Spyke sets new record for climbing all the Munros

Starting on Sunday 25th April 2010 with Ben More on Mull, Stephen Pyke (aka Spyke) set himself the challenge of climbing all Scotland's 3,000 ft hills, better known as the Munros, in a continuous round under his own steam - on foot, by bike and paddling a kayak.

On 3rd June, just 39 days 9 hours and 6 minutes later, Spyke touched the summit cairn on Ben Hope in Sutherland to complete the fastest round of the Munros. The previous record was 48 days 12 hours set by Charlie Campbell in 2000.

Spyke is keen that his journey through the Highlands can inspire and encourage people to join the John Muir Trust – the UK’s leading wild lands charity. Please take time to read more about the JMT and even if you decide not to join you can support their valuable work by donating to the Trust at the following Just Giving Page.

Friday, January 1, 2010

Spyke's Munro round

In 2010 I have set myself the challenge of climbing all of Scotland's 3,000 ft mountains, better known as the Munros, on a continuous round. The stunningly beautiful Scottish Highlands is an area I fell in love with when I climbed my first Munro, the iconic Buachaille Etive Mor at the head of Glen Coe, back in April 1999. Since then this magnificent landscape has inspired a dream...

There have been a number of continuous rounds of the Munros since Hamish Brown first achieved the feat entirely on foot in the summer of 1974. The fastest round was set by Charlie Campbell in 2000 who climbed all 284 Munros in just 49 days – averaging a marathon a day whilst climbing more than 10,000ft!

My aim is to complete a round of the Munros under my own steam (on foot, cycling and paddling) and, maybe see if I can come close to Charlie’s incredible record.

I am keen that through my efforts I can give something back to this magnificent landscape, which is why I have chosen to promote the work of the John Muir Trust, Britain’s leading wild lands charity. I would encourage you to read more about the Trust’s work - http://www.jmt.org/home.asp and consider joining and becoming actively involved in protecting Britain's wild lands.

The round is in the early stage of planning. As well as working out the best route, there is a huge logistical task of organising the vital back-up support needed to keep me on track. I already need to thank the many friends who have kindly offered to come up to the Highlands and either accompany me in the mountains or provide support from the roads and at overnight stops. I hope to see many more of you out on the hills once I get under way.

The provisional plan is to start on 25th April 2010 setting off from Ben More on Mull early in the morning in order to catch the low tide for the paddle over to Lochaline on the mainland.

1 comment:

Alastair said...

congratulations on this fabulous achievement.
Do you have any ideas how many miles you covered?
Al