Countdown begins to hills challenge

THERE is just a week left to register for the Moffat Mountain Rescue Charity Challenge, which is set to be the best yet.

The organisers say it is shaping up to be the most exciting and impactful event in its history.

Taking place on Sunday June 8, the challenge offers four routes through the Southern Uplands:

The longest is 19.4kms; then there’s a medium route of 11.5kms; a short route of 9kms; and a family friendly circular of 1.5kms.

It’s also a chance to support Moffat Mountain Rescue Team, with all proceeds going directly to their life-saving work.

Team leader James Coles said: “This year’s event promises to be our biggest and best yet.

“Each walk has been chosen by team members to provide something for everyone. We’ve carefully plotted the routes, will be providing support stations, and are expecting excellent participation. But most importantly, every step taken helps us continue our mission of saving lives in the hills.”

Registration can be found at www.moffatmrt.org.uk/events/charity-challenge-2025.

Meanwhile, the team have also set up a Just Giving page and a downloadable sponsorship form.

James added: “Moffat is one of the UK’s most stunning locations to go hillwalking and this inevitably means there may be occasions when visiting walkers or members of our community get into difficulty. Is it an honour to lead our team on callouts where they administer support and casualty care by rescuing and locating missing persons across our area of responsibility.

“Our annual charity challenge allows us to raise the essential funds needed to continue our work and increase awareness of our stunning landscape which has so much to offer, including perhaps a glimpse of our newly introduced eagle population.”