Page 52 - The Gazette Autumn 2023

52 The Gazette QARANC Association
‘A fear of heights made the Munro mountains a challenge’
Since joining 204 Field Hospital Northern Ireland as a newly qualified registered nurse I have been getting to know my new colleagues.
I found from my previous regiment (with the Royal Irish) that the best way to do this is through adventure training. So, when I was asked to take part in the Munro Challenge I was delighted and readily accepted.
On doing research, I learnt that the Munros are a Scottish mountain range, more than 3,000ft and are named after Sir Hugh Munro who was the founding member of the Scottish Mountaineering Club. Nowadays you hear of people on social media ‘bagging a Munro’ and until you even attempt it the phrase is lost on an individual.
The challenge behind some of these mountains does not compare to those I have attempted in the past, and with a fear of heights, this was a real opportunity to get out of my comfort zone.
I was not able to join the main body until a day later and I missed one of the most challenging climbs on day one which commenced at 0700hrs, followed by a hike opposite the Dundonnell training lodge. On day two we completed Slioch, a total ascent of 1,140m and
This was a challenging but beautiful climb, and the weather was superb.
distance 19km, over some difficult undulating ground. This was a challenging but beautiful climb, and the weather was superb.
Following our evening meal LCpl McDougall and Maj Carroll provided a general knowledge quiz which we all enjoyed and included prizes for the overall winner and those who needed some support.
Day three provided us with even better weather as we were able to start the morning off in shorts and tackle Suilven. Although not classified as a Munro it certainly gave the same challenges at 731m high, with a 2km long rocky ridge rising straight up from sea level. But what makes this mountain even more impressive is that by the time you reach the bottom of the long rocky ridge, you have already walked for nearly 2 hours. Just looking at the climb in front of you is quite daunting as it displays some of the most rugged and acute descents that Scotland and the Munros have to offer.
Through the mini heatwave which Scotland blessed us with that week there was also the beautiful lochs waiting to be explored. After a long day’s hike, we certainly enjoyed that cold fresh water. The team then travelled to Tongue and enjoyed a barbecue on the