I’ve dedicated the last few years trying to climb the highest there is. A journey that gave me so much more than expected – the amazing opportunity to make a difference and inspire others, whom their daily Everest could simply be getting out of bed. Through time I’ve started to wonder whether climbing Everest is still the best way to achieve this. The mountain itself doesn’t float the boat for me right now. My mid-life crisis may have started a tad prematurely at 21, but I have plenty of time to go back when the time is right and the burning desire returns.
In the meantime… my next project “ClimbTheUK” will involve climbing to the highest point of all 100 counties in the United Kingdom. ClimbTheUK will take me over 4,000 miles in approximately two months on foot and bike to the variety of mountains*, hills, roads and tops of the ceremonial counties of England and historic counties of Wales, Scotland and N Ireland. The journey will be almost entirely human-powered barring a couple of ferries – having decided the Orkney Isles is probably not a good place to learn how to kayak…
* my Scottish friends will point out that England doesn’t have any real mountains!
CTUK will commence on May 13th 2017 (National Mental Health Week) on Shining Tor in Cheshire and finish on Moel Famau, Flintshire. I will be self-supported and staying in hostels along the way. A full route/schedule and tracker via the amazing Viewranger app will follow soon. My route will be open to all, providing a chance for anyone to join, follow and become part of the journey. I want to inspire the young, old and wise; or those who haven’t tried.
CTUK will also raise as much as possible for YoungMinds UK, the mental health charity. Mental illness affects people of all ages and sizes. Myself included. By engaging every corner of our home turf, we can get every corner of the UK talking about mental health and #WhoTriesWins.
… Who’s with me?!
Delighted to announce Westgrove Group and YHA England & Wales as the major sponsors for CTUK with more supporters to be announced in due course.
Hi Alex, first of all may I say that I think your new challenge CTUK is a wonderful idea and I will be behind you all the way. Out of interest our third son is the head of a number of counties for Natural England and has contacts that may be of help to you. His counties are Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Surrey and London. He has quite large teams under him and I’m sure he could publicise your event but I don’t know about sponsorship. He does meet a lot of interesting people during his daily rounds from all walks of life. If you feel he could be of use to you don’t hesitate to ask and we will see what we can do. Cheers for now Kate
Gulp!!! You never do things by half do you Alex!!! Looking forward to seeing more posts on your training group and prep for your new challenge, along with those for when you are actually on it.
I’ll defo aim to meet up with you north of the border, passport permitting 😉 and hopefully make a climb of a *mountain with you 🙂
I’ll contact you separately about some possible publicising on Facebook.
Mad, simply mad 😉
I might also add that sons 1& 2 walk the Lakes every year and know them well. They also built their own canoes and canoed the Leeds Liverpool canal to raise money to buy a Range Rover for a local children’s home. No2 son also joined a New Zealand cycling club to cycle round Nepal – it was tough! He also did a BC trek and really enjoyed it. I think you can see that in their younger days they were a lot like a young Alex I know and I am sure when you publish your routes they will step forward to give you some support on your great idea. I should add No4 child is a girl who runs for charity and not to be left out I am sure she will do some fund raising for your wonderful CTUK challenge. With that I look forward to the activities. Cheers Kate
ps. To others,if you haven’t bought Alex’s book yet please do,it’s a great inspiring read.
This is a wonderful idea and a challenging one. It is amazing that you have the chance to do such a remarkable adventure, many people aren’t that lucky.
Wishing the best for you my friend.
Thanks Majid for the kind words. Hope you enjoy following the adventure.
Hey Alex, this looks like an interesting little jaunt 🙂
Get in touch as I would love to do an interview and help with publicity.
Cheers
Podcast Bob
Hi Alex – we met at a recent training course in Hinckley, whilst my home County of Norfolk (and Suffolk where I now live) are rather flat compared to what you are used to I would love help or support you if I can.
Please be in touch if I can help.
Thanks!
This is fantastic Alex. A wonderful opportunity for every child in the UK to begin their adventures young and old, while joining one of the UK’s most inspiring young adventurers. I look forward to sharing some Southern County ascents and know the UK are right behind you on every summit. Stay Safe & see you soon.