Julie McElroy: relishing her attempt on the West Highland Way

An adventurer whose disabilities mean she walks with difficulty will try to complete Scotland’s most popular long-distance trail.

Julie McElroy, who has cerebral palsy, aims to walk the West Highland Way in less than two weeks as the latest of her wilderness challenges.

She has already run two challenges, based on Ben Lomond and Arran, now she hopes to walk the 154km (96-mile) route from Milngavie on the northern fringe of Glasgow to Fort William in Lochaber.

The challenge, due to begin on 18 August, will promote the conservation work of the National Trust for Scotland, and the charity’s corporate business development manager David McKinnon will accompany Ms McElroy whose condition means she has walking difficulties, manual dexterity problems and speech and hearing impairment.

Ms McElroy said: “This is one of many outdoor challenges I wanted to relish the opportunity of attempting to do.

“I am delighted to announce this challenge and give something back to the National Trust for Scotland after three years partnership working.”

Mr McKinnon said: “The green and wild places around us can help all of us in so many ways.

“Green exercise helps our health and wellbeing. So much can be achieved by simply experiencing our countryside but so many people face barriers to just stepping outside.

“Walking the West Highland Way with Julie will help to break down some barriers for everyone to experience our fantastic countryside.”

Ms McElroy is asking people to come and join her sponsored walk at points along the West Highland Way. The finalised details will be announced in June at the latest.

She will also test some of the latest outdoor products that disabled people can use to help them access wild areas.

The West Highland Way is Scotland’s most popular long distance route, with an estimated 30,000 walkers completing it each year.