Peddle-oing across Scotland

Four young Scotsmen plan to pedal a boat across their country on the Caledonian Canal for charity.

The trip will be made in a 17-foot pedal boat. The intrepid foursome are committed to making the 60-mile journey from Fort William to Inverness in four days, the Edinburgh Evening News reported.

The canal incorporates Loch Lochy, Loch Oich and Loch Ness -- which means the friends have a chance to get a close-up view of the notorious monster, Nessie. They must also cope with 29 locks and the possibility that storms could whip up 5-foot waves.

Mike Byrne, Allan Wylie, James Glass and Ross Wood conceived of the plan over a few pints in a pub. The four met at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, and three of them now share a house.

"It will be a constant strain and a real test of stamina, as we will have to keep going the whole time," Byrne said. "What I'm not looking forward to is staring at each other on the boat all day long."

The voyage is planned for Aug. 8 through 11. The team is trying to raise 2,000 pounds ($4,000) for Maggie's Cancer Care.