Stroud ultra-endurance athlete scales 30 peaks in three days

Pehuen Grotti

James Norbury, from Stroud, climbed 14,000m (45,000ft) of elevation during the challenge

An ultra-endurance athlete has summited 30 of the highest peaks across England, Scotland and Wales in just three days.

James Norbury, from Stroud, Gloucestershire, embarked on what he called ‘the 30 Peaks Challenge’ and climbed the 10 highest points in each country.

He was inspired by the National Three Peaks Challenge, but said he was keen to explore areas that are less well known, but “equally as beautiful”.

“The motive for me has always been get outside, have some fun, tell a story of whatever that adventure might be,” Mr Norbury said.

Over the course of the challenge, the 33-year-old travelled more than 100 miles (161km) and climbed 14,000m (45,000ft) of elevation.

He began the challenge on Ben Nevis at 16:30 BST on 15 September and completed it in 70 hours and 49 minutes.

His route included Scafell Pike, Ben Nevis, and Yr Wyddfa, also known as Snowdon, – the three highest peaks in England, Scotland and Wales – as well as other less well known peaks within the mountain regions.

Pehuen Grotti

Mr Norbury took inspiration from the traditional Three Peaks Challenge

“Physically, it was tiring and hard, but the sleep was probably the thing I found hardest,” he said.

Mr Norbury reached his final summit of Yr Wyddfa with “not much time to spare” at 15:19 BST on 18 September.

“We were all systems go and then when we got to this massive queue to get to the summit,” he said.

“None of the other mountains had many people on them at all.”

Mr Norbury hopes his efforts will encourage others to spend more time outdoors exploring the landscape – particularly those that attract fewer tourists.

Alex Felstead

Completing the challenge in under 72 hours was “tiring”, Mr Norbury said

“There’s so many incredible mountains in the United Kingdom. We really are lucky,” he said.

“We live in a very digital world. I know that I spend far too much time in front of a screen than I’d like to.

“It was wonderful to disconnect for a few days.”

As well as inspiring others to explore outside, Mr Norbury took on the challenge to raise money for Mountain Rescue teams in the UK.

Next year, Mr Norbury aims to embark on a “way less intense” trip to New Zealand to visit every filming location from the Lord of the Rings adding that his love for the films influenced his admiration of nature.

“The outdoors is wonderful and should be experienced,” he added.

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