About the Charities

Helping Worthy Causes in the Highlands of Scotland

Apart from the fact that the Great Wilderness Challenge more than lives up to its name - it's Great, it takes place in one of the last genuine Wilderness areas of the UK, and it really is a Challenge in terms of physical endurance - its primary purpose is, of course, to raise money for worthy causes in the Highlands of Scotland. Participants in the Challenge are expected to raise at least £100 for the charities nominated annually by the GWC committee. Nowadays the average amount raised per person exceeds £300.           

Amounts raised for charity have increased steadily over the years from £6,200 in 1986 (the inaugural year) to over £200,000 in recent years, a credit to the enthusiasm, preparation and sheer hard work of all those who contribute to the Challenge every year; the marshals and helpers, landowners, back-up teams, company sponsors, participants and the thousands of people who generously sponsor them.

In 2024 our main beneficiary will again be the Highland Hospice and in addition we will support several other charities who will be taking part to raise funds for their own particular special causes.  These charities include  MS Therapy Centre Inverness, Crossroads Skye, Skye & Lochalsh Young Carers,  Highland Senior Citizens Network, Inverness Samaritans, DEBRA and Gairloch Aid & Mobility Support.

All sponsorship raised by participants will be split between our nominated charities.  We regret we are unable to allow participants to raise money for any other charities of their own choice.

If you wish to contribute to the GWC 2024 charity effort, please follow the procedure below. Your donation will be greatly appreciated.

Please send a personal/company/charity cheque, made payable to Great Wilderness Challenge, to:

Pat Ross, GWC Secretary, Fisherfield, Gruinard, Laide, By Achnasheen, Ross-shire, IV22 2NQ

or Pay directly into our bank account:

Sort Code        80-22-60   (Bank of Scotland)

Account No     16197264

Name              Great Wilderness Challenge

                  Logos for some GWC charities past and present. Click to open websites.