The annual Galloway Mountain Rescue Team ‘Charity Challenge’ returned to Cairnsmore of Fleet for 2015 and what a great day it was for a walk!
Thirty seven walkers ventured onto the iconic Galloway hillside in what was a much improved day; weatherwise, compared to the last two years. This was perhaps largely due to its being held on the 13th June as opposed to the event’s earlier calendar slot in April. The decision to change the route for our 40th Year celebration challenge was prompted by the suggestion of previous walkers who were keen to return to Cairnsmore of Fleet and summit the 711 metre hill that overlooks Wigtown Bay and Newton Stewart.
Neil Dalrymple, the Team’s Fundraising Officer said, “This was an opportunity for fundraisers to challenge themselves, safe in the knowledge that we’ve done everything possible to ensure they completed their challenge successfully.”
“It was one of many events planned throughout the year to encourage members of the public to meet the team and learn about what we do in our voluntary search and rescue activities.”
The only hindrance to an otherwise perfect day for walking was a surprising abundance of the dreaded midges, particularly on the summit. The tradition of hungry challengers gathering around the summit cairn to enjoy lunch was replaced with the sight of them sprinting in a southerly stampede.
Team Leader Ken MacKenzie, who was greeting the walkers on the summit said, “The highlight of the day had to be the arrival of four year old Robbie Devine, our youngest walker who summited with his elder brother and Mum and Dad. He walked the whole way up and down and certainly wasn’t the last walker home. Well done Robbie.”
For more information about the voluntary activities of Galloway MRT including details of incidents, training, walk routes and upcoming 40th Anniversary Events, visit www.gallowaymrt.org.uk.
37 Walkers Tackle The Galloway Mountain Rescue Cairnsmore Charity Challenge
