Dave Sykes, 46, from Manchester made the challenge harder in the most rewarding way – and it’s changed his life.
‘For my challenge I set a target of doing 1000 adventure miles and it’s taken me to some amazing places. From the tip of South Wales to the far Northwest Highlands and many places in between. I put £1 aside for each mile done to fund paid adventures, and have scrambled up the curved ridge, across Aonach Eagach and now I’m setting my sights on a winter skills course because of this. I can’t wait for next year’s 1000 miles.
‘There’s been so many highlights – sunset to sunrise on Worms Head in Gower with the island to ourselves and a couple of seals and guillemots. Wild camping at the foot of Suilven and waking up to an amazing view of the Assynt in the morning. Losing my car keys part way around the Ring of Steall, but choosing to summit Sgurr A Mhaim before trekking the 10 miles back to try and find them – and the joy of asking the only other hiker on the range that day “Have you found any car keys mate?” and him saying “What model?”. Seeing a frozen kinder downforce on a cheeky mid-week hike...
‘I’ve surprised myself with the skills and confidence I’ve gained and how unlonely lonely places can feel – even when you’re on your own. I challenge you to find a person on a mountain who isn’t friendly, trustworthy and genuine. Then there’s the weight loss, muscle gain, increased stamina and balance (as a self confessed ‘big lad’ core strength was something I had no concept of).
‘I should have done this years ago, it’s a game changer. I was stuck in a cycle of chasing money which meant more hours, more emails, more conference calls at nights and at weekends. I learnt that ‘The Dream’ is a lie. More money, bigger cars, designer clothes, posh houses – they don’t bring happiness. Happiness is chasing a sunset, bagging a summit, playing last to get their feet wet on a ghyll scramble... And you know what, it’s free.
‘A group of us enrolled in this year’s #walk1000miles and we all shared stories and adventures. Even during lockdown we set ourselves the minichallenge of finding our nearest trig points – you wouldn’t believe where these things are hidden.
‘Doing this has taken my walking and mountain confidence to the next level. I’ve also realised it’s not just the sheer number of miles, but the journey. And it’s not a race. Let’s celebrate the girl who bought her first pair of hiking boots or the lad that bagged his first ever summit. Chase the memories not the miles.’
