The morning begins with a serene hike. We ascend from Flodigarry, winding beneath the dark cliffs of the Quiraing, where mist swirls through the oddly shaped rocks. At the top pass, fierce winds greet us, and we battle our way down, laughing loudly along the way.

I'm on the Isle of Skye, walking a stretch of the Trotternish Ridge in support of CoppaFeel!, a charity dedicated to raising breast cancer awareness among young people. There are 120 of us in total, divided into four teams of 30. Over five days, we’ll cover roughly 100km across the island’s dramatic landscape — from sea cliffs and rugged peaks to historic ruins and marshy bogs, all while raising funds for the cause.

This is my first time hiking with so many women. Out of 120 participants, 117 are women, including six well-known female figures leading and motivating us. Our group is full of energy and spirit.

We break for lunch with a view stretching across to Raasay and the distant mainland. Later, the weather turns. As we climb, thick rain sets in like smoke. The ground turns slippery and wet. Water trickles down from my hood, soaking my face. Despite my gear, I’m soon just as drenched as everyone else.

Most women in my group are new to hiking in the mountains, and some have never been to Scotland before. Yet, even in the relentless wind and driving rain, their mood stays upbeat. I don’t need to look back to check on them — I can hear them singing. “Bohemian Rhapsody” echoes through the mist. When we stop for a break, they dance joyfully.

Our base for the week is the village of Uig, where we return in the evening to warm showers, dry clothes, and comforting hot lasagne prepared by a Glasgow-based caterer. The event is a collaboration between CoppaFeel! and Charity Challenge, which handles the logistics — from transportation and routes to accommodations and experienced mountain leaders to safely guide our group.

These kinds of group charity challenges are becoming more common, and since the pandemic, Charity Challenge has seen a big rise in interest. From long treks to overnight climbs of well-known peaks, this kind of collective adventure has grown rapidly. They’re a great way for companies to bring their teams together, foster mental well-being, and for charities, they provide both awareness and vital fundraising. CoppaFeel!’s success has grown dramatically — raising £200,000 in 2017 and setting a target of £2 million by 2025.

Each evening, we gather in a large marquee for a group reflection. One hundred fifty of us crowd inside, seeking shelter from the wind. The ground squishes underfoot. It’s been a hard day, especially for those new to hiking. I expect exhaustion and silence — but when the celebrity ambassadors arrive, the energy lifts instantly.

“What a day!” says author and podcast host Giovanna Fletcher, one of CoppaFeel!’s public figures. The tent grows quiet to hear her speak. Just two days in, there’s a deep connection forming. It’s starting to feel like family. Dressed in a huge foam boob costume, Giovanna shares her thoughts.

Despite the stormy weather, laughter and cheering fill the room. She reminds us to stay motivated by thinking about our personal reasons — our “why.” Hers is Kris Hallenga, the founder of CoppaFeel!, diagnosed with advanced breast cancer at 23. “Kris is my reason for walking,” she says. Kris passed away in 2024.

Throughout five days, we complete five different routes on the Trotternish Peninsula in Skye’s north. The views are breathtaking. Each trail offers a new panorama of Harris and North Uist, with the play of light across the sea. These are long, challenging walks, but everyone presses on with dedication. By the third day, a lively contingent has already emptied the local pub.

On our fourth day, we walk from Sligachan to the Fairy Pools and back. Skirting beneath the jagged Black Cuillin range, the scenery is almost unreal. “It’s like being on another planet!” someone exclaims.

For many, these treks are their first taste of outdoor adventure. The guides help with navigating and first aid, while CoppaFeel! offers support beforehand — advice on equipment, training plans, online events and Q&A sessions. I watch women who trained in London parks transform into confident hillwalkers, mastering gear and outdoor etiquette. They’re eager to do more after this.

At the Fairy Pools — a series of waterfalls and crystal-clear pools — we stop for a break. The women take photos and video clips, dipping their faces in the icy water and sharing their stories online to spread awareness. Each person is committed to raising at least £2,500.

By now, we’ve settled into each other’s rhythm. Spending five days with strangers changes us. The length of the challenge becomes part of its emotional impact.

“In the beginning,” says Giovanna, “a full week feels like a long time. But make the most of it. You’ll be surprised how hard it is to say goodbye at the end.”

Close connections form. The women in my group become real sources of strength for one another. In this nurturing environment, people begin to share personal stories.

Many here have personal ties to breast cancer. Some are survivors from five, 10 or even 20 years ago. Others are still undergoing treatment. Many are grieving. The physical challenge of the trek is matched by an emotional one. Feelings are raw and honest.

One woman walks beside the river near the Cuillin and tells me her story — about her illnesses, motherhood, and the emotional journey through her diagnosis and treatment. Later, she tells me she cried after opening up, realizing it was the first time she had ever truly voiced those memories aloud.

Hers is not a unique experience. Over the week, others go through emotional transformations. One mother in our group, recently finished with her treatment, arrives feeling emotionally fragile. But by the end, she radiates joy, stronger and more confident. The trek creates a space for empathy and healing. The topic of cancer loses its taboo as understanding deepens.

The final day feels like a celebration. Out come the costumes — glitter, colourful headpieces, tutus and oversized pink underwear. Roughly 150 of us scramble up Beinn Edra through thick bog. When we reach the top and the sun breaks through, some women choose to bare it all on the hilltop, proudly.

Returning to camp, we cross the finish line to hugs, songs and tears. Around me, I see bonds that will last beyond this week. Then the final fundraising amount is read out by the CoppaFeel! team. It’s a staggering achievement. These 120 women have raised over £500,000 walking across the wild beauty of Skye. They are a true force.

CoppaFeel! plans four new treks in 2026, including two single-day UK hikes. You can sign up or express interest through the charity’s website.