A Perthshire beauty spot that hosts one of Britain’s most gruelling races is being spruced up as part of a preservation project.
Hardy runners raced across the Munros of Ben Lawers nature reserve during this summer’s Artemis Great Kindrochit Quadrathlon.
The event, which also featured a swim across Loch Tay, attracted more than 300 competitors.
Min sponsors Artemis announced it will donate £2,000 towards the upkeep of pathways at Ben Lawers, which is owned by the National Trust for Scotland (NTS).
Ranger and property manager Helen Cole said: “We work closely with the event organiser to minimise the potential impact of around 300 competitors on the fragile mountain habitats, and where possible they have altered the route to use surfaced paths.
“We are very grateful for this generous donation from Artemis. Work to care for our upland footpaths does not come cheap, so every contribution makes a big difference.”
David Fox-Pitt, director of Quad organisers WildFox Events, said: “Every year our participants are drawn back to Ben Lawers to enjoy the spectacular scenery that is so well maintained by Helen and her team.
“It is very fitting that this generous donation from Artemis is going towards the continued upkeep and development of paths in the national nature reserve at Ben Lawers.”
The area is a popular destination for Munro baggers and is also classed as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Area of Conservation under the European habitats directive for the exceptional examples of a number of rare habitats.
Described as one of Britain’s most botanically rich mountains, Ben Lawers is widely known for its of arctic-alpine species and vegetation.
It is important for the large number of rare or scarce montane plant species it supports.
It also has an outstanding diversity of invertebrates, including many rare species.
Earlier this year the NTS launched an online appeal www.footpathfund.org.uk to raise funds for the paths project.
Ben Lawers features in just one section of the quadrathlon. Racers have to run across seven Munros, including ones at the neighbouring Tarmachan range, as well as swim for nearly a mile, kayak for seven miles and cycle for 34 miles.