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Covid-19 update
After a lot of thought and discussion, the decision has been made to postpone the Cateran Yomp to the 11-12 September 2021. We hope that you agree that this is the right decision for the event and ABF The Soldiers’ Charity. This has not been an easy decision to make and huge thanks must go to the multiple landowners, suppliers and volunteers who have continued to support us through this difficult time.
By September, we believe, that conditions will allow a safe and enjoyable Yomp and we continue to work hard behind the scenes to plan the best event possible for you all. We cannot wait to finally celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Yomp and the thought of seeing you all on the start line in Blairgowrie is keeping us all going here at Yomp HQ.
Everyone already registered for the Yomp has been sent an email explaining next steps. Please email yomp@soldierscharity.org if you have not received this email.
A September Yomp will provide new challenges to us all with less daylight being the main difference but we also know that the Yomp family takes on challenges head on and crossing the finish line after such a long journey will be an amazing moment. We know you will all have questions but please do bear with us as we work our way through them.
If you would like to register for the newly schedule September event, please just select register now.
What is it?
The Cateran Yomp (a military term for a long-distance march) is the biggest, toughest event of its kind. We were all hugely disappointed that we had to cancel the 2020 event due to Covid-19 and have now made made the decision to postpone the 2021 event to September. Taking place on the 11/12th September 2021 in the foothills of the Cairngorm Mountains in Scotland, teams battle through 54 miles (gold) in 24 hours across the rugged terrain of the Scottish wilderness. You can also sign up for the silver or bronze distances (36 and 22 miles respectively).
Sign up with friends, family, and colleagues to experience an unforgettable weekend whilst raising money for soldiers, veterans, and their families. Whichever distance you choose, you will get to test both your physical and mental limits whilst trekking through some truly breathtaking scenery.
Don’t worry if you don’t have a team, any individuals or pairs will be grouped together with individuals of similar abilities. Check out our facebook group to meet and connect with our brilliant Yompers.
Prices
Early Bird
Military/ex military
£80pp
Individual
£99pp
Fundraising target = £400pp
Ends 28 February 2021
Your registration fee includes all your food and drinks over the weekend, access to the campsite, goody bag, technical t-shirt, well-deserved medal and much more! The fundraising target is £400pp and you will be amazed at peoples generosity. As you register, your very own Yomp fundraising page will be created which you can use and share.
We also have a self funding option. For £450pp you can register without any fundraising obligation. A page will still be created for you – any money you raise will be gratefully received and enable us to continue to be there for soldiers, veterans and their families.
Interested in entering as part of a corporate or company team?
Do you have 15 people or more interested in entering a team from your company? If so, we have a number of team packages on offer.
Please can contact us on yomp@soldierscharity.org or call 020 7811 3201 to find out more.
Fundraising
The Yomp exists to raise vital funds to support soldiers, veterans and their families. As such we ask each yomper to commit to raising £400 in sponsorship. Help us ensure a lifetime of support to those who have given so much.
Gallery
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The Route
Located just an hour and half north of Edinburgh and Glasgow, the route takes you through some of the most remote and hidden areas of Scotland. With 7 waterstops and 3 main checkpoints littered across the route, you are never further than a few miles from your next slice of chocolate cake.
The trail will be fully marked out and signposted along the way. We’ll also send you a map pack before the event which breaks the route down into sections, giving a description, key co-ordinates and also shows the route on an OS map.
Getting there
The Yomp takes place right in the heart of the Perthshire hills. This is only around a 90 minute drive from Edinburgh or Glasgow, but given the beautiful, unspoilt and peaceful setting, you will feel that you have travelled much further!
The Yomp route stretches from the high mountains of the Cairngorms National Park to the rolling farmland and berry fields of historic Strathmore, and from the salmon rich waters of the River Tay to the footpaths and riding tracks of the Angus Glens.
We’re close to the main North-South artery road routes of the A9 to Inverness and the A90 to Aberdeen, and the spectacular A93, Deeside National Tourist Route, runs through our area to the dramatic mountain scenery of Glenshee and onto Royal Deeside.
There are busy mainline stations at nearby Perth, Pitlochry and Dundee and fast, regular bus services throughout the area radiate out of Perth and Dundee.
You’re within easy reach of just about anything you’d want to do in Scotland after your challenge. For more details of what’s on offer in the local area, VisitEastPerthshire.co.uk
Places to stay
As part of your registration fee you are able to camp at the Event Hub on the Friday night, at which we provide hot showers and plenty of toilet facilities. The camping area is less than 100 metres from the start / finish line and so is perfectly placed for a little lie down after you complete the challenge.
There are also a number of hotels, B&B’s and self catering cottages nearby – visit the local website VisitEastPerthshire for everything you need to know.
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Preparation
Taking on the Yomp is going to be a huge challenge. Most people who sign up for the event have never walked further than 10 miles without a stop for a butty and a good night’s sleep and so preparation will be key to you enjoying and completing your route.
We suggest that you start training at least 3 months before the event, and that you speak to your doctor before you start if you have any concerns about your health or your ability to complete this challenge. We’ve worked with personal trainer Yolander Gratton to develop a 12 week training plan which we’ll send out in the build up to the event. We’ve got training plans for all levels and distances so you can work within your ability and towards your own target.
If you have any questions feel free to call the team on 020 7811 3223 or email yomp@soldierscharity.org
Top training tips
- Get into the habit of walking everywhere (to work, to run errands, to see friends), leaving your car behind and avoiding public transport where possible
- Exercise at least 4 times a week – try other sports to provide variety to your training, while still building up your fitness
- Do your long walks at weekends on varied terrain
- Find a training partner – take turns in being the motivator and planner for your training sessions. Also, organise some team training sessions to get to know each others’ pace, and to build up good team spirit
- Be safe – always make sure someone knows where and when you are going, and when you expect to be back
- Get to know your equipment – wear your boots everywhere, and train carrying a backpack to get used to the weight. If you are going to use walking poles during the Yomp, make sure you train with them as well
- Warm up – stretch your muscles about 10 minutes after you have started training, and again at the end of your session to reduce the likelihood of injury
- Keep an exercise log detailing the date, type of exercise, distance covered and time taken
- The Yomp takes place on 5/6 June 2021. Make sure you have completed your maximum training distance by mid May, to allow 2 weeks of lighter training so you are rested for the big day
- Training is one part of your challenge – the fundraising can be just as time consuming, so have a look at our fundraising pages for some tips and advice
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Fundraising
The Yomp exists to raise money to support our soldiers, veterans, and their families, as such we would ask you to commit to raising £400 in sponsorship. In nine years the Yomp has raised an incredible £3,800,000 for our incredible beneficiaries
Online fundraising
When you complete your registration for the Yomp you are automatically created a online fundraising page. We will also send you your fundraising pack in the post, which is full of top tips, sponsorship forms and much more. We are here to support you every step of the way.
Fundraising online was so easy. My page was automatically set up when I registered and all my friends, family and colleagues were so generous – all I had to do was ask.
Fundraising support
We have got lots of resources to get you started, including extra sponsorship forms, information on Gift Aid. We can also post you resources such as sponsorship forms, collection tins, and posters and balloons for your fundraising events. If you need anything simply email yomp@soldierscharity.org or call us on 020 7811 3223.
Incentives
Fundraising for The Yomp can make a huge difference to the lives of soldiers and their families and be hugely rewarding. We will be here to support you along the way.
There are great incentives to help you achieve your targets:
- Raise £400 by 1st May and receive an exclusive Cateran Yomp buff. These will be sent out before this year’s Yomp and so you can wear it proudly in your final training walks and of course during the Yomp itself.
- Raise £500 and you will receive a brilliant Cateran Yomp water bottle.
- Everyone who raises £800 will receive an exclusive Cateran Yomp kit bag – you can’t buy these anywhere else and they are great for carrying all of your kit.
- In addition to receiving the kit bag, the first 20 yompers to raise £1000 will secure a VIP start and will get the chance to lead out the Cateran Yomp, as well as receiving a Yomp hoody – one of only 20 made each year.
Fundraising leaderboard
Check out our fundraising leaderboard and see who’s smashed their sponsorship target and earned their stripes!
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Support Teams
Support teams are a vital part of the event and Yompers could not complete the challenge without their help – it is a hugely important role and we want them to feel part of the event.Up to two support team crew will receive breakfast on the Saturday morning and dinner at checkpoint 3 – Kirkton of Glen Isla (Silver finish) – on Saturday evening. Support crews are welcome to join the Friday night feast. Tickets are £10 per person and can be purchased by participants when they register. Additional tickets can be purchased in advance by calling Yomp HQ on 020 7811 3223.
What are the support team’s key roles on the day?
- to look after any team member who drops out along the route
- to be a familiar face, laden with treats and moral support whenever they need it
- to help administer basic first aid support to any team member who needs it – you may need to attend to a few blisters, for example
- to carry additional equipment for the participating team around the route, including food, drink and spare kit
- to keep in contact with your team via mobile phones when necessary
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Volunteer at the Yomp
Without the support of our volunteers this event simply couldn’t happen. Volunteers help us with all aspects of the event, from marketing it, to registering participants on the day, manning checkpoints and provided much-needed support to our walkers.
The benefits of volunteering are:
- You can play a significant part in an exciting fundraising event
- You will get to see this remote and stunning area in Perthshire and meet like-minded people
- A fun day (or night!) outdoors
- No previous experience is required and lots of support will be given throughout the event
If you are interested in volunteering at the Yomp either complete the form below or call us on 020 7811 3223.
Cateran Yomp volunteer form
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Partners
We are lucky enough to have a number of dedicated partners and sponsors, without which, the event could not happen.
There are many sponsorship opportunities available at the event, which will give your brand excellent exposure to our audience and allow you to get involved with this unique event, such as:
- A number of excellent opportunities to promote your products, services and brand to our audience
- Various levels of sponsorship tiers are available based on your overall investment ranging from Headline Sponsor to Major Sponsor, Associate Sponsor to Supporting Sponsor
Previous Sponsors have included: Artemis, Bircham, Blackrock, Bright Solid, Dyson Bell, EMC, Finsbury, GBST, HSBC, PWC, Sainsbury’s, Seric, Shepherd and Wedderburn, SLI365 and Thomson Reuters.
To discuss specific or bespoke packages, or for further information, please contact us on 020 7811 3201 or kwildman@soldierscharity.org
Alternatively, download our sponsorship information pack.
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Corporate Teams
Interested in entering as part of a corporate or company team?
Do you have 15 people or more interested in entering a team from your company? If so, we have a number of packages available for larger teams. We even offer a full support package, arranging everything from airport pick up, hotels and your very own support crew.
Contact Katy Wildman on kwildman@soldierscharity.org or call 020 7811 3201 to find out more.
‘The full support package the charity offered in 2019 was critical to the smooth administration needed with more than 30 Yompers taking part. From airpot pickup to hotel accommodation, the standard was great, the support crews were then when we needed them and the minibuses around the route were invaluable. We could not have done this year’s Yomp without the charities support - thank you’
Gary Mutch, Senior Director
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Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions. If your question is not answered below then please do not hesitate to contact us.
Event information
How has the Covid-19 pandemic affected the Yomp?
Unfortunatley we had to cancel the Cateran Yomp in 2020 and rolled everyone's place over to 2021.
Due to ongoing uncertainty around the lifting of restrictions, the decision has been made to move the 2021 Yomp from June to September. We have emailed everyone that had a place in the 2021 event explaining their options. Please email yomp@soldierscharity.org if you have not recieved this email.
I was registered for the June 2021 event, what happens now?
Your place is automatically moved to the new September date (11/12 September) along with any fundraising you already have your page.
If you cannot take part in September, please click here to withdraw from the event and apply for a refund or click here to defer your place to JUNE 2022.
I can't take part in September, can I get my fundraising refunded?
If you are fully withdrawing from event and would like your fundraising to be refunded, please ask your donors to get in touch with us directly on yomp@soldierscharity.org. Fundraising can only be refunded back to the person that made the donation.
When is it?
The Cateran Yomp will now be taking place on the 11-12th September 2021. Registration opens from 3pm on Friday 10th September at Bogles Field, followed by the Friday Feast and two safety briefings at 19:00 and 21:00, you must register in person and attend one of the safety briefings.
On Friday you will collect your participant number, receive a full safety briefing, enjoy the pasta party (very important carb loading!) and have the chance to meet fellow Yompers before your challenge starts the following morning.
Where is the event held?
In the heart of Perthshire starting and ending in Blairgowrie. The main event hub is located in Bogles Field, Essendy Road, Blairgowrie, Perthshire, Scotland, PH10 6QU (grid reference NO168439).
How much does it cost to take part in the Cateran Yomp?
If you sign up before the end of November, our Early Early bird offer is £60 for military or ex-military and £80 for individual. The registration fee is non-refundable.
Our early bird registration is £99pp for individuals (£80pp for military or ex-military) and runs from 1st December to 28th February.
Where can I stay?
Your registration fee includes access to our campsite at the main event hub in Blairgowrie (hot showers and toilets) or of you prefer please visit visiteastperthshire.co.uk/wheretostay for details on local hotels and B&B’s
When does the campsite open?
Access to the campsite will be available from 14:00 on Friday 4th June until 13:00 on Sunday 6th June. Toilet facilities will be available throughout; hot showers will be available from 18:00 on Friday 4th June until 12:00 on Sunday 6th June.
Why do I need a support team?
Your support team is there to carry any extra kit, a change of clothes, your favourite snacks, meet you at various checkpoints as a friendly face and moral support and to take you home if you need to retire at any point on the route. Every team taking part needs a support team in order to help them complete the challenge. The support team is there to look after and encourage the participants as they complete the Yomp.
Does my support team need to pay a registration fee?
No, they do not need to pay anything and we want them to feel part of the event, they are extremely important so up to 2 support team crew will receive breakfast on the Saturday morning and dinner at checkpoint 3 – Kirkton of Glenisla on Saturday evening. They are also welcome to the evening feast/full Scottish breakfast back at the start/finish line when the team has completed the Yomp. If you have more than 2 support crew they can buy further tickets for your friends and family for just £5 per meal.
What’s included in the registration fee?
Your registration fee includes delicious food and drink across the weekend from breakfast on the Saturday morning, throughout the route and finishing up with a full Scottish breakfast on the Sunday morning.
The Friday Feast takes place on Friday 4th June. For just £10 you can have unlimited pasta, salad, garlic bread and soft drinks – the perfect carb loading before your big challenge! You can purchase as many passes as you like during the registration process. Your registration fee also includes camping over the weekend with toilets and hot showers, support from Yomp HQ in the build up, full training plans, activities around the route, goody bags, t-shirts and that well deserved medal at the end!
Can I take part on my own?
The Yomp is a team event so people must walk in teams of a minimum of 3, however you can register as an individual and a just before the event Yomp HQ will get in touch and match you up with similar abilities and completion times.
Why do I need to take part in a team?
This is for safety reasons; it is a 24hr event so we cannot have people walking on their own in remote Scotland in the dark and in an area where the weather can change very quickly. You will need a minimum team size of 3 at all times.
Can my company enter a team?
Yes, and we have two different package options available for company teams. More details of these can be found by contacting Katy Wildman on kwildman@soldierscharity.org or call 020 7811 3201.
Is there an age restriction?
The minimum age is 16 for completing the bronze distance and 18 for the silver or gold distance. There is no upper age limit, as long as you are fit and able we would love to have you!
Route information
What is the route?
The 54 mile circular route starts and ends in Blairgowrie. At 54 miles the route will lead you across some of the country’s most scenic landscapes passing through Kirkmichael, Spittal of Glenshee and Kirkton of Glenisla. You will be immersed in the farmlands of Strathardle, the rugged peaks of Glenshee, Lochs Beanie, Auchintaple and Shandra, the fertile farmlands of Glen Isla and finally the fantastic open views over the idyllic pastoral scenes from Alyth.
How far is it?
You can take on one of three distances, Bronze – 22 miles, Silver – 36 miles or the full 54 miles gold route.
How do I get to the start?
The main event hub is located in Blairgowrie, Bogles Field, Essendy Road, Blairgowrie, Perthshire, Scotland, PH10 6QU this is where the campsite is located, registration on the Friday afternoon/evening and parking throughout the weekend.
Getting ready
Do I need to train?
Yes! We will provide you with a personalised 3 month Yomp training guide which you will receive weekly on a Friday in the 3 month lead up to the event weekend.
What should I bring?
A detailed participant pack will be provided in the lead up to the event which will have details of a full compulsory kit list.
Fundraising
What is the fundraising target?
We ask that each participant raises a minimum of £400 per person. This money goes towards helping soldiers, veterans and their families.
Why do I have to raise money and where does it go?
The Yomp is a charity fundraising event for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, with the money raised going towards helping soldiers, veterans and their families in times of greatest need. Find out more about who we’ve helped on our ‘stories’ section.
Can I get help reaching the sponsorship target?
Of course, Yomp HQ is always at the end of the phone so please drop us an email yomp@soldierscharity.org or give us a call 020 7811 3223. We can help with ideas, answer your queries and provide you with any fundraising materials you may need – collection tins, t-shirts, wristbands etc. We are here to help you!
What happens if I do not reach the minimum sponsorship target?
All we can ask is that everyone tries their best to reach their target of £400 pp. Most people find that once they start fundraising they not only reach the target but go far beyond as it is such a great challenge to take on and of course we are here to help you along the way with anything you need. You also have up to two months after the event to continue to raise the money once you have completed the challenge.
How do I apply for matched funding from my employer?
Many companies will match up to 100% of the donations you collect. Each company has a different policy and so please contact your HR or corporate social responsibility teams to find out more.
Is Gift Aid included in my sponsorship target?
ABF The Soldiers’ Charity policy, like that of many other charities, is that Gift Aid is not included in minimum sponsorship targets.
Can I fundraise online?
Absolutely – online fundraising is a fantastic way for you to collect sponsorship from your friends, family and colleagues, particularly those you don’t see every day. From your donors’ point of view, it is a quick, easy and secure method of donating. When you register for the event an online fundraising page is automatically created for you. This is your page, add your picture, write some text about what you’re doing and why, set your fundraising target, then send the link out to everyone you have ever met so that they can sponsor you easily and securely.
Can we fundraise jointly as a team?
Yes – it can make your fundraising target easier to meet if you fundraise together. You will even have a team fundraising page which is created automatically when you register as a team. Just remember that the sponsorship requirement is £400 per person, so if four of you fundraise together, you need to raise £1600 between you.
I’ve collected in my sponsorship money and have some cash and cheques. How can I pay everything in?
Cheques should be made payable to ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, and can be sent to us at:
Cateran Yomp
ABF The Soldiers’ Charity
Mountbarrow House
12 Elizabeth Street
London
SW1W 9RB
If you have cash, please bank it and send us a cheque from your account or sponsor yourself on your online fundraising page.
When you send money in to us, please ensure that you write your name and ‘Cateran Yomp’ on the back of each cheque, and if you know your team’s name, add that too. This will ensure that money is allocated to your sponsorship total.
If after reading through the FAQ’s you still have some queries, please do not hesitate to drop us an email or give us a call – it’s what we are here for.
Email us or call 020 7811 3223
