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Walkers invited to hike the Cairngorms to boost third world communities

ADVENTUROUS walkers are being sought to take on a 24-hour trek through the Highland wilderness and raise cash to support entrepreneurship in the third world.

The annual WolfTrek event covers 45 miles from Forres to Cairngorm Mountain and takes place on August 6 - 7, giving participants the chance to generate funding for micro-finance initiatives in Africa and beyond while taking in some of Scotland’s most beautiful scenery.

It is organised by WildHearts, a Forres-based charity which helps people in the developing work their own way out of poverty sustainably by providing them with small loans and business training.

The hike begins at Dallas Dhu Distillery, Forres and charts a wide variety of terrain including a visit to eerie Dava Moor under cover of darkness, passing the ruined castle of mediaeval tyrant Alexander Stewart the Earl of Buchan, or the Wolf of Badenoch as he was known and after whom the event is named.

Among the first teams to sign up to the challenge is a group of nine people from regional law firm Ledingham Chalmers LLP, who have successfully completed each of the three challenges since it was founded in 2008.

David Scott, partner at the firm and team leader for the group, said: "The WolfTrek is a really sociable event which gets everyone talking, laughing and even singing along the way.

“While walking in the moonlight helps to disguise the rigours of the trek, the atmosphere which surrounds all the teams means that before you know it you are experiencing the wonderful feeling of crossing the finish line, knowing how much you have achieved for charity. Last year alone we raised more than £4,500."

While the fittest entrants have the opportunity to tackle the entire trek, the challenge can also be entered as a team relay over three 15-mile stages. There is also an option to complete a 17-mile stage known as the midnight march, from Forres to the shores of Lochindorb.

When a recipient of a WildHearts' micro-loan and business training repays their capital funding, it is then lent to another member of their community. Funds raised by the WolfTrek will be re-lent in perpetuity, with participants helping more and more people every year.

WildHearts founder Mick Jackson is urging other local teams to join Ledingham Chalmers, as well as other teams from the UK, America, Belgium and Egypt to sign-up.

“The WolfTrek is a fantastic opportunity to have an adventure and explore the spectacular Scottish wilderness which is on your doorstep," he says.

"Teams from around the world travel to the Highlands to take part and we’re so proud to be able to show off this wonderful area we call home. We would love to have a strong North-east contingent amongst the participants to show those from further afield how it’s done."

To find out more and to register for the WolfTrek visit www.wildheartsinaction.org, call 01309 678115 or email info@wildheartsinaction.org.

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