Ben Nevis 16-18 September 2011
This past weekend we waked up Ben Nevis as our last trek of the season. Charities who benefitted include Help for Heroes, REACT, Diabetes UK, Epilepsy Action, and the World Development Movement. Well done to everyone for raising funds for such deserving charities.
Despite it being later in the year, Saturday's event experienced some of Scotland's better weather. We are so glad that the sun came out for most of the hike and helped pick up spirits after a rain-drenched drive up to Fort William on Friday. We are also happy to say that all but one participant completed the challenging hike and that she was only unable to complete it due to an injury. Great job everyone- your determination really showed!
Special mention goes to Ravinder Bindra who persevered through the hike and stood at Britain's highest point on his birthday.
We hope that everyone had a fantastic time and are really looking forward to seeing each of you in the future.
Ben Nevis Challenge 9-11 September 2011
On Friday 9 September, Charitytrek drove up to Fort Williamwith 39 participants in tow to tackle the Ben Nevis Challenge. As a new member of the Charitytrek team, this was my first Ben Nevis Challenge. Although it is basically a long walk up a mountainside, something I am quite familiar with, I was surprised at how steep and rocky the climb was.
The 39 trekkers who came along on the challenge did an amazing job, with all but one reaching the summit despite the heavy rain and cold weather. After the challenge, most of us enjoyed a cheeky bevy to celebrate the long day climbing the Ben before returning back to the warmth of our hotel. Surprisingly, we all somehow managed to find the energy to join in the ceilidh dancing later that evening.
Funds were raised by the walkers for the Charlton Athletic Community Trust, Rethink, Diabetes UK and Mencap. We would like to give congratulations to all those who persevered throughout the challenge and raised funds for their well-deserving charities. I know that I can speak for all of us at Charitytrek in saying that we hope you will join us again on a future challenge-maybe next time we will have better weather!- Samantha
Pru Health Mount Snowdon Challenge - Monday 4 July 2011
On Monday 4 July Charitytrek played host to a group of 13 participants attempting to tackle Mount Snowdon in
North Wales as part of a Corporate Challenge organised on behalf of Pru Health. Those taking part were also raising funds for a charity of their own choice.
The group enjoyed one of the best days yet this summer which was a pleasant change from the rather unsettled
weather we’ve been having off late. Everyone managed to reach the top in a little over three hours and were rewarded with spectacular views from the summit.
Alice and I would like to congratulate everyone taking part for such a great effort and for such a thoroughly enjoyable weekend. Well done!!!!!
Kintyre Way 20-25 August 2011
I would like to congratulate all those who participated in this year's Kintyre Way walk. Although the walk was tough and challenging, particularly on Day 2 due to the heavy rain showers that hit us while walking toward Tayinloan, all but 1 participant finished. Charities that benefited from the walk include Scottish Epilepsy Initiative and Epilepsy Action.
On most evenings, the group took advantage of walks along the beach ruminating over that day's challenges while enjoying the incredibly beautiful sunsets that fell over the paps of Islay and Jura. As the weather was quite nice in the evenings, members of the group were often able to take paddle into the sea.One of the participants took it a step further and actually swam into the freezing cold Atlantic waters.
Another highlight of the walk happened on Day 5 as when we were able to get very close to a seal colonyin Machrahanish. It was such a treat to see them so close and helped pick up waning spirits as the walk came to a close.
Special mention should be given to Hannah Bennett, a 12 year old young woman who was an inspiration to the entire group. Not only did Hannah tackle the challenging walk head-on, she also never complained.
Well done to everyone who participated in the walk and we look forward to seeing all of you on future treks.
Open Ben Nevis Challenge 27 - 29 May 2011
We have just returned from our first Open Ben Nevis Challenge of the season and what a weekend it turned out to be.
Charities benefitting from the group’s efforts included Tiny Lives, a charity based in the North East of England who look after newborn babies, Diabetes UK, The Children’s Liver Disease Foundation and the Forget me not Trust.
The weather was not particularly good as the group left Achintee and there were frequent heavy showers throughout the day turning to sleet and snow on the upper parts of the Ben.
However all but 2 of the group successfully completed the climb undaunted by the poor weather conditions and
were in high spirits when returning to the Ben Nevis Inn for a well earned celebratory drink.
In the evening we enjoyed a lovely meal in the Moorings Hotel at Banavie and were entertained by the many
stories of past exploits from several of the participants which made for a thoroughly entertaining evening.
Well done everyone for a great effort and we hope to see you all again on another challenge in the future.