A team-spirited Scottish hiking fundraising adventure

A group of hikers, of varying ages and backgrounds, gathered in Aviemore over the weekend for a 19-mile trek in the Scottish Highlands. On the Friday night, some relaxed over drinks at The Pine Marten, preparing for the big day ahead…

Early on Saturday morning, local guide Kelty – a New Zealander who’s made Scotland his home with his family – and his colleague met us with two minibuses to lead us along the scenic Highland route, passing Balmoral Castle and the busy Braemar Gathering, attended by the King.

At Linn of Dee and after our first team photo, the hike began on a relatively flat gravel trail through forest. As the day went on, we crossed streams, ascended hillside passes and even navigated a boulder field, testing our balance and ankle strength. After passing the picturesque Corrour Bothy and the Pools of Dee, we soon reached the highest point at 835m. Views then began to open up towards the final descent into Aviemore, flanked by Loch Morlich, where some of the team cooled off or dipped their toes in the water.

In the evening, we gathered at The Winking Owl for a well-earned meal. Duncan Macdonald, our fantastic hike organiser, shared reflections from the day and the preparation leading into it, while BPF representatives Richard Bennett, Ella Gibbs and Marco Mama talked about the charity’s youth sport projects in Malawi. Light-hearted fines were also handed out, including for one member (who shall remain nameless) who, when trying to collect a pre-booked hire car at Inverness Airport, realised they’d left their driving licence at home!

Everyone’s combined efforts raised over £28,000 for BPF’s work in Malawi – and counting – thanks also to an amazing match-funding scheme initiated by one of BPF’s charity partners. Beyond the fundraising, it was the camaraderie, conversations and new friendships that made the event so special. Participating hikers noted how the shared challenge and purpose created a genuine team atmosphere.

Ross Chipperton, a BPF coach (with us for 7 months in Africa in 2019) returning for his second annual challenge in a row, called it his “favourite weekend of the year,” highlighting that “the walk was tough but made so worthwhile by the awesome people.” James Herbert, a long-time BPF supporter of ten years (since the age of 14), said the day was “by far the most enjoyable” of all his fundraisers, emphasising that “it was empowering to be part of a group of people all walking for the same cause.” Michelle Burrow praised the experience as “brilliantly organised” and “hugely rewarding.”

Scroll down for a collection of photos from the weekend event and feel free to share our live fundraising campaign to help boost our total…