A novice walker from Lancashire has raised thousands of pounds for charity by climbing Ben Nevis, despite having only taken up walking a few years ago during the pandemic lockdowns.
The Lancashire Telegraph reports that Adam Sayid, 47, from Preston took on the challenge of conquering the UK’s highest mountain to raise funds for Marie Curie’s Great Daffodil Appeal. He completed the climb in just over eight hours, and raised £1,028 in the process for the charity’s work with the terminally ill.
Adam told the publication: “I had never walked big distances before the lockdown and once I started, I was hooked. Now I have been up a mountain and raised thousands for Marie Curie in the process. This was the biggest and most strenuous challenge in my life but also the most rewarding. Hiking is a different level and great for your physical and mental health.”
“I would recommend anyone to try it. You don’t need a membership as it is all free. You just need a good pair of shoes, a coat and then get out your front door and just walk.”
Adam, who has four children and runs the Spice King curry house in Preston, began taking shorter walks in the hills around Lancashire and in local parks when his business was forced to close during the pandemic. He then surprised himself by completing a climb of Snowdon in North Wales with his daughter, and felt ready to take on the challenge of Ben Nevis.
He added: “There was magnificent scenery on the way up such as really high stunning waterfalls which was breath taking. I got to the summit in three and half hours and you were so high you felt like you were close to heaven as you were above the clouds. It was a brilliant sense of achievement going up and down.”
Ben Nevis is the largest mountain in the British Isles, standing at 4,406ft above sea level. It is part of the ancient Grampian range, which were formed by a violent volcanic eruption 350 million years ago. From its summit, you can enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the West Highlands and beyond.
Every year, the mountain draws both amateur and experienced walkers alike. There are various paths to the summit, with the Pony Track recommended for less seasoned walkers. However, it should not be underestimated, and will still require a reasonable level of physical fitness and mental stamina to complete.
The Carn Mor Dearg Arete route offers more of a challenge, taking in the peak of Carn Mor Dearg. It also has a long stretch of scramble over rocky terrain which requires the use of both hands and feet to cross.
The ultimate challenge of Ben Nevis is The Ledge on the North Face of the mountain. It has several grade one scrambles, and in winter is likely to require the use of ropes, ice axes, and crampons.
If you are interested in finding out more about Ben Nevis climbing routes, please get in touch with us today.
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