A Gordonstoun student has raised thousands of pounds for charity after cycling the world-famous North Coast 500 route. 

William G completed the route in nine days, which included steep climbs of almost 1,000 metres high. However, William is undeterred by his challenging experience, and his next target is to complete the mammoth John O'Groats to Land's End journey. 

The 16-year-old was accompanied by his father on the 515-mile cycle trip, taking in stops along the way including Applecross, Ullapool and Lairg. William is hoping to raise more than £7,000, with money going to Muscular Dystrophy UK and Swinton Lock Activity Centre, a charity that supports vulnerable children. 

Some of the money will also go to a fund set up by the family to support Gordonstoun students who want to go on service projects in the UK and overseas. The school is organising a trip to Thailand in August 2026 and William is hoping to raise enough money to go on the once-in-a-lifetime trip. 

William said: "The most challenging part of the route for me was probably on Day Two. We went over a part of the route known as the Applecross Pass, which is a 14-mile hill. 

 "For anyone that knows anything about running or cycling they will know that 14 miles uphill is not a pleasure. That was probably the toughest moment for me, getting up through that was a real challenge. 

"It always gets brought up, but the school motto 'Plus Est En Vous' came into my head once or twice. It's true that there is more in you than you realise and thinking about these words gave me the motivation to keep pushing myself because the end is going to come and it's going to feel great when you get up there. 

William started the trip from Gordonstoun, beginning on 14 August and finishing there on 22 August. His father, Stuart Griffin, said: "It was a big challenge for both of us with so many steep ascents. By day three I was really starting to struggle but I managed to find some extra energy and by the mid-point of the trip I felt more confident about completing the route." 

Gordonstoun Head Simon Cane-Hardy said: "We regularly challenge our students to find the best versions of themselves, and William is a fantastic example, pushing himself in the face of adversity to successfully complete one of the toughest cycle challenges in the country. 

"His tremendous feat of endurance will also benefit two charities, while raising vital funds to help other students experience life-changing service trips around the world. This remarkable act of compassion is testament to Gordonstoun's commitment to being of service to others".