Their story, in their words…
Our journey began with an overnight coach to Glasgow. Although we initially set off feeling optimistic, several hours of disrupted sleep left us feeling weary and uncertain before the hike had even begun. Despite this, we arrived in Fort William with spirits high, initiating our first walk along the Caledonian Canal, which covered around 17km.
Over the next 7 days we hiked 73 miles, from Fort William to Inverness, carrying heavy bags across a mixture of flat and steep terrain, and spending the night wild camping surrounded by some of Scotland’s most spectacular scenery. Although at times the physical task felt daunting we learnt the importance of resilience and self-belief, which helped us to adapt to our surroundings.
Very quickly the hike seemed something we felt grateful for, rather than just something to ‘complete’ or check off. Experiencing the kindness of local people also really helped in motivating us to keep going. Some of the most memorable moments included the breathtaking views across Loch Ness and visiting the town of Fort Augustus. However, the greatest reward was not reaching our final destination, but the personal growth we experienced along the way.
The expedition strengthened our resilience, taught us the value of perseverance, and gave us an appreciation for both the natural world and our own ability to overcome challenges. Most importantly we had fun! We are very grateful to the Mark Evison Foundation for this experience and would definitely recommend a challenge like this to anyone who has the opportunity.
