So, the plan is to walk from Montrose to Knoydart, finishing at Inverie, with Bonnie the retriever. Concerns are as follows:

• It will be very wet and the wind will be strong southwesterly
• Lots of ticks
• What is it like sleeping with a damp dog?

On the other hand, looking forward to

• Unexpected meetings
• Having great days in the outdoors
• Finishing at the Forge Inn
• Getting really fit
• The sense of achievement
• Raising money for Alzheimers Scotland

So, on balance the pros outweigh the cons. A good start.