Introduction
A 61-year-old woman from near Kirkhill, Lorraine McCall, who has survived three different cancers, has recently completed a significant hillwalking challenge by climbing all of Scotland's Donalds within a four-week period. This achievement follows her previous completions of all the Munros, Corbetts, and Grahams.
About the Donalds Challenge
The Donalds are defined as hills in the Scottish Lowlands that exceed 2,000 feet (610 meters) in height. Lorraine McCall undertook the challenge by cycling between locations and wild camping along the way while ascending the 141 summits, some of which are known for their difficult accessibility.
Health Background and Motivation
McCall has faced breast cancer and two instances of bowel cancer, which have resulted in ongoing health challenges, including breathing difficulties. Despite these obstacles, she expressed that her experiences with cancer have strengthened her resolve to spend time outdoors and to "appreciate the moment."
"The world is all a bit mad just now so I feel like I have escaped that for a while. Listening to the birds and feeling the moss beneath your feet. All those things are good for the soul. Nobody knows how long they have so I just appreciate being out there."
Previous Hillwalking Achievements
Her hillwalking record includes completing all the Munros in 2005, the Corbetts in 2014, and the Grahams in 2024. Not wanting to wait another decade for her next challenge, McCall set out in May to complete the Donalds before the midges became prevalent.
Challenge Execution and Conditions
She completed the Donalds in four weeks, increasing her daily effort to 12-hour days during the final week when weather conditions deteriorated. McCall noted that many who are familiar with the Donalds describe them as "awful, really hard underfoot." However, she felt that her experience with the Grahams, which are also largely pathless, had prepared her well.
"Lots of people who know the Donalds say they are awful, really hard underfoot," she said. "But I think the Grahams had been really good training for that because they are pretty pathless as well. I am used to walking off track now and really enjoy doing that."
Highlights and Companionship
Walking in Galloway was a particular highlight for McCall. She mentioned several mountains in the area, including Mullwharchar, Craignaw, and Dungeon Hill, which are challenging to reach but located in a beautiful setting.
"There are a few mountains in the middle there, Mullwharchar, Craignaw and Dungeon hill. They are really difficult to reach but it's such a beautiful spot."
She also appreciated the balance between solitude and companionship during her journey, with friends joining her for parts of the challenge.
"I loved the combination of being on my own for a while but then friends coming to join me - that just felt great."
Reflections on Walking Challenges
McCall described walking challenges as a way to simplify life and engage in a "very sensual experience." She emphasized the importance of living in the present moment, which she finds increasingly rare and addictive.
"You live in the present and I don't think we get the chance to do that so often. That becomes quite addictive," she said. "If you have been through really bad weather then that first little bit of sunshine feels like the best bit of sunshine ever."
Her reflections also touched on the mental and emotional benefits of her outdoor experiences, especially in contrast to the current state of the world.
"The world is all a bit mad just now so I feel like I have escaped that for a while. Listening to the birds and feeling the moss beneath your feet. All those things are good for the soul. Nobody knows how long they have so I just appreciate being out there."
