Charlie set out on the Venture Round Scotland challenge to combine her love of the outdoors with a cause she cares deeply about. With her husband Mark and collie Harris in tow, she walked 11,646 steps every day in September—discovering new places, boosting her wellbeing, and proving just how powerful a daily dose of nature can be. Read about her experience below…
I’m Charlie, and this year I decided to take on the Venture Round Scotland Challenge! I was inspired to get involved because I’m genuinely moved by the incredible work Venture Scotland does. Most of us know how powerful the outdoors can be for improving our mental health and wellbeing. Through the Scottish landscape, combined with the care, dedication, and hard work of their team, Venture Scotland help young people build confidence, resilience, and a sense of connection, and give them hope for their future.
Taking on this challenge felt like the perfect way to boost my own wellbeing and fitness, spend more time exploring Scotland’s great outdoors, and support a fantastic charity at the same time. It’s been such a great motivator to get outside, discover new places, and stay active. Every step has felt worthwhile, both for my own journey and for the impact Venture Scotland continues to make across the country.
My husband Mark, our border collie Harris, and I set ourselves the goal of walking a minimum of 11,646 steps every day throughout September. We chose this as our challenge because it was a realistic but meaningful daily goal that fitted around our schedules and, of course, Harris loves his walkies! Living near beautiful country parks and forest trails made it even more enjoyable.
I have always loved walking and spending time outdoors, and I definitely feel the mental health benefits of it. There were some challenges along the way, from the Scottish autumnal weather to work and other commitments. One evening, we even ended up doing a midnight walk just to make sure we didn’t miss our daily target!
But we stayed fully committed and completed every single day without fail, which made it all the more rewarding.
Since finishing the challenge, we’ve continued walking – but not quite the 11,646 steps per day…we’ve kept up a daily goal of 10,000 steps, and we haven’t missed a day yet. It’s become part of our daily routine and even Harris knows when it is time for walkies!
I will absolutely be taking part in VRS again! I’ve always loved adventure and the outdoors, I’ve completed the West Highland Way and even trekked part of the Sahara Desert for charity, so I’d love to take on a big challenge like these to raise funds for Venture Scotland again next year.
If anyone is thinking about joining Venture Round Scotland in September 2026, I’d say go for it. It’s so worthwhile. We often underestimate just how much being outdoors can impact our wellbeing. For me, time in nature brings such a sense of peace and clarity. Taking on a challenge like this helps you stay fit, both physically and mentally, while also supporting an amazing charity that helps others discover that same sense of peace and purpose.
Ready to feel amazing and make a difference? Take on your own challenge with Venture Round Scotland 2026 and support Venture Scotland’s life‑changing work—sign up today!