Imagine standing atop a rugged Scottish mountain, drenched to the bone, singing Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody at the top of your lungs with 119 other women. Sounds crazy? This is the reality of a charity trek across the Isle of Skye, where laughter battles the wind, and camaraderie conquers the rain. But here's where it gets controversial: can a grueling physical challenge truly transform lives beyond the blisters and sore muscles? I’m about to take you on a journey through five days of trekking, tears, and triumph, where the answer might surprise you.
My adventure begins on the Trotternish Ridge, a dramatic landscape of black cliffs and bizarre rock formations shrouded in mist. I’m here with 120 participants, mostly women, hiking 100km for CoppaFeel!, a charity dedicated to breast cancer awareness among young people. Split into four groups, we navigate sea cliffs, climb mountains, and ford rivers, all while raising funds for a vital cause. This isn’t your average stroll in the park—it’s a test of endurance, both physical and emotional.
What strikes me most is the sheer number of women. Out of 120 participants, 117 are female, joined by six female celebrities who cheer us on. We’re a boisterous crew, our voices echoing across the hills. After a picturesque lunch overlooking Raasay and the distant mainland, the weather takes a turn. Rain pours like a curtain, soaking us through. My waterproofs fail, and I’m drenched, yet the spirit remains unbreakable. And this is the part most people miss: even in the harshest conditions, morale soars. We sing, we dance, we laugh—a testament to the power of shared struggle.
Back at our campsite in Uig, hot lasagne from Really Delicious awaits, a welcome comfort after a day of battling the elements. The event, organized by CoppaFeel! in partnership with Charity Challenge, is a well-oiled machine. Expert mountain leaders guide us, ensuring safety and support. But it’s the participants who truly shine. Most are new to mountain walking, some even first-time visitors to Scotland. Yet, they tackle the challenge with grit and determination.
Mass participation charity events like this are booming, especially post-Covid. From Three Peaks Challenges to overnight ascents of Snowdon, group trekking has exploded in popularity. Businesses see it as a way to boost team morale, while charities gain much-needed funds and visibility. CoppaFeel!’s success is remarkable: from £200,000 raised in 2017, they aimed for £2 million by 2025. But beyond the numbers, these events create something deeper—a sense of community and purpose.
Each evening, we gather in a marquee for a debrief, sharing stories and reflections. On one such night, author and podcaster Giovanna Fletcher, one of CoppaFeel!’s celebrity patrons, stands before us in a giant boob costume. Her words resonate: “What a day!” Despite the exhaustion, the room erupts in cheers. We’re only two days in, yet the bond between us feels unbreakable. Giovanna reminds us of our “why”—the personal motivations driving us forward. For her, it’s Kris Hallenga, the inspirational founder of CoppaFeel!, who passed away in 2024 after battling stage four breast cancer at just 23. Kris’s legacy fuels our determination.
Over five days, we explore five different routes around Trotternish, Skye’s northernmost peninsula. Each hike reveals new vistas—the hills of Harris, the shimmering sea between the mainland and the Outer Hebrides. The days are long and demanding, but the group’s stamina and resilience are inspiring. By day three, we’ve even managed to drink a local bar dry!
On our fourth day, we trek from Sligachan to the Fairy Pools, a series of crystal-clear pools and waterfalls beneath the Black Cuillin. One woman exclaims, “It feels like we’re on another planet!” For many, this trek is their first real adventure. With the support of leaders and CoppaFeel!’s resources—kit lists, training plans, webinars—they transform from city dwellers to confident trekkers. I watch women who once trained in Richmond Park now navigate rugged terrain with ease, embracing trekking poles, gaiters, and even “nature pees.” They’re hooked, eager to do it all again.
At the Fairy Pools, we pause for lunch, posing for photos and sharing our experiences on social media. Each participant has a fundraising target of £2,500, and by the end of the week, we’ve collectively raised over £500,000. But the real impact goes beyond the numbers. Over five days, strangers become family. Bonds form, and walls come down. Many participants have personal experiences with breast cancer—some are survivors, others currently in treatment. The trek becomes a space for healing, where stigma fades and emotions flow freely.
Walking beside the river under the Cuillin, one woman shares her story—her chronic illness, her children, her cancer diagnosis. Later, she tells me she cried after our conversation, realizing she’d never spoken those words aloud before. This is the power of this challenge: it creates a safe space for vulnerability and connection. A mother in my group, recently finished with cancer treatment, emerges stronger and happier by the end of the week, as if a weight has been lifted.
The final day is a celebration. Glitter, flower garlands, and giant pink knickers adorn us as we climb Beinn Edra. The sun breaks through, and at the summit, some choose to bare it all—a symbolic act of freedom and solidarity. Back at camp, we cross the finish line singing, hugging, and crying. New friendships, forged in adversity, feel like they’ll last a lifetime.
Here’s the question I leave you with: Can a week of trekking through rain and mud truly change lives? For these 120 women, the answer is a resounding yes. But what about you? Would you lace up your boots for a cause, knowing the physical and emotional journey ahead? Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear your perspective.
