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 27, 2010

Day 32 Afric to Strathfarrar

Yet again the weather is decidedly chilly, a biting Northerly makes it uncomfortable in the glens, much more so on the tops, occassional showers in the morning, some sun then heavy downpours in the evening, which Spyke reports as near blizzard conditions above 800 metres.
Away from the Youth Hostel at about 08.15, Spyke set about the remaining Glen Afric tops, he is met by Rob Woodall (King of the tops baggers) who accompanies him over the last couple of summits, and down to Mullardoch Dam to meet JC, time is now 16.15. After refuelling he sets off on his bike for Glen Strathfarrar, access here might be a problem, as there is a locked gate, sure enough Rob and JC are let in but warned they must be out by 19.00. It is going to be tight, JC gets stuck into the culinary treats for tea, while Rob gathers together camping gear so we can leave him in the Glen. It is 10 minutes to seven I move the van slowly back down the glen(the lady of the gate was pretty scary), Spyke hoves into view, I start to fill him in on the whereabouts of his gear," don't worry about that, the gate lady is fine she will make an exception for me" Pyke charm works again!!!
Rob hares off to do some "trig" bagging on Orkney, Spyke goes off to do the four tops North of the Glen, and I spend the evening making butties in the glorious isolation of Glen Strahfarrar. Spyke returns at 23.10 reporting a layer of fresh snow and an Eagle sighting.

1 comment:

Puff said...

Spyke can keep the snow conditions,but I would have enjoyed watching the eagle, I have had to make do with a nesting wren. You look to be racing away for all the weather, company on the tops must help!well done.