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Assynt Mountain Rescue Team / Alzheimer's Scotland Sponsored Walk
17th June 2006 at Ben Loyal, Tongue

Once again summer is just round the corner and with it comes the annual sponsored walk in aid of Alzheimer’s Scotland & Assynt Mountain Rescue Team! The walk has become an annual pilgrimage for some and a weekend escape. The Usual wee dram at the end of the walk will be provided this year by Old Pulteney.

This will be the 9th walk we have undertaken and as many of you know they have been fun for all ages, successfully raising on average off between £3000 & £5000 every year for both charities.

In 2005 we raised £5000+ this was equally split between both charities. A big thank you to everyone who took part in what turned out to be a lovely day although a bit humid, the day got better towards the afternoon, the BBQ was a great success with us running out of food and having to ask the Crask Inn for some of there burgers, so a lucky few got venison burgers.

The RAF Rescue Helicopter turned out in the morning to drop water and team members on the hill, giving the walkers an added spectacle. This year’s walk will see us based at Lettermore on the A836 to Altnaharra and later in Tongue at the Brass Tap for the BBQ

The walk this year is to take place on Saturday the 17th of June, see the enclosed info sheet for the details, please arrive at Lettermore for registration.

Also included in the pack you will find the registration form, sponsor sheets and request for a place or places at the BBQ, there will be a vegetarian option.

The support over the years has been excellent and is very much appreciated by both charities
A Big thank you to all who turned out last year with a total of 97 walkers our biggest turnout to date.
We look forward to seeing you there.

Yours Sincerely,
Innes Beaton.

Transport
Please come to the Lettermore to register, grid ref (615477) (See page 3 for how to get there). Cars should be parked in the designated area. Registration starts from 10am. PLEASE DO NOT SET OFF UP BEN LOYAL WITHOUT REGISTERING FIRST.

Starting Time
Registering will begin at 10:00 am at Lettermore (615477) and the walk will start around 10:30am. It should take from 5 – 6 hours, depending on level of fitness and weather. A map of the route is included on page 3 and how to get there on pages 3&4.

Barbecue
There will be a Barbecue at the Tongue Hotel (Brass Tap) after the walk. This will start at approximately 5-6 pm, but will depend on when the majority of people have finished the walk and arrived at the Brass Tap. Non walkers are welcome to come along and join in the fun. Tickets for the barbecue can be bought on the evening – the price will be in the region of £5.00 per person.

Accommodation
There is limited bed and breakfast at the Tongue Hotel (Brass Tap), a few B & B’s in Tongue, camping space available approx 200m south of the Brass Tap (592564)
It will be sign posted.

Tel no - Tongue Hotel (Brass Tap) –01847 611206 – ask for Sarah Fox

Checkpoints
For safety reasons, there will be a number of checkpoints on the walk, and it is absolutely essential that all walkers report to each of these. There will be an option this year to take in the main summit of Ben Loyal, (An Caisteal) (765m/2510ft) and return the same route or to walk the back of the mountain to Beinn Bheag (744m/2441ft) and on to Carn an Tionail (716m/2349ft).

WE ALSO ASK, AGAIN FOR THE SAKE OF SAFETY, THAT NOBODY WALKS TOTALLY ALONE – PLEASE KEEP IN CONTACT WITH AT LEAST ONE OR TWO OTHER PEOPLE AT ALL TIMES.

Application Forms
An application form should be completed and returned by Monday 12th June 2006 at the latest. It is important that for groups, each walker completes a separate application form. Should you find you are unable to come, but would like to send a substitute, please contact the organisers. Also included will be a slip on which to indicate whether you would like to book a place or places for the barbecue. Non-walking friends or relatives will be very welcome to come along later for the food and ‘a bit of a do’ in the early evening.

Children
Young children may find the walk too arduous, but provided they are used to hill walking and are properly equipped, they will be made welcome. All children under 16 must be under the supervision of an adult.

Dogs
At the request of the landowner’s, because of the large number of walkers expected, dogs are absolutely not allowed on the walk at all.

Equipment
Although this walk will take place in June, weather conditions can be very unpredictable, and we advise all walkers to come well prepared for anything!

· sturdy footwear suitable for hill walking, preferably waterproof
· waterproof trousers and jacket, and a warm sweater
· Gloves or mitts and a hat (to protect from either sun or rain!)
· although the Assynt Mountain Rescue Team will be on hand to supervise the walk, we do advise walkers to have an OS map (Landranger Series number 10) and compass
· food and drink: sandwiches, sweets, chocolates, fruit etc, and plenty of fluids - water or juice, and a flask if the weather is cool

How to Pay Your Sponsor Money
If it is at all possible, and in view of the fact that all administration is being done on a voluntary basis, we would be most grateful to receive sponsorship money and donations on the day. If this is not possible, cheques made payable to Assynt Mountain Rescue Team can be sent to:

Innes Beaton
An Teallach,
South Keiss,
Caithness
KW1 4XG

If sending a cheque, please be sure to include the walker’s name and address

Information sheet with maps
Barbecue Tickets
Sponsors Sheet