PEOPLE looking for adventure are being encouraged to sign up for one of Scotland's most gruelling endurance challenges.
The Caledonian Challenge sees teams walking part of the West Highland Way, either on a 24 or 54 mile course.
Organisers say people should already be in training for the 54 unless they are already fit, but places are still open for people looking to get in shape for the 24.
Participants have 12 hours to complete the 24- mile route, which starts in Glen Nevis, ending at the Glencoe Ski centre.
Hikers have to climb out of Glen Nevis, head along the Lairigmor - the great pass - to an old military road and then down into Kinlochleven.
Those entering the 54 mile route have 24 hours to complete the task.
Entrepreneurs Angus MacDonald and Alex Blyth founded the Caledonian Challenge in 1996. Inspired by an event in Hong Kong, the pair wanted to run an endurance event in the Highlands.
The first challenge was to complete 30 Munros - mountains over 3,000ft - in four days. Only two completed the whole course and £16,000 was raised for charity.
The next year saw the Caledonian Challenge move to the West Highland Way. Since then more than 17,000 people have taken part in it, helping to raise over £13 million for Foundation Scotland.
Established in 1996, it is Scotland's busiest grantmaker, making more awards to good causes than any other independent funder.
Foundation chairman Tom Ward, an event veteran, said: "The Caledonian Challenge is firmly established as one of Scotland's favourite events.
"It offers a fantastic experience to the participants and their stalwart support teams - every year, we get over 98 per cent saying that they would recommend it to their friends.
"Walking on long-distance footpaths through the West Highlands is unlike anything else you can do in the UK - something you will never forget.
"But our real pride is the fundraising. For 2015 we have two events ... which together should raise over £500,000 to support community projects in deprived areas of Scotland.
"For anyone wondering what they can put back into society, just look at some of the projects we support - facilities for disabled children; sheltered workplaces for those recovering from mental illness; social clubs for those with dementia - and you see what strengthening communities means in action. You can help make it happen."
For more information go to www.caledonianchallenge.com.
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