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 17 Ben More and onwards South.


An extremely cold night, was followed by an equally cold bike ride down to the foot of Ben More, Spyke arrived there at 08.15, and set off up the long trudge in company with a couple of walkers, who had read of his exploits an the web. He moved on over Stob Binnen and Stob Garbh, meeting Denise and Dale on Cruach Ardrain, taking in five more summits before descending to the campsite at Beinglas Farm. We were joined here by Sam, Alan, Ian and Charlotte, Sam and Ian are the support crew for the Loch Lomond crossing.
Spyke and Alan cycled down to Firkin Point, where Sam, Charlotte and Ian had the canoes waiting for the crossing, they duly set off, and made good time despite the rising Northerly wind. At about 18.40 they started up Ben Lomond initially struggling to find a decent line through the trees, meanwhile the weather was closing in, with fairly heavy snow showers all the way to the summit. This also mean't that the light was fading fast so Spyke and Ian decided that the return crossing over now very choppy waters was not feasible in the gloom, Alan and JC duly rallied around to Rowardenen, to set up camp amongst some local lads, rowdy but fairly good humoured, Spyke eat and then zonked out, while the rest of us were treated to some colourful language, and various football anthems.

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