Father and son duo complete West Highland Way walk for local mental health charity

Father and son duo Calum and Richard Blyth have completed the challenge of walking the West Highland Way from Glasgow to Fort William. 

The duo from Broadbottom planned the walk over six days, following a route that took them through Milngavie, Balmaha, Inversnaid, Crainlarich, Bridge of Orchy, Kinlochleven and Fort William which equates to around 100 miles.  

They did the walk for the mental health charity, Mind. 

They had a hotel stop each night and Richard said they were "very lucky with the weather over the first four days", adding: “We took the high road at Loch Lomond but the heat, distance, my dodgy feet/legs and trying to keep with a 25-year-old up took its toll on me and by the end of day three, some 50 miles in at Crainlarich, it’s fair to say my pace was best described as glacial so I needed to rest."

Calum went on alone to complete day four and five, and Richard rejoined on day six for the final leg through Glencoe and the snow-capped Ben Nevis. 

Every day had its own challenges, the pair said: “From what felt like never-ending staircases, obstacle courses, long and winding roads that felt like you were walking on Lego accompanied with the weather from brilliant sunshine to driving sleet... and of course a few blisters. It certainly put us through our paces. It was great to reach the end and be able to properly put our feet up.”

Richard told the Chronicle: “We are absolutely delighted we got to see a beautiful part of Scotland, meeting some fantastic and inspiring people along the way and challenging ourselves.” 

“We have a real sense in pride in Calum. He completed two sections on his own, one of the toughest being Bridge Of Orchy to Kinlochleven, in challenging weather conditions at a blistering pace (35.5 km in 6.75hrs) in rain and sleet. A really tremendous effort.”

Calum added: “To have had this experience and to raise money for a local mental health charity Mind is the icing on the cake.”

The duo have raised more than £2,100, and they will also be doing some match funding so expect to beat their target of £2,500. They would like to say a massive thank you to all their family, friends and colleagues, who have very generously donated their hard-earned money. 

“It kept us going and it is a very worthy cause. If anyone would like to donate then they can just search 'Richard Blyth' on the Just Giving site.”

“The final thanks to our families with their WhatsApp calls of encouragement. There is no greater booster seeing your 20-month granddaughter/niece, Harper. It really perks you up, and of course physio Lindsey who, without her help/intervention, neither of us would have made it!”

To donate, visit - https://www.justgiving.com/page/richard-blyth-1704098696216?utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=page%2Frichard-blyth-1704098696216&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=pfp-share