A MUNRO-bagging Jack Russell is about to tackle his ninth Scottish peak over 3,000ft.
Cluanie, three, last year managed 4,406ft Ben Nevis completely on his own tiny legs in just eight hours.
And on Tuesday this week he managed another remarkable feat – bagging five Munros in one day.
On September 6 the pint-sized canine climber will tackle Scotland’s second-highest mountain, 4,295ft Ben Macdui in the Cairngorms.
The peak-conquering pooch has already helped to raise thousands of pounds for Highland Hospice, Inverness.
And proud owner Micky Jones says Cluanie manages every step of every climb completely by himself.
Only the occasional application of paw wax is needed to keep the terrier scampering up and down the hills.
Cluanie, who often wears a custom made kilt and Tam O’ Shanter hat while walking, first got a taste for munros at a charity event last year.
Micky, 41,said, “I had the idea last year because I wanted to do something for the Highland Hospice.
“We climbed Ben Nevis in eight hours and Cluanie really enjoyed it.
“We have now done eight munros and plan to keep going. We did five munros at south glen shiel ridge this week.
“I put a special paw wax on Cluanie’s paws to protect him from rougher parts, but he’s pretty hardy.
“He helped raise £2,000 last year, and we hope to raise around the same this year.”
Cluanie has has own Facebook dogblog where he keeps fans updated with his climbing antics.
Micky said: “Cluanie and I had a great time last year when we climbed Ben Nevis wearing our kilts, so we thought Cluanie deserved to be treated to a different outfit in preparation for this year’s event.
“Cluanie and I go everywhere together, and he is no stranger to long walks. In fact, we have also registered for the Hospice’s ‘Paws at Dores’ sponsored walk which takes place in August.
“Cluanie is in for a busy couple of months’ fundraising, and is getting a lot of support from his pals on the Highland Dogblog Facebook page!”
He added: “I support Highland Hospice strongly and appreciate the care they provide, having had friends and family who have relied on their services in the past.”
Amanda Burt, the Highland Hospices Events & Community Fundraiser, said, “Cluanie looks just adorable in his new outfit and we are really grateful to Micky for supporting our kilted climb again.
“Last year’s challenge up Ben Nevis was a great success, and I would urge anyone who is interested in a fun day out to join Micky and Cluanie by registering for ‘Kilts up Ben Macdui.’”
If you would like to join Micky and Cluanie on this challenge, you can register at www.highlandhospice.org/kilts or phone Amanda on 01463 227913.
