The trek took in mountain passes and included visits to several Inca sites, and at times the women were walking in altitudes three times higher than Ben Nevis.

The trip ended with a visit to Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas, high in the mountains.

Elspeth said: "The trek was something we had both wanted to do and wanted to do it for a reason. We chose to do the trek in aid of the Meningitis Research Foundation because we believe this research is vital due to the sudden onset and the potential severity of the condition, especially in remote areas like Caithness.

"The altitudes we walked in increases the effort required by about 300 per cent. The weather and the temperatures varied enormously. One day was torrential rain but it was mostly clear and sunny. In the sun it was hot, especially while walking, but on exposed ridges the wind could be very cold and on some of the high passes there were hail and snow showers. Nights were clear and cold with ice on the tent in the mornings."

Whatever the weather, though, Elspeth said that the scenery was spectacular.

While in Peru the women visited a childcare centre in Cusco to deliver some gifts of books, toys and clothing.

To date they have raised £5700 for the Meningitis Research Foundation from sponsorship and fundraising events. Elspeth said that they are grateful to all those who have supported them and to all the local businesses and companies who gave donations of money or raffle prizes.

The women still have some outstanding money to collect and are appealing to anyone who wants to support the charity to make a donation to their cause.

"We would really like to try and round up our total to £6000 by the end of the month," said Elspeth.

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