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.

Thursday, April 1, 2010

25 April fast approaching...

April fool's day and less than four weeks to kick-off. Deadlines are fast looming now for getting everything in place for the start. I don't think I quite realised how much organisation would be required when I decided late last year that I was definitely going to give the Munro Round a go.

The main headache has been the camper - it was clear early on that I would need a campervan to provide road support and with time on my hands after redundancy I decided to convert my own VW T5 van. Well, after a two month delay to get a pop-up roof fitted, I've spent some long days in the last month trying get it fit for the Round - I'm indebted to my Dad's many year's experience and his dry workshop. My estimates of how long some of the job's would take have proved optimistic - I hope this is not a sign of things to come...

Thankfully getting support has been easier. John Clemens has committed himself to drive the van for the duration of the round and act as cook, washer, driver, communications manager, etc. A fantastic help as well as saving me the trouble of managing the logistics of different drivers coming for different weeks. Many friends have offered their support on the hills as well as their invaluable assistance and advice in the build-up. Not least among the advisors, current Munro record holder Charlie Campbell has offered insights that only he could.

The Exchange Pub in Stone now beckons for more discussion of the round with John and Sam. Updates to follow...

2 comments:

jbcrun said...

Hi all the off!! is fast approaching,Spyke has been on Skye practising hand stands on the Inn Pinn!!!
and is off for some canoeing practice today.
On a more mundane level Sam and I are putting together the provision lists, and looking at the whole problem of keeping our hero fuelled. Any ideas for easy to prepare one pot dishes are welcome, also what is your got2take hill food ideas for the melting pot please.Lastly don't forget the send off meeting at the Exchange in Stone if your coming it would be good if you let me know, in order to keep the landlady sweet, and to ensure there is enough staff to serve the masses!!!

Anonymous said...

Good luck on this great adventure, Spyke. If anyone if strong (or mad) enough to do it, it must be you. Looking forward to joining you next month!