An Epic Challenge [in aid of the Martyn Bennett Trust]

A Tale of Two Points
Most sane Muilich were still abed when, replete with hearty Aros Mains breakfast, the Mull Grand Traverse [MGT] entourage hit the road south for the Ross of Mull. The "event team" were coiled springs of nervous energy and excitement in the Turus Mara land cruiser while the "support team" snored loudly around Kirsten Bennett in her car.

The Challenge
To run and cycle from Ardalanish on the south coast of Mull via the summit of Ben More to Ardmore on the north east corner – a distance of some 50 miles [16 running, 34 cycling including over 4000 metres ascent] all on one extremely knackering day. "Why?" many have incredulously demanded! "Because, like Everest, it is there to be attempted", says Richard Kellett, enthusiastic madcap MGT organiser. Chris MacLullach, Brian Crozier, Ben Davies and Mull’s own Howie Pitman, the rest of the team, obviously agree.

The MGT
Precision ensured a timely start. It was an inspiring morning, still and calm with the pre dawn illuminating Ardalanish Bay and the low surf breaking along the beach. Around were Minty and Aeneas MacKay’s hebridean sheep, their coats the source of many fine woollen garments – well worth a look for Christmas ideas! The lads were obviously enjoying themselves with Cheshire Cat grins in evidence as they approached the check point at Ardalanish Farm where running shoes were exchanged for cycling ones.

After a quick snack the five took to the saddle and set a blistering pace on the leg to the base of Ben More which, along with the uneven nature of parts of the road surface [Keep Mull Moving!] made official photographer Barryjohn Stewart’s job rather awkward. Ben More was tamed in under two hours, sea level to sea level, 4 miles and 3172 feet ascent and descent. The mountain warriors appeared at a jog out of the summit mist while the awestruck support team marvelled at the levels of stamina required. "They look like heroes; they look like wild horses!" exclaimed a none too easily impressed Barryjohn zooming in with his camera. The support team having ensured water bottles were full, sports gel scoffed ["Like chewing on tadpoles" said Ben] rehydration salts taken and foodstuffs ingested felt sure the leg from Dhiseig to Carnan an Amais would allow time for a "Pub Lunch" at the Bellachroy Hotel in Dervaig.

Again the lad’s stamina amazed everyone and a disastrous ships in the night scenario was narrowly averted by minutes – repercussions would have been severe. Though still smiling some were showing slight signs of fatigue [Howie swore at this point he would sell his bike and never cycle another mile – a decision he has since abandoned].

Understandably the leg through Glengorm was the toughest. The previous forty or so miles were bound to have taken their toll. However, dusk was only just threatening as the intrepid adventurers appeared, exhausted yet exhilarated, at Ardmore Lighthouse where the welcoming committee of the support team of Kirsten, Julie, Cath, BJ and Colin were augmented by Howie’s mum Kate and girlfriend Asia, Pat and Iain Morrison and hounds Lizzie and Dobie. The celebrations lasted well into the night!

...and a big thankyou to:
The lads would like to thank the many sponsors that made it all worth while – over £1200 was raised for the Martyn Bennett Trust. Thanks are also due to Minty and Aeneas MacKay at Ardalanish for helping with access, Iain Morrison for the use of the Turus Mara Land Cruiser and Trailer, Stuart Maidment of Forestry Commission Scotland and the support team ladies for all the rolls and unstinting encouragement.

It is to be hoped that next year the Mull Grand Traverse will be a far larger event – watch this space for details.

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View MGT images in Gallery
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For further information contact:
Barryjohn [BJ] Stewart : bj@martynbennett.com
Chris MacLullich : chris@martynbennett.com

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Postal donations to the Martyn Bennett Trust can be sent to:

The Martyn Bennett Trust
BJ Stewart c/o
64 Newbattle Terrace
Edinburgh EH10 4RX