I know Challengers like to pass on details of places where they have received special help. As people will now becoming deeply embroiled in route planning I felt it right to offer a plug for a B and B I stayed at on last year's event. This is Lochton House, located on the A597 Slug Road a short days walk from Stonehaven at GR 753923. Tel. 01330 844543.

Despite being full, the landlady, Anne, after much ringing round on my behalf in an attempt to find a real bed for me elsewhere, let me stick my tent up on her lawn, together with the use of shower, toilet, sitting room etc., and provided breakfast for next to no charge. I know that other challengers had camped there the previous evening too. Great and helpful service.