Fundraiser for veterans is given royal approval

The Queen has granted permission for an event supporting veterans to be held at Balmoral Castle again this summer.

On June 23, teams will tackle the challenging countryside around the royal residence to raise money for charity Walking With The Wounded.

Participants will race across one of several routes through the wilderness, ranging from nine to 24 miles, by orienteering using a map and checkpoints.

Each group will have the opportunity to walk with ex-military personnel who have previously been helped by the charity.

Walking With The Wounded supports vulnerable veterans with physical or mental injuries, or social issues such as homelessness, to access better care and get back into employment.

The Balmoral Challenge was held for the first time last year and raised more than £100,000 for the organisation.

Three routes have been selected.

The shortest is a nine- mile foray exploring the cairns in the forest above the castle.

Participants in the largest race will be dropped off at a secret location.

They will then take part in an 18-mile race over three Munros to get back to Balmoral.

Another option is a 12-24 mile challenge where teams are given nine hours to explore the wilderness and find as many checkpoints as they can.

For more information or to enter a team visit walkingwiththewounded. org.uk/balmoral