Ben Nevis Challenge

24–26 October 2008

At 4,406ft Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in Britain. It attracts climbers and walkers from all over the world, all year round. On a clear day the summit provides breathtaking views over the Highlands and Western Isles.

The route begins with an old pony track that starts from Achintee in the beautiful and scenic Glen Nevis (the location for the movies Braveheart & Rob Roy) and crosses the flanks of Meall ant Suidhe to the halfway lochan.

From the lochan the track makes a series of uphill zigzags over increasingly bouldery ground, which leads to the extensive summit plateau where remains of the old observatory can be found.

• Photos from May 2008
• Ben Nevis poem - a participant's view
• Photos from October 2007
• Photos from May 2007

• Training plan

• Simon Hughes's Ben Nevis challenge diary

Not only can this be considered as a great personal achievement, but you will also help promote and raise much-needed funds for Epilepsy Action by taking part in this superb event.

The weekend starts for you on Friday afternoon when you will be met and collected at your pickup location in Glasgow. You will then be driven by coach to the Highland town of Fort William. (You'll probably need to take the Friday off work).

On arriving at Fort William you will be taken to your accommodation at one of our chosen hotels in Fort William where you'll be given time to settle into your room.

There will then be a welcome meeting to brief you on your two day stay in Fort William and introduce you to your guides who will be looking after you and accompanying you on the walk.

Once the formalities are over you can enjoy an excellent evening meal in the hotel restaurant before exploring Fort William, which is usually bustling throughout the year with ceilidhs and live entertainment. Alternatively, just relax in the hotel lounge to conserve your energy for the following day's event – it's entirely up to you.

The day of your walk begins with an early start and a full Scottish breakfast. You will then be provided with a packed lunch before the coach arrives to take us to our start point in the beautiful Glen Nevis.

Hopefully, weather permitting, we will have the complete group on the summit for our group photo.

On the return to the start point in Glen Nevis you will find the coach waiting to take you back to the hotel, maybe for that long soak in the bath you've been thinking about all the way down the mountain!

Then it's time to round off the day with a well-earned rest and another delicious evening meal in the hotel restaurant, leaving us only one more formality: presenting you with your certificate of achievement, before you head out to celebrate and sample the local hospitality.

Your two days then come to an end on the Sunday with another full Scottish breakfast before your coach arrives to take you to your departure point in Glasgow.

Guides

All of our guides are highly motivated, experienced mountaineers and also qualified first aiders. They'll share experience, encouragement, and a great sense of humour.

Route

There is no climbing or scrambling involved. The event is physically demanding, however, and involves approximately 8 hours of walking over uneven terrain.

The maximum gradient is approximately 1:5.

Accommodation

Accommodation will be in guest houses or hotels of a high standard.

Food and drink

Breakfast and packed lunches will be provided each day. Walkers will be responsible for paying for their evening meals.

Cost

Participants are asked to pledge to raise £390 sponsorship to cover all costs (approx: £200) and ensure that Epilepsy Action benefits significantly. We ask that £130 of the sponsorship is sent in three weeks prior to the event departure date and that the remaining £260 sponsorship is sent in 28 days after the event. In addition, a £50 non-refundable deposit is required per person at time of booking. You will need to arrange and pay for your own transport to/from Glasgow.

If you can't make these dates, to see if there are any other weekends available, please contact us (see below).

What next?

If you would like to join us on the event, then please contact our Melanie Taylor:

• by telephone on 0113 210 8800 (UK) or +44 (0)113 210 8800 (international)

• by email to funding@epilepsy.org.uk

Fundraising guide

Index · Advice · Ideas · Money · Publicity · Training plans
A to Z of fundraising ideas

• Download or print our fundraising guide
• Download or print a sponsorship form
• Get one of our excellent Epilepsy Action events T-shirts