Checkpoint Charlie

There isn't a Checkpoint Charlie but talking about the checkpoints always makes me want to sing "There was a checkpoint Charlie, it didn't crack a smile" from the Elvis Costello song. (Oliver's Army in case anyone didn't recognise it and the first record I ever bought!)

I thought I'd give my thoughts on the checkpoints in the race based on past experiences. Some aren't official checkpoints any more but are still used by a lot of backup teams. Remember they are probably completely different from a runner's point of view.

Milngavie Railway Station
Ok not a checkpoint but the start has a few things to note.

Car parking - plenty of space
Toilets - 2, bring your own toilet paper and a clothes peg (you'll literally smell the fear!)
Refreshments/Facilities - none but I'm pretty sure there is a 24 hour Asda nearby. If it's not 24 hour then it's open late cos I've definitely been in it one year we forgot something.

Drymen
Not an official checkpoint but well used. Doesn't have much going for it so no idea why it's popular. Must be something to do with runners needing water!

Car parking - limited
Toilets - none
Refreshments/Facilities - none

Balmaha
Official checkpoint, marshalls are usually at the far end of the car park

Car parking - huge space. My tip would be park in the middle to avoid midgies and not near anyone who looks like they've had a drinking session the night before and slept in their car/van before planning to go fishing. You are likely to be greeted with "What the f**k are you lot doing here?"
Toilets - basic. Usually opened specially for us but sometimes they forget!
Refreshments/Facilities - none that are open at this time

Rowardennan
Watch out for the steep hill coming out of Balmaha up towards Rowardennan!

Car parking - plenty of space
Toilets - much better now they've built new ones but still carry TP and soap!
Refreshments/Facilities - bring your own breakfast!

Inversnaid
Hardly anyone drives to there but if you've got 2 cars doing backup it would work. If you go, watch out. It's a VERY narrow road and if you meet a tour bus.... Let's just say it's scary!!

Car parking- decent car park
Toilets - in hotel
Refreshments/Facilities - in hotel but don't fall over the pile of zimmers at the door!

Beinglas
Not an official checkpoint but well used. Many runners are desperate to see their backup as they've been on their own since Rowardennan. This is where The Railwayman leaves us and it's back to driving on my own.

Car parking - Mr Race Co-ordinator asks you don't park at the farm as the owners (quite rightly) don't want people who are not paying customers. You need to park at the Inverarnan Hotel (also known as the Drovers Inn) and walk along the road (takes about 10 mins)
Toilets - nice and clean but there is usually a notice saying for Campers Only. One year I tried to use the toilets at the hotel instead but the vomit, blood and broken glass put me off. And that was the Ladies!
Refreshments/Facilities - a wee shop that sells food suitable for camping but has drinks, crisps, ice lollies, sweets etc and a pub that does fab home made soup at lunchtime

Derrydarroch
Official checkpoint but has no car parking (you need to park on the A82!), no toilets and no facilities. Lots of backup teams park further up on the A82 to service their runner.

Auchtertyre Farm (aka Strathfillan Wigwams)
A new checkpoint this year but we've used it in the past.

Car parking - you can park up near the shop and toilet block. If that's too full there is extra parking back down the wee road a bit.
Toilets - basic but clean toilet/shower/laundry block
Refreshments/Facilities - shop selling camping basics and hot drinks (the coffee was good). Since this is the first time the owner (he is a runner himself) has allowed us to officially use his facilities it would be nice if you bought something from the shop, even if it was only a packet of gum.

Tyndrum
No longer an official checkpoint but still good to see your runner here.

Car parking- plenty of space in the Green Welly car park. Limited space in the Brodies car park (where the Way actually passes) and the owner can be a bit(!) touchy. I always made a point of going in, buying a few things and chatting to whoever is behind the counter.
Toilets - excellent facilities in the Green Welly, although if a bus tour has just arrived there will be a long queue for the Ladies
Refreshments/Facilities - restaurant, take away sandwiches/ice cream, gift shop and outdoor shop at Green Welly; Brodies General Store; award winning fish and chip shop on main road. Last year a runner actually had a fish supper at Tyndrum!

Bridge of Orchy
Hooray! No Cally Challenge folk there this year, so no getting run over by invalid cars or poked by the Pr**ks with Sticks!

Car parking - limited space but ok without the Cally Challenge lot
Toilets - none (but I have used the bushes in an emergency!) or run back up to the hotel. They don't like it and one year put mops across the doors and said they were being cleaned!
Refreshments/Facilities - none unless you go back up to the hotel

Kingshouse
This is where The Runner starts running with The Bearded One so I'm usually on my own from here.

Car parking - decent size but gets full quickly
Toilets - in hotel but they don't like you using them. You can buy a coffee for £1.25 and sit in the lounge. Then you can use the toilets guilt free!
Refreshments/Facilities - restaurant and pub. Food has always been good in the past but don't expect fast service

Kinlochleven
Nearly there!

Car parking - plenty of room on road
Toilets - in the medical centre (opened for us)
Refreshments/Facilities - The Tail Race Inn and a fish and chip shop are beside the checkpoint; Co-op and paper shop as you enter the village

Lundavra
I've always hated going up there. Narrow single track roads are not great when you're sleep deprived.

Car parking - none. You dump your car as best you can without blocking the road. If you can't turn at the bottom of the track you have to walk up, there is a turning bit a few 100 yards further down the road.
Toilets - none and you can't even go in the trees now cos they've been cut down
Refreshments/Facilities - none unless you count Big Dunc's bonfire last year. And he promised a BBQ this year but I don't know if it's BYO!

After Lundavra I usually have time to check into the hotel, have a quick shower and then make my way up to the leisure centre. There are plenty of folk about if you want to chat and catch up with the gossip. Please come and say Hi to me. I promise not to throw my car keys at you and tell you my room number!

These observations are completely personal and based on what has happened to us in previous years. Feel free to correct anything if I've missed it out. I was going to put a midgie rating at each checkpoint but every one can be a midgie hell, depending on the weather!