The route passes close to Loch Garten. Photo: Dave Conner

A conservation charity is looking for hardy walkers to help it raise cash by tackling a 100km challenge.

The John Muir Trust wants individuals and teams to represent the organisation and raise a minimum of £2,000 in the Caledonian 100 this autumn.

The cash would be split between the trust and the Scottish Community Foundation, which organises the challenge and which provides grants to community projects.

The Caledonian 100 has a 62-mile route starting in Aviemore and looping round the East of the Cairngorms national park. Finish point is at Mar Lodge in Deeside and there are shorter options of 75km (47miles) starting in Nethy Bridge and 50km (31miles), setting off from Tomintoul.

The aim for competitors is to complete the distance in between 24 and 36 hours and the event, on 2 and 3 October, is being opened to the public for the first time this year. Organisers say the journey will take participants through some of the most stunning, remote, rugged, and striking landscapes that the Highlands of Scotland have to offer, with views of the Cairngorm mountains, Loch Builg, extensive views across the Balmoral estate to Lochnagar and Royal Deeside.

Details of how to enter can be obtained by contacting Maggie Briggs at the John Muir Trust on 0131 554 0114, or emailing her.