Tour Du Mont Blanc Challenge for Auchnerran

During July, GWCT's Dr Louise de Raad is spending two weeks of unpaid leave to hike Tour Du Mont Blanc, one of the most famous long-distance treks in the world, totalling 170km. Louise is our Head of Research Scotland and Director of the Game and Wildlife Scottish Demonstration Farm. Louise has secured funding through the Cairngorms National Park’s Visitor Infrastructure Improvement Programme to build a wader visitor centre at Auchnerran Farm and to improve parking at the access point for the Morven Viewpoint walk. 

Read Louise's updates from the hike

Update 1: From France to Italy >

Update 2: Beautiful views and a monstrous descent >

Update 3: From Italy to Switzerland >

Update 4: Surprises, Heat and Rainy Challenges >

Update 5: Misty Mountains and Majestic Peaks >

Update 6: A super last day >

The funding will also be used to improve signage for the demonstration farm, informing the public of GWCT’s work, and to build new fencing to reduce conflict between visitors and the farm, especially during lambing time and the wader breeding season. The funding obtained for this work covers only 70% of the actual cost and with her hike, Louise hopes to raise funds towards the £13K of match funding required. Together we can help Louise achieve her target.

Louise's hike crosses three countries and some tough mountain passes, including the highest col on the Tour du Mont Blanc, the Grand Col Ferret, at 2537m. There will be an accumulated altitude gain and loss of around 10,000m (33,000ft) - this is more than climbing Mount Everest and there are 10 passes to cross as the tour progresses from one valley to the next. She aims to complete this in 11 days of solo hiking and camping along the route.

Please show your support for Louise and help us build a vital new facility that will enable us to educate more visitors at Auchnerran.