The Kiltwalk returns to Aberdeen after a successful 2016 event.
The Kiltwalk returns to Aberdeen after a successful 2016 event.
Following a hugely successful event in Glasgow, the Kiltwalk is back this weekend for the Aberdeen event. Thousands of kilted fundraisers will walk around the city before heading out into Aberdeenshire to enjoy an unforgettable day out, all while raising money for good causes.
There are three distances available to suit every walker. The Wee Wander is a challenging 8 miles but sticks to established walking routes, making it perfect for a lovely afternoon walk. The Big Stroll starts at Drumoak Playing Fields and covers 15.5 miles. For the ultimate walking challenge, take on the 26 miles of the Mighty Stride. This route begins at Duthie Park and takes walkers through the city centre and out towards the stunning natural beauty of the Aberdeenshire countryside, finishing up at Potarch Green.
You’ll see a few Arnold Clark staff on the day, who have stepped up to raise money for good causes.
Gunita Latiseva works as a branch accountant and is taking on the challenge of the Mighty Stride. She said:
‘My chosen charity is Alzheimer Scotland. I have chosen this charity as my grandmother was suffering from vascular dementia and I thought that I would do a Kiltwalk in a loving memory of her. So many people are affected by this illness and it is really sad to see your loved ones to lose all the memory of who they are. My grandmother would not recognise any of her children or grandchildren and that was heartbreaking for us.’
Laura Wallace is a vehicle admin at Aberdeen Craigshaw and is taking on the Wee Wander as part of an Arnold Clark team who collectively are raising funds for charities including SANDS, CLAN and Dead Blind Scotland. She told us more about the team.
‘We’re walking as part of a team called Arnie’s Army. On a whim, a few of us decided to take part. From Admin we have Laura Wallace, Lorna Henry, Laura Martin, Laura McCulloch and Darren McMenemy, and from Accounts we have Kathy Dickson and Bettina Baksa. Lorna’s sister has also joined our team and will be walking with us too.’
It wouldn’t be a Kiltwalk without the Arnold Clark Roadies encouraging the walkers on the day. You’ll be able to collect some sunglasses to keep your eyes in the shade (or even just to look super cool) and some shortbread to ensure you stay fuelled up as you stride towards the finish line. And don’t forget to smile for the cameras!
You probably won’t need any extra incentive to keep on walking, but everyone who takes part in the Kiltwalk will be entered into a prize draw to win a brand-new Renault Clio donated by Arnold Clark. One lucky winner has already claimed their prize following the Glasgow Kiltwalk and described winning as ‘one of the best things that has ever happened to me.’ Good luck everyone!
Thanks to the philanthropic work of The Hunter Foundation, every walker will get a fundraising boost, with a donation of an extra 10% to every penny raised.
If you couldn’t make it to Aberdeen, then there are still a couple of chances to take part, with Kiltwalks coming up in Dundee on 20th August and in Edinburgh on 17th September.
