Here's an event for anyone who loves the Cuillin Hills and never says no to a quick drink at the end of a hard day's walk ...

The Talisker Trek brings its winning combination of muddy boots, fine views and Highland spirits (and that's not the ghostly variety) back to Skye this summer after a successful trial run in 2006. The event's a joint initiative of the Woodland Trust and Talisker whisky, with a few well-known faces from the mountaineering world thrown into the mix. So, you get to swap anecdotes with Tom Avery, raise money for a good cause, and taste "the king o' malts" all in one weekend. Sounds good to us.

How and when?

To take part, you need to be available from 1st to 3rd June and raise a minimum of £500 for the Woodland Trust. That sounds like a fair wad of cash but the Trust are hoping to plant a quarter of a million new trees in the UK by 2009, and raise awareness of the decline in our woodlands along the way, so it's all worthwhile.

Events

There's plenty of good fun on the agenda as well though. Who could say no to three days of team activities in the Highlands, ranging from OM favourites such as hiking and orienteering through to tyre pulling and tossing the caber? Just don't expect any handy hints from the editors on that one:-)

Evenings will feature traditional Scottish dinners at the camp site and a chance to chat to celebrity supporters of the trek, including the likes of Martin Bayfield and Dean Richards, who are apparently pretty handy on a rugby field, but we hope they also know how to use a map and compass. Tom Avery will also be on hand to talk about his mountaineering exploits, which include expeditions to both poles, first ascents of nine unclimbed summits in Kyrgyzstan, and a recreation of Robert Peary's disputed 1909 expedition to the North Pole.

Last but not least, survivors of the caber throwing challenge will finish the trek at the Talisker distillery for a spot of tree planting before everyone heads home. Well, what else would you expect to do at a whisky distillery?:-)

Taking part

It all sounds like a recipe for a sociable, worthwhile, and, erm, slightly intoxicating weekend really. If the prospect appeals, get your application in early as there are only 200 places available - no under eighteens please! More information from www.taliskertrek.co.uk.