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Thursday, 26 August 2010
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ARCHIE's Lochnagar Challenge 2010 Success
(above - Team ARCHIE successfully reach the summit of Lochnagar!)
On Saturday 29th May, 2010 a group of 16 intrepid hikers, set off to tackle the lofty heights all in aid of the ARCHIE Foundation. The group were split into two teams and their intention was to scale Lochnagar, which at 1,155m (3,789ft) is classed as a Munro.*
Lochnagar is a mountain located on the Royal Estate, 5 miles South of the River Dee near Balmoral. The mountain itself has royal links. It is the setting for a children's story, 'The Old Man of Lochnagar' originally told by Prince Charles to his younger brothers, Andrew and Edward and published in 1980.
The Mountain leaders - Malcolm and Rich were particularly impressed with everyone's spirit and enthusiasm and they said this made it an easier job for them! The group was mixed - from a few people who had never climbed a mountain to the hillwalking buffs. Three manned checkpoints were supplied throughout the route by the ARCHIE Foundation.
The teams, after ascending the path towards Meikle Pap, managed to reach the foot of the infamous 'ladder' before reaching the summit of Cac Carn Beag at about 1,300m. They had a perfect view of the upper corries, the cliffs of Lochnager and surrounding mountains. The weather for most of the day had been okay with occasional sunshine, but as they all took to the path for the descent the skies grew dark and a stiff wind blew stinging hail into their faces. This mini storm soon subsided and they had a fantastic view over to Loch Muick. The descent took them by the side of a glorious waterfall at Craig Moseen where they all posed for this picture below.
David Cunningham, Director of Fundraising for the ARCHIE Foundation commented, "We really appreciate everyone's time and effort made in order to take part in this Challenge. Hopefully this will encourage the team to take up hillwalking regularly, and we may also have some potential 'Munro Baggers'* in Team ARCHIE. All funds raised from this event will go directly towards 'making the difference' to the lives of children who are patients of the NHS in Grampian, Shetland and Orkney Islands."
*A Munro is a mountain in Scotland with a height of over 3,000ft
*Some hillwalkers climb Munros with an eye to climbing every single one in Scotland, a practice known as 'Munro Bagging.' There are currently 283 Munro's in Scotland.
The ARCHIE Foundation is the official charity of The Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital and Community Based Child Health throughout Grampian and the Northern Isles.
