Summit special as climbers complete Ben Lomond charities torchlight challenge
The summit of Ben Lomond was illuminated on Saturday evening as dozens of hikers ascended the 974m peak in aid of the National Trust for Scotland and Lomond Mountain Rescue.
A total of 75 intrepid walkers – and one canine companion – took part in the Ben Lomond Torchlight Challenge, completing the twilight hike and raising £5000 (so far) for the charities.
Under the expert guidance of NTS ranger staff and Mountain Rescue volunteers, the walkers reached the summit at 9pm, with torches and flames sending a signal out to the surrounding area. The challenge of descending by torchlight then began, with hikers successfully completing the walk around midnight.
Sixty per cent of the funds raised will be spent by the National Trust for Scotland at Ben Lomond on mountain conservation and footpath repair, and 40 per cent will be used by the Lomond Mountain Rescue to maintain its vital equipment and meet annual running costs.
Alasdair Eckersall, the Trust’s Property Manager at Ben Lomond and organiser of the event, said: “This is our fourth year of running this event and by far our biggest Torchlight Challenge so far, both in terms of number of hikers and amount raised. Footpath repair costs us over £15,000 a year just at Ben Lomond, so donations are vital if we are to continue our work of protecting this landscape. We would like to thank everyone who took part for their fundraising efforts and enthusiasm on the night.”
David Dodson, Team Leader for Lomond Mountain Rescue, added: “It was a great to be a part of Saturday’s event. Our team, made up entirely of volunteers, relies on fundraising events like these and the generosity of individuals to help deliver our service on the mountains. Thank you to everyone involved.”
In addition to Ben Lomond, 50 hikers tackled Goat Fell in a simultaneous event on the Isle of Arran. Signals from each group – 55 miles apart – were spotted by both sets of hikers.