Twenty-five hardy participants set off from St Columba’s Hospice to tackle The Celtic Challenge, a 200 mile cycle across Scotland, on Wednesday.
Participants in this year’s event include nurses from the Hospice, a member of the charity’s fundraising team, retirees, mums, dads and grandparents! Two brothers are also taking on the challenge, using a tandem: one of the brothers is blind and will be piloted by his brother.
The Team Scotland international athlete Jenny Davis joined the cyclists for the first day of cycling, giving hints and tips along the way to those taking part.
The route across Scotland started at the Hospice and finishes on the isle of Iona, home of the hospice’s spiritual namesake – St Columba.
It will take the participants four days to cycle to Iona, taking in 50 miles each day. The route is challenging for the amateur cyclists, and includes the Rest & Be Thankful Pass, the Arrochar Alps as well as passing up the banks of Loch Lomond and along the banks of the water next to the Falkirk Wheel (pictured).
The Celtic Challenge raises funds for the hospice, which is the only independent provider of specialist care in Edinburgh. St Columba’s Hospice provides free care to people with far advanced illnesses such as motor neurone disease, cancer, and cardiac and respiratory illnesses.
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