The Big Hoof passes through Strathspey and Badenoch on its way to Land's End
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A 1085-mile fundraising trek from John O'Groats to Land's End assisted by Badenoch's Highland Horse Fun is well on its way.
Louis Hall (24) is undertaking the 50-day "Jogle" epic in aid of the fight again cystic fibrosis.
He was seen off at the top of Britain by former Miss Scotland Natalie Oag, who own an equestrian centre at Lyth, and joined by Ruaridh Ormiston, who runs Highland Horse Fun at Kingussie.
"I was delighted to be able to help with this great cause," said Natalie. "I was asked if I'd help by Ruaridh, who not only let Louis use one of his ponies but escorted him on the first stretch to Belladrum.
"Ruaridh very kindly offered to escort me down part of the way on his horse and cart," said Louis, whose aim is to raise £10,000 by the end of the trek.
"And I am heading off on the rest of the trip with with Irelanda – one of Ruaridh's six-year-old Highland ponies."
He said that the trip is in memory of his friend Leo van Heyningen who died of cystic fibrosis in 2015.
"Leo was kind of adopted into our family like another cousin and was always around when I was growing up. When he died it just left such a huge space.
"Leo was an incredible inspiration, friend and human being to everyone he met.
"He chose to live his 26 years full of love and hope – he never wasted a second, and remains a hero to many."
Louis added that during the spread of the coronavirus, he realised how many people with underlying health issues, such as cystic fibrosis, would need serious help and support.
"Average life expectancy for someone with CF is 37 and there is no cure. But each and every day we get closer to finding something that will work.
"With each step that Irelanda and I take, and with every donation big and small, we will all be fighting this disease and helping to prevent further loss in the future."
Back home in Kingussie, Mr Ormiston told the Strathy: "We hope to go down to Land's End to meet up with Louis again in September. and do the last day with him on foot for moral support some time in September.
"I must admit that first stretch was tough work! We camped out every night in our trailer and stayed with amazing friends on the way bending over backwards to show us good hospitality.
By today (Sunday, August 2) Louis and Irelanda had made it to Callander and he is now heading off to Kirkintilloch, with the next stop after that scheduled to be Cumbernauld.
Anyone wanting to check his progress and contribute can do so here
