Major Donnie Harris is father to two of our pupils. He is using some of his annual leave to walk The Great Glen Way, he will start on the 20th of October and finish on the 24th of October.
The walk is a 79 mile long-distance walking trail in Scotland that runs between Fort William and Inverness along the Great Glen fault line. The route follows the Caledonian Canal and passes through stunning scenery like Loch Lochy, Loch Oich, and Loch Ness. It is designated as one of Scotland's Great Trails.
It is recognised that Holy Trinity School is committed to providing an exceptional education and nurturing environment for the students, helping them to reach their full potential. However, to continue offering high-quality resources, facilities, and opportunities, they rely on the generous support of the wider community. Your contribution can make a real difference, whether it’s enhancing classroom technology, improving sports facilities, or funding extracurricular activities that inspire and empower the pupils. Together, we can ensure that every child at Holy Trinity School has the tools and opportunities they need to thrive.
Please consider supporting us and sponsoring this event on the Just-Giving-Page. Please can you share this on social Media to raise awareness and possibly generate funds.
There will be daily photos and videos to show the progress as Donnie looks for Nessie.
Day One: Fort William to Laggan Locks – A Strong Start to the Great Glen Way
Major Donnie Harris began his Great Glen Way Nessie Hunt with determination and focus, covering more than 22 miles from Fort William to Laggan Locks on the opening day of his 79-mile trek across the Scottish Highlands. Blessed with clear skies and impressive scenery, the first stage provided an inspiring start to this demanding challenge in support of Holy Trinity School.
Major Harris thanked pupils, parents, carers, and staff for their encouragement and generous donations, and called on the wider community to continue supporting the cause. His daily updates, photos, and videos will chart his progress as he continues the journey north towards Inverness.
Support the challenge and help raise funds for Holy Trinity School by visiting the JustGiving page.
Day Two: Laggan Locks to the Shores of Loch Ness – Into the Highlands
Major Donnie Harris continued his Great Glen Way Nessie Hunt with another demanding 22-mile stage, travelling from Laggan Locks through Fort Augustus and Invermoriston to reach the banks of Loch Ness. Setting off before dawn in wet, misty conditions, Major Harris pressed on undeterred, remarking that while the weather in Scotland might be “dreich,” it certainly would not dampen his spirits.
Arriving at the shores of Loch Ness by late afternoon, he reported sore feet but high morale, and even resisted the temptation to test the water for fear of scaring off Nessie. As daylight faded, Major Harris thanked everyone once again for their generous support and urged the community to keep sharing and promoting the challenge to maximise its impact.
Support Major Harris’s Great Glen Way challenge and help raise vital funds for Holy Trinity School by visiting the JustGiving page.
Day Three: Loch Ness to Abriachan – Over the Highlands
Day Three of Major Donnie Harris’s Great Glen Way Nessie Hunt brought one of the toughest stages of the journey so far. Beginning on the shores of Loch Ness, Major Harris climbed high into the surrounding hills before pressing on through the Highlands towards Drumnadrochit and Abriachan. The clear skies and warm conditions were a welcome contrast to the previous day’s rain, though the steep ascents made for demanding progress.
Tonight’s stop offered no hostel comforts, instead, Major Harris set up a bivvy camp overlooking breathtaking Highland scenery. Ever resourceful, he shared his overnight setup, complete with Jetboil stove and poncho shelter, and reflected on the rewards of the challenge and the importance of everyone’s continued encouragement.
With one final stage remaining before reaching Inverness, Major Harris expressed heartfelt thanks for the generous support already shown and urged the community to keep sharing and donating.
Support Major Harris’s Great Glen Way challenge and help raise funds for Holy Trinity School by visiting the JustGiving page
Day Four: Successful 79-Mile Journey Completed!
Major Donnie Harris has successfully completed his extraordinary 79-mile walk along Scotland’s Great Glen Way, travelling from Fort William to Inverness in just four days. His route took him through some of the country’s most striking landscapes, from the Caledonian Canal and Laggan Locks to the high passes above Loch Ness and onwards to Inverness.
Undertaking this demanding challenge in support of Holy Trinity School, Major Harris demonstrated the resilience, discipline, and determination that have defined his progress throughout the week. Each day brought new conditions, from heavy rain and steep ascents to open skies and sweeping views.
From the children in Reception
The final video instalment of Major Harris’s Great Glen Way Nessie Hunt will be uploaded during half-term, bringing together highlights from across the journey.
Major Harris’s efforts have already raised significant funds for Holy Trinity School, and donations remain open via the JustGiving page. We extend our sincere gratitude to all pupils, parents, carers, staff, and supporters who have shared, donated, and encouraged him along the way.
Challenge Completed & Target Smashed!
Over four days, Major Harris completed the full 79 miles from Fort William to Inverness, finishing at Inverness Castle, after a final push brought forward to avoid worsening weather.
His route took in the mountain section above Loch Ness before dropping to the River Ness and Caledonian Canal, with a -2°C bivvy night en route.
We’re delighted to confirm he has beaten his £1,000 target, raising over £1,200 for Holy Trinity School. A huge congratulations to Major Harris, and sincere thanks to all who donated and shared the appeal. We will confirm how the funds will be used in due course; our current intention is to direct them towards new Prep play equipment to support physical activity and play at break and lunchtime.