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.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Day 30 Return to the Cluanie


It's 8 30, with Steve Watts as pacemaker Spyke heads back to the mainland, Neil relays the pacing duties so they make good time up Glen Shiel to the foot of Carn Ghluasaid, but what excitement at the van when they arrive!!!!!
We have a visitor, a sprightly grey beard had walked up to the van asking which one of you is Spyke, a bit of feet shuffling then "well none of us he is peddling his way from Skye." Thats a shame I am Hamish Brown I did the first continuous round" says our visitor, at just that moment Spyke arrives, nicely covering the fact that none of his support crew had recognised, the most famous, and as it turned out very genial munro rounder. Spyke and the great man share a few thoughts, handshakes, some pictures, Hamish makes a quiet exit ,then we are left to fill Spyke with scoff, and swap Hamish Brown stories. By now everybody thought it was him but didn't say so!! huh!
Back to reality, Spyke sets off with Phil as company for his first three tops, he then continues alone collecting the hills at the top of Glen Shiel finishing at 20.50 near the Cluanie Inn, it is after food serving time but the staff kindly keep open, and Spyke wraps himself around a Venison Casserole for the second time this week.
We are met here by Mandy and Martin Calvert who are on a break in Fort William we make arrangements to meet in the morning so they can accompany Spyke into the Sisters and Brothers Kintail.
Then we get to camp in the Cluanie carpark with the "sweet" stink of dead dear wafting through the van, well makes a change from socks and other perfumes, those who know Spyke well will know what I mean!!!

4 comments:

4396 said...

Re lost gear; the keeper at Barrisdale has pack full of kit. Might it belong to you guys?

Anonymous said...

Spyke has always been generous with his fragrances.
Looking forward to Fisherfield next week.

Puff said...

The hatch of the old Seat used to bounce open with compressed aroma always said to be Hot Bob dog when he was not around to defend himself!
Wonderful to meet up with The First Munro rounder.
Keep it going you are on the last 1/4.now,well done.

Unknown said...

Hello Spyke,
What you are doing is truly awesome, I have been following you since the start. Charlie Campbell has been my hero for years after his 49 day trek.
I will compleat the Munros myself on the 19th June on Slioch after 17 years of walking.
You are soon to be crowned the King of the Munros. Amazing that the one and only Hamish Brown came to meet you. Awesome!
All the best,
The Kilted Munro Bagger