Conquering Ben Nevis for HWDT

Our group of explorers!

A team of intrepid explorers plan to undertake a sponsored hike to the summit of Ben Nevis this October, raising money for HWDT! Chris Sharples, who volunteered for HWDT in 2017, will undertake the challenge on 6th October 2018 along with friends Calum Branstone, Will Neal, and Kieran Wragg. Graham Hill, an experienced mountain leader who has generously offered to be their guide, completes the team.

Their route will follow the well-used 'Mountain Path', beginning their ascent just outside the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre and ending at the summit of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK standing at 1343m. The track is just over four miles each way and should take between seven and eight hours to complete.

All four are inexperienced hikers, so they are undertaking a period of preparation and training, details of which will be shared on their Facebook page 'HWDT Sponsored Ben Nevis Hike'. Give the boys a like and follow their journey, including regular posts during the actual hike (signal permitting!).

The route map of the climb.

After a memorable summer that involved participating in HWDT's cetacean survey project onboard the Trust's research vessel, Silurian, Chris will generously donate all monies raised towards the maintenance work that is required this winter in order to ensure that Silurian continues to provide the platform for this vital research.

Chris on board Silurian in 2017 as one of our Outreach and Research volunteers.

Silurian has been a part of HWDT since 2002 and, during the last decade, has covered in excess of 100,000km surveying Hebridean waters amassing a visual and acoustic dataset that is used for the conservation and protection of whales, dolphins and porpoises.

On behalf of Chris, Calum, Will and Kieran, and all at HWDT, thank you for your generous donations and for supporting the challenge!