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Right To Play is a registered charity in England and Wales, charity no. 1112404.
Please donate online by following the link above (through Charity Choice) or send a cheque made payable to "Right To Play UK" to:
Right To Play UK39 - 43 Brewer Street,
London,
W1F 9UD
+44 (0) 207 734 7946
August 2007
Often described as ‘Britain’s last wilderness’ the Knoydart region of the Scottish highlands was the destination last September of an eager team of Right To Play challengers. Their goal - to raise as much money as possible for children in Sierra Leone. One of the intrepid trekkers, James Emery, describes their experience.
It is easy to laugh now, sat in the warm embrace of The Old Forge Inn, “the most remote pub in mainland Britain” but the previous four days had been a tough test of endurance and team work.
Our band of ten gathered at Glasgow airport having made our separate ways from various parts of the UK, jumped aboard a mini-bus and set off towards Mallaig in North West Scotland. Three hours later, following a great deal of laughter and bonding, and some of the most incredible scenery, we reached the small port of Mallaig and our hostel. After a pre-brief and a much needed tenting lesson from our team leaders – Aneal and Kate – we enjoyed a last morale boosting pint in the Forge.
The following morning, bright and early, packs were loaded onto our backs on the shore of the spectacular Loch Nevis and we set off with enthusiasm. After a few hours we stopped for an enjoyable lunch break in the warm and unexpected, sunshine. Then after a brief descent along the side of the estuary, we arrived at our first climb. Soon we were starting to realise that paths were a luxury not to be afforded us for the next three days. Ours was to be a world where bog, grass, and slippery rocks are the only routes. The going was slow and arduous but the views from the top were more than ample reward. Soon it was time to get down to lower ground and our first camp, we pitched up, earned a Michelin star or two for our culinary efforts and settled in our tents for the night.
The next day, it was up with the larks, pack up and head off. We began ‘contouring’ along the side of the estuary, at times across the seaweed covered rocks themselves until the tide had gone out sufficiently for us to head straight across to the beach on the other side and our lunch. All too soon we were off again, this time across what appeared to be swampland. Though this was tough, it was a good job we didn’t realise what lay ahead – the first of our higher climbs – 650 metres up. Spurred on by the ‘melodious’ singing of Mike, Aneal, and myself; we soon made it to the top. A quick stop for a few photos and it was down into the valley to pitch camp by the side of a VERY cold river, eat dinner, and hit the sack.
The next day and there was a split amongst the camp. Half of the group headed straight down the valley and made their way into the village of Inverie, where the bunkhouse awaited them. The rest of us persuaded Kate to lead us to the top of the mountain immediately to our right, a climb of some 750 metres. Close to the peak we were greeted by the magnificent sight of a mature stag leading his herd along the ridge. With this incredible sight etched in our memories we began our descent and reached the path – our first for days. This we happily followed all the way to the village of Inverie and back to The Old Forge where I begun this tale.
On behalf of my expedition colleagues – Mike, Marie-Louise, Tony, Ron, Aneal, Kate, Paul, Ian, Eddie and me (James Emery) – I can wholly and without reservation recommend taking part in a Right to Play Expedition. We didn’t stop laughing for three days and certain memories still bring a chuckle to me now. I made great friends, saw a beautifully rugged and largely inaccessible part of Britain, stayed and achieved something to be proud of. Most importantly we raised almost £10,000 for Right to Play and I know that they will ensure that every penny benefits the children of Sierra Leone.
Thanks everybody!
James Emery, COS – the Complete Office Solution
The money raised by James and the others will go towards Right to Play’s target of surpassing the 40,000 children reached by our Sport and Play programmes in Sierra Leone during 2007. If you would like to take part in adventure in support of Right to Play check out our website, http://www.righttoplay.org.uk/rtp-charity-challenges/ for more information.
