Cairngorms Munro challenge completed

An Aviemore man completed an epic challenge late on Wednesday night when he climbed his last mountain on a continuous round of 58 Munros.

Ian Stewart (37) took on the challenge of running all the Munros in the Cairngorms National Park in aid of fellow mountain guide Dave Hollinger from Carrbridge, who suffered a horrific skiing accident in March 2018 followed by a brain stem stroke.

Nicknamed the Cairngorm Parkrun, Ian's challenge began on Friday at 6am, climbing Mount Keen with his wife Laura Mcauley before continuing his solo challenge, aided by support runners along the way.

He finished last night, climbing Bynack More and Cairn Gorm late into the night.

Laura said: "The weather was a bit challenging for the final two Munros but that didn't take away from the enormous sense of achievement when they were done."

The Cairngorms Parkrun is around 80 times longer than the standard Saturday morning runs, at approximately 400km (250 miles), with more than 20,000 metres (65,000ft) of ascent and descent involved – more than twice up and down Everest from sea level.

The terrain involves wild, rugged country through some of the remotest parts of the Highlands, something Ian is well experienced in through his work as director of Trail Running Scotland and Stewart Mountain Skills.

To donate to the #inspiredbydave cause, visit www.gofundme.com/cairngormparkrun

Read more

• Cairngorms Parkrun sees Aviemore man tackle 58 Munros in six days

• Back into the mountain Lair

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