Local Hairdresser takes on Highland Way for Charity
Karen Flewin ( LocksHeath) swapped her straighteners and scissors for hiking boots and walking sticks as she took on the West Highland Way to raise money for a local charity.
The West Highland Way is Scotland's premier long distance walking route. The 154Km (96miles) Route starts at
Milngavie and passes through Mugdock Country Park, the route then follows the shores of Loch Lomond, passing
Ben Lomond, through Glen Falloch and Strathfillan. Hikers then cross Rannoch Moor, past Buachaille Etive Mor to
the head of Glencoe, where they have to climb the Devil's Staircase, before descending to sea level to cross the
River Leven at the head of Loch Leven before entering Lairigmor and Glen Nevis and finishes at Gordon Square in
Fort William.
The terrain ranges from lowland moors, dense woodland and rolling hills, to high mountainous regions in the
Scottish Highlands providing gruelling and treacherous conditions. The environment also provide the hikers the
opportunity to observe habitats for a diverse range of wildlife species, both flora and fauna.
Karen who is owner of the Honesty Hair Salon in Titchfield achieved a life long dream in completing the challenge
but also managed to raise over £2500 for charity in doing so.
The challenge took Karen 5 gruelling days to complete, amongst some of Britain's most spectacular scenery
"Growing up in the west highlands I had heard the stories of people walking the way and always wanted to do
it but thought I never would. Then my big brother suggested we do it so I said why not."
"I trained for 6 months for the walk as I'd never done anything like it before and knew it was going to be no walk in the park.
Whilst I was training, the local day care centre that supports the mentally ill in the community, Oakland's Day Care Centre had
it's funding cut. So I decided to try and raise some money for them whilst taking myself on this personal challenge."
explained Karen
"Titchfield's a fantastic little community and a lot of people rely on Oaklands and their volunteers and the amazing work they do,
having their funding cut changed people's lives. I'm just glad that I could raise the money I did and hope it will help these
fantastic people to continue to provide support and care for people that really need
