Two down, two to go! We're quickly approaching the third Kiltwalk of the year, taking place on Sunday 11 August. Kicking off in St. Andrews, our Chartered Akiltants will be walking through Leuchars and Tayport, crossing the Tay Bridge to finish off in Dundee. We caught up with Samantha Nicholson, Business Advisory Director, who is taking part in the Kiltwalk for the first time. Samantha tells us about what motivated her to sign up, and what Kiltwalk essentials she will be packing. 

Samantha, what made you decide to sign up to the Dundee Kiltwalk, and have you ever taken part in one before?  

I've not ever taken part in a Kiltwalk before. I decided this was my year as in February, I was suffering from a slipped disc and even walking from my house to my car was a struggle. I therefore thought I would make it my recovery goal to be able to walk the Kiltwalk. I’m still to this day struggling with my slipped disc, having undergone some treatment, but it’s starting to improve and I do feel this will be a huge challenge for myself, and will be highly rewarding to reach the finish line. 

What charity have you chosen to walk for, and why?

I have chosen to walk for Andy’s Man Club. This is a men’s suicide prevention charity. Having recently lost a family member and friend, both males, to mental health, I felt it would be great to support this charity and raise awareness. 

Have you done any training to prepare for the big day?  

Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to train for the walk due to my back injury. I do go out walking with my dog Kobe, but these are much smaller walks more in the region of 2-3 miles. Therefore, it will be an interesting walk. I’m relying on focusing on the reason why I’m doing this to take me to the finish line. 

What’s your favourite kind of music to listen to, and do you have any playlist or Podcast recommendations which you’ll be listening to during the Kiltwalk?  

I plan to listen to some country music, along with some dance music. It’s quite a range that I listen to and hopefully this will keep me motivated. I also plan to pass the time speaking with others on the walk and hear their stories of why they have chosen their charities. 

What are you going to pack in your Kiltwalk bag? Do you have any must have items or snacks?  

Spare socks and trainers along with plasters will be my necessities. I’m worried about my feet! I’ll also pack a flask of coffee and a mug (I will need the caffeine, for sure!). For snacks, it has to be a packet of Randoms. I’m loving jelly sweets just now and recently discovered Randoms, they are my new favourites. 

If you could bring anyone along with team JC for the Kiltwalk, past or present, celebrity or not, who would it be and why?  

It would have to be Kevin Bridges, I think his humour would help to brighten up the walk!  

Finally, do you have any favourite places to go walking?

To be honest, I don’t have a favourite place, however my favourite thing to do is walking and taking a flask of coffee and a mug. I love seeing new places, finding new trails, and trying to find my way back. I have a terrible sense of direction therefore I’m hoping this walk is well sign posted! It’s a great time to clear the head and spend time with my dog. He’s going to join me for part of the walk which he’ll be delighted about. 

Sign up for the final Kiltwalk of 2024 

If you're still looking for a challenge to set yourself  in 2024, why not sign up for the Edinburgh Kiltwalk! There are three different lengths to choose from, with something to suit all abilities. full details can be found on the Kiltwalk website.

Put your best foot forward for the second half of 2024 and walk with us! We look forward to seeing you there!