One mile for every year of the RAF Benevolent Fund

Today four members of the renowned Red Arrows have set off to walk the West Highland Way raising funds for the RAF Benevolent Fund and the Jon Egging Trust.

The team are planning on walking the 96 miles in just four days. For Scottish born Red Arrows pilots Flight Lieutenants Stew Campbell and Joe Hourston the trip is a return to familiar territory – the walk began in Milngavie, where Stew has a home, and finishes 96 miles later in Fort William.

They will be joined by Wing Commander Martin Higgins, a former Red Arrows pilot and now the Commanding Officer of the Red Arrows, and Flight Lieutenant Doug Smith, who is the flight planning officer and also a Scotsman.

Stew said: "Since joining the team I have wanted to organise a charity event in support of good causes close to the heart of the Red Arrows team.

"Being able to combine my love of Scotland and its scenery with this endeavour is fantastic; I just hope the weather is kind and the midges stay away!"

Members of 1730 Squadron ATC, led by Flight Lieutenant Walter Liddell, will accompany them along the last few miles as they finish in Fort William.

The Red Arrows team, based at RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire, have been training for the walk in between flying sorties this summer.

The team, which flies Hawk jets, consists of nine display pilots and 110 support staff, including operations and flight planners, engineering technicians, photographers, safety equipment experts, drivers, a public relations department, suppliers and administrators.

The Jon Egging Trust was co-founded by Dr Emma Egging after her husband, Jon, lost his life while displaying with the Red Arrows in 2011. The Trust realises Jon's dream of inspiring young people through his love of aviation, teamwork and leadership.