500 Memorable Miles

The N500 is renowned for being one of the most breathtaking road trips in Europe, consisting of a 500-mile journey around Scotland’s coastline which starts and ends in Inverness, travelling through mountains, moorlands, lochs and glens. Although the Scottish band ‘The Proclaimers’ make walking 500 miles sound easy, I’m very glad I drove it! 

This September, as this year’s Live Free Fund winner, I had to opportunity to experience this road trip through the Scottish Highlands for myself. However, this trip was more than just a tick off the bucket list, it gave me the opportunity to explore my family’s heritage and hometown where my grandad and his family grew up. My grandad had unfortunately suffered from a severe stroke when I was young and, as part of my Live Free Fund pledge, I decided to start the trip off on a high (no pun intended) by pushing myself outside of my comfort zone and completing a sponsored hike up Ben Nevis – the tallest mountain in the UK – in his memory.

I wanted to raise money for NICE – a Birmingham-based charity which provides rehabilitation services for individuals with movement disorders. One of these services specifically aims to provide valuable support in aiding the rehabilitation of stroke survivors – helping to improve movement, confidence and quality of life. Rehabilitation services such as these are essential for individuals affected by strokes, and charities like NICE are invaluable in helping to support individuals and their families.

My partner Ethan and I set ourselves the ambitious aim of raising £1,000. After channelling our inner Mary Berry with a couple of bake sales, and spreading the word amongst friends, family and colleges, we managed to exceed our goal and raise a total of £1,382.

So, after planning our route and packing up the campervan with all the essentials, we set off on our two-week road trip, first making the eight-hour drive to Fort William to climb Ben Nevis. We started our ascent at 7.30am and, after four tough hours of seemingly never-ending rocky inclines, we managed to climb the whole 1,345 meters to reach a very cloudy summit. After a quick refuel and obligatory trig-point selfie, we began the slow descent back, completing the round trip in seven hours. With very tired legs and windswept hair, we summoned the energy to walk the extra steps to the pub for a celebratory pint!

After recovering from our climb, we spent the next two weeks exploring everything the Scottish Highlands has to offer. From stunning coastlines to scenic glens, the N500 route did not disappoint. Every day felt surreal as we drove around the Scottish coast, wild camping in nearby fishing villages, mountains and lochs. We visited historic castles, walked to remote waterfalls and caves and even saw dolphins on a memorable boat trip.

If that wasn’t special enough, one of my favourite parts was towards the end of our journey when we travelled to Glenrothes in Fife and Leith near Edinburgh, to explore the areas where my ancestors grew up and find the houses where my grandparents, uncle and my mum had lived – it really made the trip even more special.

I am incredibly grateful to the Live Free Fund for giving me the opportunity to undertake such a life enriching experience and for the chance to push myself outside my comfort zone, while also supporting a cause close to my heart.

If you want to read more about NICE and the amazing services if offers for individuals with movement disorders, please click here.