Day 8 – View of Dundee means we’re nearly there!
We’re almost there! One more day, one short 6.8 mile stroll along the waterfront in Dundee and we will have completed Bob’s Walk 2015 for Maggie’s Fife – 117 miles in nine days, across three regions, over two bridges, along paths, farmland, beaches and roads.
Day eight – the penultimate day of the walk – was a comfortable 12.5 mile hike from Guardbridge to Tayport, and after the punishing walk 24 hours earlier, it was just what we needed.
We were joined by many of Bob’s family for the trek north to the very pinnacle of the Kingdom.
Once again there was an opportunity to visit a community landmark as we paused at the recently unveiled memorial to David Findlay, one of only five Fifers to receive the Victoria Cross.
On the 100th anniversary of his actions which led to the honour, a paving stone bearing his name and details was unveiled. You can find it close to the playpark just along from the old paper mill.
Finlay’s story was narrated by walker Bert Hannah who has been working on a similar project to honour Leven’s recipient, Robert Dunsire. We saw the site of his proposed memorial as we began our walk through Buckhaven.
The journey into Leuchars took us past, and then alongside, the rather empty looking air base which awaits the arrival of its battalion of soldiers before we left the town behind and began the countryside walk towards Tayport.
It’s a pleasant walk, although the underfoot conditions seemed more rutted in parts than they were two years ago – they certainly did for the buggy in our team, buckling its front wheel early on!
For this walk we cut through the centre of Tenstmuir Forest rather than go round it. Again it’s a pleasant walk but you lose nothing taking the A to B route.
Arriving in Tayport we got our first glimpse across the Tay – a landmark that underlines just how the panoramic view has changed from looking across the Forth to the Lothians, then Angus and finally Tayside.
We headed through the caravan park, past a game of football – just in time to see a cracker of a goal being scored – and went round to the harbour for a coffee at the excellent Tayport Community cafe.
With the sun shining we also enjoyed a seat on the grassy banks opposite the cafe before picking up our rucksacks for the final three miles of our journey.
The route into the Tay Bridge is green and leafy for the first part – it’s a shame you have to return to the noisy main road for the final leg leading to the Tayport services area where our journey ended.
On Sunday we reconvene there for bacon rolls before heading up and over the Tay Bridge into Dundee.
The forecast isn’t brilliant – strangely, two years ago on the very same walk we had glorious weather all the way until Dundee when it rained. Must be the Dundonian climate!
But regardless of the weather the last 6.8 miles will be taken at a leisurely pace, and savoured.
We head along the waterfront past Discovery Point, out beyond the airport and then up to Ninewells where we are due at Maggie’s Dundee centre around 3.30 p.m.
Weather permitting we will be joined by up to 100 Harley Davidson bikes who will stage a ride out all the way to the centre to roar us home.
Pride of place on the hill up to the centre will go to Bob Grant who has led the core team and its many guests on a memorable, challenging and unforgettable 117-mile journey.
We’re almost there …
Bob’s Walk 2015 for Maggie’s, Fife takes place from 13th to 21st June
You can donate online at www.justgiving.com/bobswalk2015
You can also donate by text message.
To donate £5 just text DOCB99 £5 to 70070
To donate £10 just text DOCB99 £10 to 70070
Bob’s Walk is sponsored by event partners Mackays Marmalade, route partner FMC Technologies, plus ACA Sports, Shadow Blinds and Dundee & Fife Chiropractic Clinics.
Huge thanks to O’Connell’s, Kirkcaldy, Morrisons’ Invertiel store and Braid’s Bar, Elie and many others for their generous donations.
