A West Cumbrian man has set a new record by climbing all England’s mountains in 77 days and three hours.
Laurie Crayston, of Frizington, started the challenge to climb the 192 peaks in Dartmoor on December 12.
He has also become the first person to climb them all in a single winter.
Mostly alone and self-supported, Laurie hiked a total of 881km with 51,407m of ascent. He completed the challenge while he was also working full-time.
Battling brutal winter weather he hiked up to six days a week.
To be recognised as a mountain, peaks must meet the consensus height threshold for a mountain, 600m in height and a prominence of at least 30m, as per the International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation ranking system.
These mountains are commonly known as Simms. The term was first introduced by Alan Dawson in June 2010.
Laurie, who set and briefly held the record for the most Wainwrights climbed in an unsupported continuous hike (150) last year, said: “The idea for this first crossed my mind a little over a year ago but I wasn’t able to attempt it last year because of lockdowns and then preparations for the Wainwrights took over.
“During my Wainwrights record I got an unexpected taste for winter and how ridiculously cruel it can be, and I loved the barbarity of it! I’ve had my sights set on a winter challenge since and this fitted perfectly.”
Laurie, who finished his challenge on Black Combe, added: “I’m not sure I can actually believe I’ve done it. It’s so odd to think that I won’t have to get up
and hike tomorrow. My body and brain are both absolutely fried, but I’m chuffed to bits! It’s been an unreal adventure and an amazing way to spend winter!”
