Working with Charities Hiking for the Aberlour Trust in Peru 
Our original idea was that Walking Stories would generate revenue and use some of this to provide support for a small number of charities which are active in maintaining the quality of the walking environment, and in supporting the sustainable development of communities particularly in rural areas.
This ties in with our ethical principles, but will depend on our success in generating income for the site.
Unfortunately the original business model hasn't quite worked out. In the meantime, therefore, as the site develops, we are pleased to help increase the profile of some of these charities.
For example, the John Muir Trust based in Scotland protects areas of wild land including the mountains of Ben Nevis and Schiehallion. Over the summer of 2006 it organised the Journey for the Wild, encouraging hundreds of people to travel through wild areas of the UK, on foot or by kayak, to raise awareness of the value of wild places. The event reached its "peak" on Ben Nevis on August 26.
One of the contributors to Walking Stories, Bill Cook, has organised several of his walks in faraway locations to raise funds for the Aberlour Child Care Trust, a Scottish charity which provides specialist care for children and their families affected by disability, offending, drugs and alcohol. It's a great way for those who are fit and active to do something for kids who really need some extra support to help them overcome the difficulties they face.
At the end of 2011 we were in communication with the Woodland Trust, and agreed to provide them with some advertising space. The Woodland Trust is the UK's leading charity championing native woods and trees. Established in 1972, the Woodland Trust now has over 1,000 woods in its care covering approximately 20,000 hectares (50,000 acres). Access to its woods is free for everyone to enjoy. Generous donations and membership also make it possible for the Trust to create more native woods, and protect native woods, trees and their wildlife. You can read several Walking Stories which include visits to Woodland Trust managed woodland (below) and would welcome any others from people who enjoy walking at other Woodland Trust sites:
- Backmuir Wood, Muirhead, near Dundee, Angus, Scotland
- Formonthills, Glenrothes, Fife, Scotland
- Ben Cleuch, Ochil Hills, Scotland
