Hillwalker Ross urges others to join him for mental health hike

A Fife outdoors enthusiast is urging people to "hike a hill" to boost their mental health - and a charity.

Ross Cunningham, from Glenrothes, took up hillwalking when suffering from depression in 2017.

He hopes people across Scotland will join him in walking up a hill or mountain of any height on Saturday August 21, while raising money or making a donation to mental health charity SAMH.

Ross plans to walk up Ben Nevis with a group of friends and sister Hannah - and has set up an online fundraiser.

He said: "Hillwalking was a big factor in improving my mental wellbeing when I was going through depression and since then I've wanted to do what I can to inspire others to realise the mental health benefits of the outdoors.

"In collaboration with SAMH we are challenging Scots to 'hike a hill' of any size for mental health. It's a great way to push yourself to summit a hill or mountain possibly for the first time while raising money for an incredible charity that are supporting people with their mental wellbeing during truly unprecedented times.

"It's important not to do something too far out your comfort zone, so whether it's Ben A'an or Ben Nevis, hike a hill this August to improve Scotland's mental health as well as your own."

Gayle Gabe, community and events fundraiser for SAMH, said: "On behalf of everyone at SAMH, we want to say a heartfelt thank you to Ross – we are delighted that he has chosen to continue supporting our work and raising crucial funds.

"We know that being active isn’t just good for our physical health; it’s also proven to have a positive effect on our mental health and wellbeing. It is great to see the benefits of hillwalking and getting outdoors promoted, whilst raising funds for Scotland’s mental health.”

Anyone who is taking part is being asked to get in touch with Ross through his website, Mountains Mend Minds.