Their story, in their words…
With the generous support of the Mark Evison Foundation, my partner and I set out to hike the West Highland Way, one of the most challenging routes in the UK. Although the trail is officially 96 miles long, forestry diversions added extra distance, bringing our total journey to over 100 miles. We pushed ourselves to cover roughly 15–17 miles every day.
The weather in late March was our biggest obstacle. It rained heavily every single day, and as we reached Tyndrum, the conditions worsened into snow and hail. The trail became especially difficult at the northern end of Loch Lomond, where we faced a “rollercoaster” of steep climbs, slippery mud, and powerful winds. Another major test was the Devil’s Staircase, a 550-metre climb famous for its steep, exhausting zig-zag path.
Unfortunately, these extreme conditions caused a serious physical setback. My partner developed severe blisters and early signs of trench foot, which meant he had to leave the trail halfway through. From that point on, I had to continue the journey as a solo hiker.
Despite these difficulties, I am very grateful to the MEF Team for this opportunity. The hike allowed us to experience Scottish culture and find a sense of peace in nature. Most importantly, it improved my psychological mental strength. Completing the final stretch alone proved that I could stay determined and overcome even the toughest challenges.
