What we are doing?

Ben Nevis is a tough challenge - it's the highest mountain in Britain and stands 1344 metres above sea level (that's 4,409 feet!). You actually pass through four different vegetation zones on the way to the top and snow often stays on the summit well into summer. In fact, it is notorious for its changeable, poor weather conditions. The route we will take to the summit is known as the 'Pony Track' and starts about 2km outside Fort William on the east side of Glen Nevis at around 20 metres above sea level. The path climbs steeply to the saddle by Lochan an t-Suidhe and then ascends the rest of the way up the stony west flank in a series of zig-zags. Loose scree, rocks and pebbles, especially on the path's upper reaches adds to the excitement! Those who know these things say that the climb takes most groups 4 to 5 hours to get to the summit (we hope to do it in 4) and the descent, notoriously arduous and tough on the knees, takes between 3 and 4 hours, meaning we will be on the mountain for somewhere between 7 and 9 hours.

When are we doing it?

Saturday 12th June 2010

Who are we?

We either work for, or are associated with the Greater Manchester Police and, despite our name, the Manchester Mountaineers, most of us have little or no previous experience of hiking. We are however fortunate to have three people in our midst who really know what they are doing and have climbed The Ben before. They are making sure we are going to be fit and ready for the challenge by putting us through rigorous training every other weekend.

Why are we doing it?

The reason why we are putting ourselves through all of this is to raise money for what we think is a really good cause - The Children's Adventure Farm Trust (CAFT).

Founded in 1985, it provides holidays and activities for terminally ill, chronically sick, disabled and disadvantaged children from all over the North West.

Based in Cheshire, their 17th century farm has four bedrooms, each with four single beds plus one two-bed room for carers. During the activity breaks, the kids get to have lots of fun, lots to eat and get to go on day trips to places such as the seaside, the zoo and even Camelot. They get to use an adventure playground, go swimming, bowling, take part in treasure trails and BBQs. There are also lots of specialist areas, such as a multi-sensory suite designed to offer different sensory experiences which can stimulate or calm children with physical and learning disabilities or sensory impairments. They offer so much, its difficult to put it all down here, but you can check out the link on the left of this page to find out more about the great work they do (or go to their webpage )

What's important to us is that all of this is done without any statutory funding whatsoever. They are totally funded through donations and, as you can imagine, providing this level of care and accommodation doesn't come cheap. It currently costs them over £700,000 per year just to keep going. With your help and donation, we hope our trek up Ben Nevis will allow kids from the North West to keep on enjoying the Children's Adventure Farm.

Donating on-line

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe and not only will they send your money directly to the Children's Adventure Farm Trust, they'll also make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer.  So please, reward our efforts by digging deep and donating to this great cause.