Fundraising By Moonlight

By Contributor -

Cycling along the edge of the Forth in darkness

Two major night time fundraising events are taking place in Scotland this summer – a climb to the top of Ben Nevis to watch the sunrise and a 50-mile moonlight cycle ride around Edinburgh.

As twilight falls on Saturday June 6, walkers raising funds for the British Heart Foundation will set off to hike Ben Nevis and reach the summit in time to experience a spectacular sunrise.

Climb to the summit of Ben Nevis in darkness

“The real challenge of our Sunset to Sunrise event is hiking Ben Nevis at night,” said Kate Favell, Events Project Manager. “Walkers will be mentally and physically challenged and will need to work as a team – but just imagine the thrill of reaching the summit in time to see the sunrise.”

The Sunset to Sunrise trek is open to anyone aged 16 and over, although people aged 16 and 17 need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. “It’s a strenuous event that demands a certain level of fitness, or for participants to get into training,” stressed Kate.

Walkers need to raise at least £450 in sponsorship, with 50% of the total sponsorship to be treated as a donation to the BHF while the remainder will cover the costs of putting on a safe and challenging event, including qualified leaders and first aid support, supper on Saturday evening, snacks during the hike and a well-deserved breakfast.

Moonlit cycling through the streets of Edinburgh

As the sun goes down on Saturday, June 20, the Edinburgh Night Ride will take cyclists through the streets of the Scottish capital to raise money for their favourite charity. The route will take in some of Edinburgh’s most iconic sights including Arthur’s Seat, Holyrood Palace, the Forth Bridges and Edinburgh Castle, finishing in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Organised by Global Adventure Challenges, the Edinburgh Night Ride is suitable for both avid cyclists and first-time night-riders. Cyclists can enter as an individual or as a team, with a discount available for groups of ten or more. Upon registering, riders will be asked to pay a non-refundable £39pp fee and then have a choice of two payment methods. Those self-funding will need to pay a further £60pp while those opting to raise money for the charity of their choice are asked to raise a minimum of £160pp in sponsorship.

“The Edinburgh Night Ride is a phenomenal event which attracts cyclists of all ages and levels of ability,” said Peter Robinson of Global Adventure Challenge. “Riding at night creates a truly special feel, with the opportunity to take to Edinburgh’s streets while they are empty and see the attractions by moonlight.”

Read about lots of other exciting outdoor activities in this month’s issue of The Scots Magazine. Available in the shops now or order online by clicking here.