“Finished! We arrived in corpach where the runners were speedily delivered and headed off to ben nevis surrounded by the runners from whisky galore and seahorse. Unfortunately for us, they were much better than us and soon left us in a cloud of dust.

We plodded on and summited in about 2.45 in cloud and driving wind, which was miserable, cold and grey. We turned around quickly, and started the run down which was much quicker but hard work bouncing from rock to rock. Then suddenly we were down the bottom and on roads. Barring a traffic accident we were home and dry. The last 4 miles was dull and mostly flat, but uneventful, before we turned back onto the towpath and saw the finish. Passing the previously finished boats we were clapped through the finish, with a customary sprint. Then we had the obligatory champagne and photos. I have now had a shower and am about to eat a bacon and sausage butty. God do I ache…”