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Note that this year, we've decided to only run one route, based on the Fort William Leg.
When does the pilgrimage start?
There are two starting points for the pilgrimage - one, the Loch Lomond Leg, starts from Balmaha the other, from Fort William (Fort William Leg). We actually start the walking on Saturday lunchtime for the Loch Lomond leg and Sunday morning for the Fort William leg. We do, however, tend to gather on the night of Friday (14th March) in the chaplaincy in Edinburgh.
What happens in Edinburgh on Friday night?
This is primarily to meet fellow pilgrims from both walks and share a meal together. It also ensure that everyone has got all their kit before they set off on the road!
We also have a simple blessing of the cross ceremony. This part of the pilgrimage is recommended, but travel and work priorities often preclude individuals from taking part. If you chose to come to Edinburgh, we will arrange for a bed for the night and ensure you get to the start points, listed below. We will be laying on transport from Edinburgh, to take you to your starting point, the cost of this will be £12 per person, please let us know if you wish to take up this offer. Alternatively, some people go directly to the start of the walks on 15th or 16th March.
If I don't come to Edinburgh, how do I get to Balmaha or Fort William?
Balmaha. All those on the Loch Lomond leg need to get to the Balmaha car park, just north of Drymen by around 13.00 on Saturday 15th March. It will be possible to make a pick up at Milngavie railway station, north Glasgow, by prior arrangement.
Fort William. All those on the FW leg need to get to Fort William Youth Hostel by the late afternoon/evening of Saturday 15th March. The minibus should be available to make pick ups from the coach/rail head and drive pilgrims to the Fort William Youth Hostel, where we will be accommodated that night.
How much do I have to carry?
Only your daysac. Throughout the pilgrimage we will have use of a minibus to carry the baggage and the exhausted. All that will be carried on the pilgrimage itself, aside from the cross, is a daysac, with such essentials as waterproofs, flask and food supplies.
How difficult is the walking?
Neither leg is easy. The east side of Loch Lomond is a dirt track, which becomes very difficult in places and even more difficult, if the heavens open upon us. North of the Loch the terrain becomes rougher and we will be very exposed to the elements. Once we leave the WHW we are both exposed and high up. In inclement weather the route would become seriously penitential. Equally the Fort William leg is no picnic. At the beginning of the route there is some difficult uphill walking. This is followed by two days of longer walking, down Loch Etive and round the back of Ben More into Pennyghael. Generally, on Mull the walking is variable, it can be muddy and exposed in places. Sometimes the walking will be on deer-grass rather than paths; which combined with the ascents, descents and Scotland’s famous boggy terrain, can be testing. It is vital to understand that the physical requirement of Scottish Cross is to be able to cope with not one single day of demanding walking but several such days in succession. Whilst we would emphasise that the weather in Scotland can be unpredictable, we do have a back-up minibus, which is available to carry those who need it.
How much does it cost?
The charge for the week is £250 (£225 if you pay the deposit by 12th January). A non-refundable deposit of £100 is required to secure a place. The balance of payment should be made by 23rd February.
A limited number of subsidised places are available at £140 including a non-returnable deposit of £70. These are funded by voluntary contributions from other walkers are available on a first come, first served basis. Examples of beneficiaries would be students and low/unwaged. If you wish to apply for a subsidised place, please indicate on the application form, your subsidised place will be confirmed as soon as possible (normally within 7 days) after which you will need to send a non-refundable deposit of £70. If you wish to discuss your application or the potential for a subsidised place, please contact Monica Turner via the contact us page or by telephone on (020) 8870 4210.
Where do I send application?
It helps to keep the administration costs to a minimum if you make your application online and transfer your payment directly into the Scottish Cross account (details on the application form). Alternatively, you can download an application form and sent it by post - see the form for details.
And what does the cost include?
The charge covers accommodation, breakfast and packed lunches, evening meals, and all the transport including the minibus, fuel and ferry fares from the start of the Legs at Balmaha and Fort William to the end of the pilgrimage at Oban on Easter Monday. Additional costs are confined to the price of a wee dram or an odd pint, any chocolate or such like that you may wish to buy and any transport to the walk starting points or away from Oban. Please note that there are no cash points along the route until we reach Oban, so remember to bring cash with you.
Boots and Waterproofs.
It is essential that anyone embarking on this pilgrimage has good walking boots and waterproofs. Without them the experience can be extremely miserable, not to say painful.
Additional Considerations?
If anyone who is considering applying for the pilgrimage is unsure as to their suitability on health grounds they should check with their GP. It is also strongly recommended that all pilgrims take out insurance cover (for loss or damage to personal property & personal accident cover) for the walk.
Be aware also that accommodation is not luxurious - this is not a holiday! They range from bunkhouses and Youth Hostels to village hall floors, so most accommodation will be communal.
What about liability?
Everyone who comes on the pilgrimage comes at his or her own risk.
How do we get back from Iona?
The cost of the pilgrimage includes transport back to Oban for around 12 noon on Easter Monday morning. At Oban there are good road, coach and rail links to Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Who is organising the pilgrimage?
Scottish Cross is run by those who take part, a group of ordinary Christians. The preparations are done in their spare time. It is not a profit-making business-type operation in which a service is delivered to those who pay the charge. Everyone who comes on the pilgrimage is expected to participate to make the pilgrimage a valuable Easter experience for all. What we do, we do for ourselves, so please come along with a willing and generous spirit. You will have plenty of opportunity to demonstrate your culinary or porridge making skills. We do all our own cooking, washing-up and loading the minibus, so we will be asking all pilgrims during the walk to play their part in helping out with jobs. We also organise our own music and liturgy, please do use the application form if you are interested in volunteering before the pilgrimage for music or minibus driving (D1 on licence required) as this will help us in our planning for the pilgrimage.
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