Andrew's Munro Challenge Mission is First Off the Blocks

“ If I can do my bit,  and I know it makes a difference to someone in another country which doesn’t have access to the things we take for granted, that’s a good thing.”

Andrew Steel
E&M Maintenance Technician, Scottish Water

When it comes to the WaterAid Munro Challenge, Scottish Water’s Andrew Steel was quickly off the mark to register to participate.

In fact, Andrew was the very first to sign up once registration opened for the 2024 event due to take place on Saturday June 8.

Within minutes of the registration process going live, the E&M maintenance technician put his name down to climb Derry Cairngorm in the heart of the Cairngorm National Park.

The iconic peak, 14 miles west of Braemar and often accessed from the Linn of Dee, is the 21st highest Munro standing at 3789ft (1155m) and able to be linked to other Munros in the park including Ben Macdui and Beinn Mheadhoin.

Andrew explained his choice of mountain to climb. He said: “It’s one of the best-known Cairngorm peaks and easily accessible from Linn of Dee. It’s a perfect mountain for a larger group which is likely to include a wide range of experience and abilities.”

Andrew and his team climbed Ben Starav in the 2022 event, making it to the top of the Glen Etive giant on a baking hot day. He said: “We had a great day, and hiking with the purpose of supporting WaterAid made a real difference in terms of motivation.”

Having worked with Scottish Water since 2017, following a career in the oil and gas offshore sector, he said supporting the work of WaterAid was a key factor in taking part in the challenge.

“I am fortunate to work in an organisation in Scottish Water that supports others through the work we do with WaterAid. If I can do my bit, even if it’s climbing a mountain and raising an amount of money, and I know it makes a difference to someone in another country which doesn’t have access to the things we take for granted, that’s a good thing.”

Climbing for Health

Andrew said he started climbing hills in 2017 to undertake exercise that was lower intensity than running, which was causing him to pick up injuries.

Post-pandemic he joined various hillwalking groups online and started going out more frequently and building up a group of regular friends to go adventuring with. 

He added: “A friend asked me to do my first Munro which was Beinn Narnain in Arrocher, and I’ve now done 189 in total. Derry Cairngorm might be in with a chance of being my 200th but as anyone used to being in the hills will know, there are so many factors which can come between you and reaching the top – including the Scottish weather.

“I’ve been really interested to read about the experiences of colleagues in Scottish Water who recently visited Rwanda to see project there which are supported by employee fundraising.”

WaterAid Scotland’s Erin Cawley said Andrew’s sign-up could inspire others to take part. She said: “Within minutes of opening registration, we had our first sign up which was great to see. The enthusiasm for the event is fantastic and we hope many more like Andrew get involved.”

You can sign up for the Munro Challenge 2024 like Andrew by registering here.