PEAKS

The 48 Ceremonial Counties of England: reaching the highest peak of each shire (plus those of the historic counties of Middlesex and Westmorland) entailed 609 miles of walking and nearly 70,000 vertical feet (21,225 metres) of climbing!

The LETJOG Peaks challenge that I set myself in early 2023 was to undertake a decent day walk, of 8 to 15 miles, around and up to each shire summit of England, the ‘County Tops’, by the end of 2023. I achieved this within six months (to the day) between mid-March and mid-September. What a journey! I knew that there would be instances where access would be difficult, including Mickle Fell, the summit of County Durham, which is an MOD ‘Danger Area’ requiring a walking permit for a specified time and date, as well as a number of shires where the top is fenced off, usually to protect radio and communications facilities. In overcoming these hurdles I have certainly experienced many of the joys of the English countryside whilst gaining a wider understanding and a new perspective on the landscapes of our wonderfully varied country. I was lucky also to enjoy the company of family and friends on many of the walks; my goals of a sociable challenge and a fun journey were certainly achieved!

Along the way my thoughts remained with those suffering in Ukraine, and with those who have been forced to flee from their homes. The British Red Cross has been at the forefront in providing critical humanitarian aid on the ground in Ukraine as well as support for those displaced abroad, and through your kind donations my JustGiving page raised just under £700 in aid of their work.

“We’re so grateful for people like Nick, undertaking challenges such as this. The money raised helps us to support people in their times of crisis, and for this we thank you for your support”. Liz Craig, Regional Fundraising Manager – South East, British Red Cross.

Please feel free to look back and enjoy my LETJOG Peaks journey on the BLOG tab above.