McCall's Corbett Bid Kicks Off

© Rob Carr

Lorraine McCall's attempt to make the first female continuous round of the Corbetts got underway yesterday, Tuesday 8th April. She'll spend the next four or so months covering all 221 of the 2500-2999 foot peaks on the list, which are scattered across Scotland from the Borders to the Western Isles, walking on the hills, cycling between hill groups and sailing around the islands.

Lorraine on Cruach Innse. One Corbett down, 220 to go...  © Rob Carr
Lorraine on Cruach Innse. One Corbett down, 220 to go...
© Rob Carr

Her journey started yesterday at Roybridge, in windy and showery weather. 

'It was the kind of day that a fair weather walker like Dan Bailey wouldn't have got out of bed for' said her partner Rob Carr, who joined her for the morning [fair observation, Ed.]. With her tortuous route mapped out in advance, and a timetable to adhere to, Lorraine's weather options are necessarily going to be limited.

The first of her 221 summits was Cruach Innse.

'I left her there' said Rob, 'and she went on to Sgurr Innse.'

The plan had then been to overnight at the Lairig Leacach bothy, but worried that overnight rain might impede her subsequent crossing of the Abhainn Rath she pressed on south, fording the river to Staoineag bothy yesterday evening instead. This morning she texted Rob to let him know that it had been a good decision - the river did indeed rise last night.

Today's objective is Leum Uilleim, with the aim then to head back out to civilisation at Kinlochleven either later today or tomorrow. Next up will be the Corbetts of Glen Coe and Etive.

Lorraine walked (and kayaked) her way around the Munros back in 2005, a trip on which she clocked up 1600 miles and over 500,000 feet of ascent (see UKH article here). She suspects the Corbetts will prove even more challenging.

Having been through cancer treatment last year, Lorraine will be raising money through the trip for Macmillan Cancer Support. 

For more on the planning and preparation that have gone into her journey, see this earlier UKH news piece.

 
  • UKHillwalking will be following Lorraine's progress with regular reports throughout her trip

  • Also see the blog and further info on Lorraine's website

  • To sponsor her or make a donation to Macmillan Cancer Support see her page on Justgiving 

 

Lorraine McCall is being sponsored by: Lowe Alpine


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