Around 600 hardy souls will don their walking boots today to complete a gruelling charity trek.
The Alliance Trust Cateran Yomp returns for a fourth year and will see dedicated fundraisers take on an epic hike through the rugged countryside of Perthshire and Angus.
A yomp is a military term for a long distance march and, although it may be part of an ordinary day’s work for the nation’s armed forces, it’s a massive challenge for this weekend’s participants.
Teams of between three and six people, including a dedicated group from The Courier, will take on one of three challenges to raise money for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, as well as Tayside charities.
Routes range from 22 miles to 52 miles, with participants starting at sunrise in Blairgowrie.
Those taking part in the bronze challenge will head to the first finish line at the Spittal of Glenshee, while silver yompers will continue on to Kirkton of Glenisla to the 36.5 mile checkpoint and the gold route will take participants back to Blairgowrie via Bamff, near Alyth.
There will be no rest for the gold yompers, who will attempt to complete the 52-mile course through the hills and glens of Strathardle, Glenshee and Glenisla in just 24 hours.
Fortunately, support teams will be on hand to help the weary wanderers, with eight water stops and four main checkpoints littered across the route.
As the Cateran Yomp website promises: “You are never further than a few miles away from your next slice of chocolate cake.”
Last year’s event raised £350,000 for ABF The Soldiers Charity and Alliance Trust, which supports the Prince’s Trust (Scotland) and local charities.
Pictures and a report on the Cateran Yomp will feature in Monday’s edition of The Courier and full results will be printed on Tuesday.
For further information go online to www.soldierscharity.org/yomp.
Picture by Phil Hannah