The new Gairloch climbing wall will officially open on November 20th. The event is being marked by an open invitation to everyone interested in the new facility to an open day between 11.00am and 16.00pm at the Gairloch Leisure Centre - part of the Gairloch High School. As well as the climbing, the organisers are arranging activities for children and refreshments.

The wall, which has room for roughly 65 routes, has been taken forward by the Gairloch Community Climbing Wall Partnership (GCCWP) and has taken three years to raise the £100,000 necessary. The wall has lead routes and top-roped climbing for all levels of ability. Ineos, SportScotland, Highland Leader Fund, Great Wilderness Challenge have all contributed to the money raised by local community. go further’s Paul Tattersall has played a key role in the planning, design and organisation needed for the whole project. Here is a quick preview where the go further team were enjoying a few routes after a technical session with the wall’s builders - Avertical World.

Tags: Gairloch Climbing Wall, Great Wilderness Challenge, Ineos, Highland Leader Fund, sport Climbing

Conditions for the runners couldn’t have been much worse for the 25th Great Wilderness Challenge event last Saturday but, as usual, the atmosphere was excellent. The picture shows Colin about 22 miles into the 25 mile route. Strong headwinds, especially on the high paths, saw most people well off their target times. Colin was more that 30 minutes slower than his personal best but managed 11th place overall and 1st local.

Tags: GWC, Great Wilderness Challenge

go further’s Colin (left) will be running the 25 mile mountain route in this year’s Great Wilderness Challenge on Saturday (21st of August). This is the 25th anniversary of the event so everyone is making a huge effort to raise a record amount for vital local charities. Colin has just set up a JustGiving page where you can make easy donations to help him reach his £400 target. Donations are welcome after the event for a couple of months. The 25 mile option runs from Dundonnell, through the Fisherfield Wilderness to Carnmore and then follows the rough track for 8 miles to Poolewe. A route that also makes for a magnificent long-distance walk.

Tags: GWC, Great Wilderness Challenge

With the weather perfect for long mountain routes and cimbing gofurther has had a busy May. This picture was taken in the middle of the month during a walk through the Fisherfield Wilderness following the route of the Great Wilderness Challenge (GWC). The GWC is an annual sponsored walk and run held in August organised to raise money for local charities. The longest GWC route leaves Dundonnell in the north and ends 25 miles later at Poolewe in the south. Here Clive and Jan are enjoying the stunning view from the path above the Dubh Loch.
This walk normally takes around nine to ten hours. See our pages on guided walking for more.

Tags: Great Wilderness Challenge, fisherfield