Cateran Yomp 2021 3rd Bn The Rifles LAD

3rd Bn The Rifles LAD – Cateran Yomp 2021

OC: Capt Sean Hunter ASM: WO1 Michael Foster. Scribed: Sgt Graham Campbell

The Cateran Yomp is an arduous 24hr event that takes place annually in the Cairngorm National Park in Scotland. It is an ABF soldier’s charity event, aimed at raising money for veteran soldiers and their families. The event consists of three challenging distances, Bronze (22 mile), Silver (36 miles) and Gold, a gruelling 54 miles trek across the stunning Scottish wilderness.

Setting out from Blairgowrie early on Saturday morning, the team’s spirits were high until we identified that someone had moved a place marker, sending participants off route. Following a 3-mile detour so early in the challenge, it created flashbacks of D:Ream on Top of The Pops in the 1990s singing; “‘Things Can Only Get Better”. The first drag to checkpoint 1 was “only a half marathon”. With good terrain underfoot, this seemed to pass with ease and the team’s varying levels of ability remained unnoticed. This was the first meeting with our ‘Support Crew’ and wet feet seemed to be a common

trend. A quick talc and change of socks, reinvigorated morale and the team set off for the Checkpoint 2, which would be the 22-mile Bronze Medal achievement at the Spittal of Glenshee.

An arduous slog through a never-ending wood was eventually met with some beautiful views across an open valley. This view was short lived by the colossal incline that lay ahead. Being based in Dreghorn Bks, at the foot of the Pentland Hills has it benefits. For those who have served there, they will be familiar with ‘brown track’, a key feature to the CO’s Friday PT regime. Well hydrated, the team tackled the steep incline, eventually reaching the summit in small groups. Not long after the summit, the Bronze checkpoint was in view, albeit several hours of descent remained between the team and check point.

Successfully achieving the Bronze award, the team set off on another ‘half marathon’, however at this stage the varying abilities of the group were becoming evident. A difficult slog through a long bog was exasperated by the battering Scottish rain and wind, before easing off to “flatter” ground. Arriving at the next formal water stop, we were all happy to discover a ‘gin stand’. To the disappointment of the team, this was only a shot and not the whole bottle. The remainder of the leg to the Silver checkpoint seemed to pass without much of a challenge. A few inclines and some undulating ground were all that stood between the team and the 36-mile Silver Medal achievement.

As darkness closed in, the team deployed their head torches and the pace began to slow due to poor visibility and uneven ground. The remaining 18miles included three water stops and was understandably the slowest leg of the overall event. Approaching the 44-mile point, morale improved with the knowledge that there was only 10 miles remaining. A lengthy water stop, and intake of carbohydrates set the conditions for 3-mile tarmac hill towards Alyth. Entering the final 4.1 miles, questions were raised by the team over who measured the route, as this seemed more like 6 miles. With the end in sight, the team completed the final mile dragging their heels across the finish line in the early hours of Sunday morning. All participants from 3 RIFLES LAD had successfully achieved the 54-mile Gold award.

A glass of Prosecco and a quick photo concluded the challenge, with some very tired and weary individuals debating over the actual distance trekked. 3 RIFLES LAD were proud to announce that in addition to achieving the Gold award, they raised just over £1,300 for ABF - The Soldiers Charity. A great effort all round.