‘Prayers and pipes’ gets rosary walkers up Ben Nevis
‘Between the prayers and the pipes, we got ourselves to the top and it was a fantastic day and great effort by everyone involved.’
So said Ruth Black, of Craig Lodge Family House of Prayer at Dalmally, after the successful climb of Ben Nevis on Sunday which involved a continuous rosary to the summit of the 4,413ft peak.
And by the start of this week, more than £8,221 of the £10,000 target had been raised, with funds going to support the running of Craig Lodge.
Led by 85-year-old Calum MacFarlane-Barrow, who founded the Craig Lodge Family House of Prayer with his wife Mary Anne 30 years ago in 1988, the walk saw 14 hardy trekkers take part.
Formerly run as their family guest house, Craig Lodge is now a Catholic retreat centre run by Craig Lodge Community.
It offers a varied programme of organised retreats, as well as a special ‘spiritual gap year’ programme for young people aged from 18 to 30.
Craig Lodge also welcomes guests who just want to enjoy a quiet few days of prayer and reflection and there is a programme of events tailored to families and young children.
Mrs Black, Mr MacFarlaneBarrow’s daughter, was one of those who made the climb to the summit of Ben Nevis on Sunday and says there had been a great atmosphere as the walkers made their way up the famous mountain.
‘It went really well and we had a piper with us who piped at various view points along the way,’ said Mrs Black.
‘The rosary is a Catholic prayer and is one of dad’s favourites and it was spoken in relays, either by individuals or in small groups, continuously, as we made the climb.
‘It was very encouraging when you would hear it just ahead of you and it would encourage you to keep going.
‘We are all grateful to everyone who has donated sponsorship money for the event. People have been very generous.’