Hebridean high: joy, tears and camaraderie on a 100km trek for charity across the Isle of Skye

"We clamber up from Flodigarry to circle under the black cliffs of the Quiraing where clouds flood around the bizarre rock formations. At the pass, we meet a howling wind and force our way down with shrieks of laughter. I'm walking on the Isle of Skye, specifically a section of the Trotternish Ridge for CoppaFeel!, the young people's breast cancer awareness charity. There are 120 participants in total, split into four groups of 30."

"As we climb, rain starts falling, thick as smoke. The ground is sodden. Cold water drips from my hood, running down my nose, cheeks and chin. It's grim. My waterproofs need reproofing and I'm soon drenched right through, like everyone else. I don't need to check where everyone is. I can hear them singing. They're belting out Bohemian Rhapsody."

The trek begins with a gentle climb from Flodigarry beneath the black cliffs of the Quiraing, passing bizarre rock formations and a windy pass. One hundred and twenty participants, mostly women, split into four groups, will cover about 100 km over five days across sea cliffs, mountains, ruined castles, bogs and rivers to raise funds for CoppaFeel!. Heavy rain soaks clothing and makes the terrain sodden, but group singing—including Bohemian Rhapsody—keeps morale high. Nights are spent at a campsite in Uig with hot lasagne provided by the Glasgow caterer Really Delicious. The event is organised by CoppaFeel!.

Read at www.theguardian.com