The British summer is traditionally a time for cricket, cream teas and hill walking. We may finally be improving our cricket score and I must confess to having had my first cream tea last week, yet June and July have provided us with scant inspiration to pick up our rucksacks and head for the hills. Let us hope that August ushers in some warm hazy days. The kind of day when bees hum and you need a sun hat rather than a rain coat. A day full of energy and promise when you feel you can do anything. In such a frame of mind only the highest accolade will do and Britain's highest mountain stands at 4,408ft amidst the magnificent scenery of Scotland. Ben Nevis may not be quite a walk in the park but it is achievable on a Saturday for the fit and enthusiastic.

Fresh air enthusiastics might like to know that one such walk is happening over the Bank Holiday weekend in aid of research into osteoperosis and there are still places left. Readers interested in taking part in the Ben Nevis Challenge should call me on 01761 471771 as soon as possible.

Joanna Dymond, research fundraising officer,

National Osteoporosis Society

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000.Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.