’t turned out to be the dryest of months this year so more prep the better me thinks. Hopefully the summer solstice turns this around though!
For those wanting to track my journey over the 9 days , see my real-time location on Maps:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/gxhtyn2TBTJXnWZk8
Come join me , even if it’s short notice!
Donation welcome still ! Help me remember my mum , get to my target raising funds for The British Heart Foundation and The Deveron Singers Trip to Germany!
Until the next adventure , loads of love,
Jasmin.
Whitehills to bears head bay circular
Jasmin's Journey 
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