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, May 13, 2010

Day 18 The Arrochar Alps.

Spyke is becoming quite concerned about his achillies which is swollen and sore, so decided that he would have a somewhat easier day. This began with the crossing of a now millpond like Loch Lomond, in the company of Sam, and Ian, a short cycle ride to Inveruglas, he and Sam then set off for Ben Vorlich the mammoth reascent to Ben Vane then taking in the remaining two tops to finish at the Rest and be Thankful pass some eight hours later. They were met between Beinn Ime and Beinn Narnain by Dave Hewitt from Caledonian Mercury who spoke to Spyke at length, no doubt we will see some comments on his website and hopefully in the paper.
As mentioned above the Achillies niggle is becoming a nuisance, however Spyke thinks he has identified the problem, and has taken some remedial action, watch this space for further news!!! Alan obtained a bucketful of ice from a local fish farm, that together with half the stock from a Chemist in Helensburgh should see him firing on all cylinders by the weekend in Glencoe.

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Excellent to see Spyke (and Sam) going so well. A paddle across Loch Lomond then all four Arrochar Munros is still a big day even without the Bhuidhe/Lui stuff. Will put something on outdoors.caledonianmercury.com at the weekend. Earlier piece - at the start of Spyke's round - is at
http://outdoors.caledonianmercury.com/2010/04/26/marathon-man-aims-to-shave-eight-days-off-munros-record/00740

Fingers crossed re the Achilles.

Dave

PS - Meant to drop off a couple of copies of the new Angry Corrie at the van, but forgot, sorry. Will try and remember if I'm able to get up north in two or three weeks.

Charlie Campbell said...

Hi Stephen, I know you've maybe not got the space in the van, but what I found effective during my run was to rotate through 7 or 8 different pairs of running shoes, from trail type to dedicated hill stud (as per photo URL link). Even then, on most of them I had to get the penknife out and cut two 1cm slashes on either side of the heel tab, to give more flexibility over the Achilles, and that done the trick, along with Ibuleve gel massage every morn and night. You're doing great, keep plodding on...
http://www.munrorun2000.co.uk/gallery/image.php?directory=MunroGallery02&page=1&image_name=65.jpg&origWidth=960&image_number=8