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Castle Water, the UK’s largest independent water retailer, proudly returned as the main water sponsor of the Cateran Yomp for the seventh consecutive year. As part of its ongoing support, Castle Water provided sponsorship funding to the event organisers, helping to ensure that fresh drinking water was available at key points along the 54-mile route and at the main event hub in Blairgowrie.
The Cateran Yomp is the biggest and toughest event of its kind. Based on the infamous long distance military training march: it takes courage, discipline, integrity, and teamwork. Every year hundreds of Yompers get together to battle though the foothills of the Cairngorm Mountains, walking continuously for 54 miles in 24 hours. Each entrant is encouraged to fundraise for The Army Benevolent Fund, also known as the ABF The Soldiers’ Charity.
The Army Benevolent Fund is the national charity of the British Army. Since 1944, it has provided a lifetime of support to soldiers, veterans and their immediate families when they are in need. Since 2011 the Cateran Yomp, has raised over £5.5 million to provide support in areas such as education, independent living for elderly veterans, housing, employability, and mental wellbeing.
Going the Extra Mile
This year, Castle Water entered its own team into the Cateran Yomp, made up of three dedicated colleagues:
- Kevin McIntyre – Disconnection Quality Assurance Leader
- Peter Strain – Market Operations Development Manager
- Chris Mills – Wholesale Quality Assurance Manager
Together, they went the extra mile, both on the ground and in their fundraising efforts. Team Castle Water raised an impressive £4,566, which will go directly towards supporting soldiers, veterans, and their families in times of need. From housing and education to mental health and employment support, these funds will make a lasting difference in the lives of those who have served.
The Cateran Yomp Experience
After an epic journey and completing the Gold route, Kevin and Peter share their Yomp experience. Reflecting on his fourth Cateran Yomp, Kevin said:
“My 4th Yomp and as before really enjoyed it. The conditions were really tricky, very warm and draining in the morning and very (very!) wet in the afternoon. The toughest sections are definitely the long climb up to the highest part of the course just before Glenshee (that part never gets any easier), and the last section from Silver to Gold, its 18 miles and by that time tiredness is starting to set in, so you just have to keep going. I managed to complete the route in 16 hours 51 minutes, so it’s good to see the training hours were not wasted!The whole event is managed superbly by the organisers, so all we really have to do is turn up and walk 54 miles……sounds easy, but it’s not.”
On tackling the Yomp again, Peter said:
“My Gold route time was 22 hours 6 minutes, half an hour slower than last year – so I’m both happy and sad. After the event, most Yompers experience what I call ‘The Cateran Non-Uprising’ – the struggle to stand up after sitting down, first getting out of the car, then standing at home. Next comes ‘The Cateran Shuffle,’ where moving without holding on feels impossible. Finally, there’s ‘The Cateran Insanity’ – the idea that signing up again will make the pain disappear. It won’t, but the challenge is incredible – 54 miles in 24 hours with like-minded people, tough but achievable.”
