The Cateran Yomp is the biggest, toughest charity event of its kind.
This year, more than one thousand Yompers will gather on the edge of Blairgowrie in the heart of Scotland to traverse through the foothills of the Cairngorm mountains, walking continuously for 54, 36 or 22 miles over 24 hours and raising hundreds of thousands of pounds for the Army Benevolent Fund.
Based on an old long-distance military march, the route takes in some of the spectacular landscapes of the Cateran Trail – one of Scotland’s Great Trails and the inspiration behind the name of the Cateran Yomp – heading north from Blairgowrie to the Spittal of Glenshee, through Glenisla and then back to Blairgowrie.
The word ‘cateran’ derives from the Gaelic caetharn meaning warrior and was originally used to describe a band of fighting men from a Highland clan, but over time came to be associated with cattle raiding.
In 2011, the Army Benevolent Fund wanted to develop an epic fundraising event in Scotland that combined the natural ruggedness of the country with a gruelling military style challenge in recognition of the significant part that Scotland plays in the wider British Armed Forces – and The Cateran Yomp was born.
Each year, as many as 1000 people take part, with participants in last year’s Yomp raising more than £300,000 – since its inception in 2011, the annual event has generated an incredible £4.4million for the Army Benevolent Fund which supports individuals, families and organisations, ensuring that help is there for members of the Army family when they need it. Last year, the Army Benevolent Fund helped 75,000 people in 51 countries worldwide, and funded 86 other charities and organisations that deliver frontline services.
Anyone can take part in the Yomp, whether you are a serving soldier, a veteran or a member of the public, although you have to be over the age of 16 to tackle the bronze level (the 22 mile route) and over 18 to tackle the silver (36 miles) and gold (54 miles) routes.
Would-be participants are advised that it is not an easy event and that good preparation and training is essential – the team behind the Yomp provide training tips and fundraising support, as well as an online forum for Yompers to swap advice and information every year.
And advice from those that have gone before is often the best kind. With that in mind, let’s leave the last word to Andy Maylett who has taken part in an impressive four Yomps.
He said: “I’ve had the pleasure of participating in the Cateran Yomp over the last four years and can honestly say, hand on heart, it is without doubt one of the best charity events I have ever had the pleasure of attending.
“It is always meticulously planned and executed with military precision. The ABF staff are outstanding with their dedication and enthusiasm which is infectious; no matter what time of day or night you meet these guys at the various check points along the route, they always greet you with a smile and a hearty ‘Well Done’.”
Fancy signing up? The next event takes place on June 7 and 8, 2025, and
you can find out more and register here:
https://events.armybenevolentf
