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.

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Day 1 - Ben More - Glenfinnan

Photos from Day 1

Following a relaxing day spent with the Tait family, who's hospitality was very generous, we camped on Saturday night by Loch na Keal. After a wet and windy night, Spyke set off up Ben More at 6am.

Spyke completed the descent off Ben More two hours later in still wet and windy conditions and was then onto the bike to Fishnish and canoed to Lochaline looking like a true professional.

Thanks to Tony Hammock from Sea Freedom Kayaks (www.seafreedomkayak.co.uk) the paddle across went extremely smoothly with thankfully no swimming involved !!!. Whilst myself and Jamie had a fun ride across in Iain Thornber's RIB supposedly to give moral support, but really there for the giggle and photo opportunity in case of any mishaps.

There was a quick porridge stop on the mainland at Lochaline and then a 56 mile bike ride to Glenfinnan, with Chris Upson generously taking the westerly wind in the latter stages.

JC and myself now sitting in the van with a short 4 hour wait for Spyke to come down from Sgurr Nan Coireachan and Sgurr Thuilm.

Photos will be loaded later as battery is low and in good old Spyke style he forgot to check if the cigarette lighter socket worked before we left !!!

Thanks to everyone for their help today.

ps Spyke returned from another wet and windy few hours on the hills at 8:15pm. Camping tonight in Glenfinnan. Heading for Glen Nevis tomorrow for a climb over the Ben and eastwards towards the Easains peaks above Fersit.

7 comments:

Mark Hartell said...

Spyke - I'm really sorry I never got around to wishing you all the best before you set off. Hope you are able to cope with what will be a literal and metaphorical rollercoaster. Take it easy on the body for the first 10 days or so and be careful with the snows.

I am hoping to join you for a few days after the SIPR on 21st May. You will have most of it done by then!!

Chris said...

Hi Spyke - I hope you survived the 2 Glenfinnan hills. The weather turned really grim as I headed back through Glencoe. Good luck with the big day over Ben Nevis tomorrow.

Manny said...

Hey Spyke, don't worry about hills dropped & timescales, have a beer and chill. Better to start sloooow and finish strong! Give yourself 7 -10 days to really get tuned in and the body strong. You will cruise from there. Enjoy the journey, you have to finish first - a record is only a bonus. Hopefully see you in a few days...ok, very big days.
Cheers, Manny G
...The beer, don't forget the beer!

Richard H said...

I am a keen mountaineer fro Eccleshall and run with Stome MM. I wish I was more involved in this project, I have done lots of work with the John Muir Award and young people. Hope to build links after the event. All the best and let me know if i can be any help. If any Stone MM need any hep with Skye ridge I can help with local instruction and a trip into North Wales etc. I will be on the ridge in May. Avon skin so soft is the top tip for the midges, but a little too early for them yet.

Richard Hathway

Ben said...

Good luck, hope you enjoy the running as much as I am going to enjoy reading about it!!

Ian Dark Peak said...

Keep up the good work Spyke, Hope to be up in scotland for a couple of weekends soon so will try to come and cheer you on.

stay well and injury free.

Unknown said...

Keep on truckin' Spyke - loving the photos!

Lynne Shepley