Sponsored Walk 2005

3 July ~ Pressendye ~ North Deeside. 

Group Photo

It has become something of a tradition that each year, the Tibet Support Group organise a sponsored walk. Last year for the 11th Tibet Walk we made Baudy Meg, on North Deeside our venue. This year our route was also in Deeside.

Weather over the few days preceding the walk had been extremlely changeable, and we weren't quite sure what to take in terms of clothing for the hills. In fact, conditions were sunny and warm at low levels, but windy and very cold at altitude. Those of us who took jackets were glad we did!

The route took us from Tarland firstly to Pittendriech, and then on to the trig-point on Pressendye, at which the huge cairn served as avery welcome wind-break for a stop. At this point we met another group of walkers from Aberdeen, and were surprised to find that  some of our group knew the others form work.

Descending from Pressendye, we took an alternative route back to the valley, through the wooded slopes.

Turnout was slightly less than last year, which was perhaps to be expected in view of the other major events coinciding with the walk this year. Nevertheless we  were a sizeable group, and  the proceeds shoud go a long way towards helping Tibetan relief funds.

Afterwards, to Tarland for outdoor tea and cakes at the Commercial Hotel.  Excellent service, and thanks to the staff fo coping with the large group very efficiently.

Thanks to all who took the time and effort to come along, and to make it a great day for everyone.
The concept behind the annual Tibet Walk is as a symbolic gesture of support to Tibetans. Its circular route is not unlike that of the circumambulations of holy places performed by Buddhist pilgrims. It also symbolises the walk-to-freedom which in the past has been performed by many Tibetans who found themselves under threat of violence from the P.L.A. troops occupying Tibet. However, our efforts in the rolling Scottish hills, using the best of modern equipment, hardly compare with to those of the incredibly brave and hardy Tibetan walkers, many of whom crossed the snowbound Himalayan passes on the flanks of Everest at altitudes of around 19,000ft. What's more, to avoid raising suspicions of what they intended, many would not purchase boots or equipment, instead making this journey over the roof of the world in trainers, with no waterprooof clothing and only limited supplies. It goes without saying that not all survived. It also speaks volumes of their hardiness that most did reach their goal. Many Tibetans with no other options still attempt "The walk to freedom" although most of the havens for Tibetan refugees are now closed to newcomers, thanks to relentless Chinese pressure on the neighbouring governments.

WALK PROCEEDS GO TO:

Tibet Foundation: a charity which runs aid programmes for Tibetans in Tibet and in exile, and provides a forum for Tibetan cultural and religious events in the UK.

Free Tibet Campaign: an organization which stands for Tibetans' right to determine their own future; it campaigns for an end to China's occupation of Tibet and for the Tibetans' fundamental human rights to be respected.

Webmaster's note: TSG walks are photographed for publicity purposes. Anyone participating in a walk, and not wishing to appear on this site or on publicity material, please inform the photographer at the start-point of the walk, and your wishes will be taken into consideration.

Route-map ~ More 2005 Walk images

Other Walks:  Forvie  Pressendye ~Baudy Meg ~Scolty Hill ~ Pannanich Hill ~ Linn of Dee ~ Glenbuchat