This summer two sisters are taking on the Balkan Three Peak Challenge, in aid of Scottish Mountain Rescue.

This epic trek will take us across remote trails and over mountain borders to the highest points in Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro and North Macedonia. We will scramble to the top of Mt Gjeravica (2656m), Mt Zla Kolata (2534m) and the shared summit of Mt Korab (2764m).

Our challenge will entail 4 consecutive days of strenuous hikes – 8/10 hours per day of hiking, covering a minimum of 10 miles per day, and ascents AND descents of 1500m:

- Firstly we will tackle the mighty Korab (2764m), the roof of Albania and North Macedonia, the first and highest peak of the week; with dramatic views of North Macedonia's Mavrovo National Park and the high peaks of the Korab Koritnik Range.

- Then we ascend the highest peak in Kosovo, Summit Gjeravica (2656m). We will set off for the peak, through a boulder field up to a tranquil, heart-shaped alpine lake reflecting Gjeravica's dark and imposing roof with sweeping vistas of the Dinaric and Albanian Alps. Our descent takes us via an old Yugoslav border patrol route, before spending the night below the point at which Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro meet.

- The following day, we have an undulating hike across the border into Albania, through enchanting old growth forests, summer pastures and along the scenic Gashi River Gorge towards the Montenegro border. The fir forests here are home to brown bear, chamois, wolf and Albania's national animal, the golden eagle, and their wilderness has been preserved by the remoteness of this once off-limits border region.

- Finally, we tackle Zla Kolata (2534m), Montenegro's highest peak, the longest and hardest stage of the trek. We start with a gradual ascent to the Bori Pass then cross into Montenegro through a labyrinth-like karst through the Persllopit Pass (2045m). The summit promises views across Albania’s Accursed Mountains, and into Prokletije and Valbona National Park.

The consecutive days of strenuous hikes this trek entails is going to be a real challenge, but one that we can’t wait to take on. As we love spending as much time as we can in the mountains in Scotland, we have chosen to take on this challenge in aid of The Scottish Mountain Rescue.

Scottish Mountain Rescue represents 26 volunteer Mountain Rescue Teams (including two Search and Rescue Dog Associations (SARDA), Scottish Cave Rescue Organisation and the Search And Rescue Aerial Association – Scotland (SARAA – Scotland) with over 850 volunteers. They help teams acquire the knowledge, skills and resources to ensure they provide a world class rescue service in Scotland’s Mountains and to the rural community.

The teams are all volunteers, but funding is required for training, equipment, insurance and other running costs to be able to provide this life-saving service.

If you are able to donate any amount, we would be extremely grateful.

Wish us luck!

Stephanie & Lindsay xx