Elle and Sarah’s Munro Challenge inspired by sibling rivalry

Scottish Water’s Elle Campbell and Sarah Szymanski are reigniting their competitive spirit, with the two sisters taking on the WaterAid Munro Challenge again this summer.

Competing at Lasswade Atheltics Club, the sisters were keen runners in their school life and have found that taking on the Munro Challenge has rejuvenated this competitive streak, while also giving them chances to spend more quality time together in the fresh air.

Having already raised over £2k through the challenge, previously taking on Ben Lomond, Ben Lawers and Beinn Ghlas, Elle and Sarah have this time decided to take on Ben Lui.

Ben Lui is in northeast Argyll, standing at 1,130 meters (3,710 ft) and is the highest peak of a mountain chain that includes three other Munro’s. It has been described by many as the finest mountain in the southern Highlands.

“I’m so excited to take on another Munro with my sister. I know Ben Lui is going to be particularly challenging, however raising funds for WaterAid is something that really motivates us and I love the feeling of reaching the summit and taking in the breathtaking views which Scotland has to offer.”

Elle Campbell
Scottish Water Customer Team Manager

Elle explained her motivations for taking on the challenge: “I’m so excited to take on another Munro with my sister. I know Ben Lui is going to be particularly challenging, however raising funds for WaterAid is something that really motivates us and I love the feeling of reaching the summit and taking in the breathtaking views which Scotland has to offer.

“The Munro Challenge was first put on my radar by a team manager following the years spent in lockdown due to Covid. Having spent so much time at home I was determined to make a lifestyle change and become more adventurous. Climbing Munros was a great place to start and has proved so valuable for my wellbeing.” 

Elle has worked at Scottish Water for over 13 years spending 10 years in the Customer Engagement Centre before moving into a new role with Customer Response. While Sarah joined the company in 2022 as a Wholesale Customer Adviser.

Prior to becoming a Scottish Water employee, Sarah had spent two years travelling New Zealand from 2018 and it was here where her passion for hill climbing was born.

Sarah explained: “I found my love for the great outdoors when living at the South Island in Wanaka, New Zealand. I was fortunate enough to take on many hikes including Roy's Peak which is slightly higher than Ben Nevis. While my favorite views had to be at Aoraki National Park where the Sealy Tarns Track were absolutely beautiful.”

“When I came back to Scotland, I was determined to continue challenging myself and exploring my home country in the same way I explored New Zealand. I am proud to say I have completed 20 Munros since then and can’t wait to add my 21st to the list as part of the WaterAid Munro Challenge.”

Due to the competitive nature between the two, when Elle found out about Sarah’s new passion of hill climbing, she quickly began her own journey, bagging 3 Munros so far with the hope of one day catching up with her sister.

The Munro Challenge alone has raised over £1 million to date and is one aspect of Scottish Water’s partnership with WaterAid which has been in place since 1981, helping to make clean water, decent toilets, and good hygiene accessible for everyone, everywhere. 

Money raised through Munro Challenge 2024 is supporting WaterAid's vital work in Rwanda and you can sign up like Elle and Sarah by registering here. Munro Challenge | Charity mountain trek | WaterAid UK