Photo credit: explorersweb.com
Scotland boasts 282 mountains towering above 914 meters (3,000 feet), known as the Munros, named after Sir Hugh Munro who first cataloged them in 1891. Recently, Scottish mountaineer Helen Rennard achieved a remarkable feat by becoming just the fifth individual, and the second woman, to complete all of the Munros during winter. Her expedition spanned an impressive 80 days and 9.5 hours, establishing a new speed record for this challenging accomplishment.
In contrast to Anna Wells, who marked a milestone last year as the first woman to complete the Munros in winter, Rennard chose to keep her attempt under wraps until it was successfully concluded. Averse to the pressures that come with public attention, she limited her social media engagement, focusing solely on her personal journey.
“I was doing it for me alone,” she stated, emphasizing her desire to undertake this challenge for personal fulfillment rather than external validation.
Now that her journey has reached its end, she is eager to share her experiences with others.
The Importance of Logistics
While many famous general sayings underscore the significance of logistics in warfare, these principles hold equally true in the realm of Scottish mountaineering records, as Rennard can attest.
Throughout her endeavor, Helen took a self-sufficient approach, managing her own nourishment and transportation while meticulously planning her routes.
“While it was undoubtedly a physical challenge, it also morphed into a logistical puzzle,” she acknowledged.
Although some have tackled the Munros solely on foot, using a vehicle as Rennard did is not considered cheating. For the mountains close to her home, she would drive back and enjoy one of her pre-prepared frozen meals. For those farther away, she slept in her car, resting on a mattress in the back.
Being a native Scottish mountaineer, Helen had previously summited each Munro individually, granting her valuable local knowledge for her planning. Despite this advantage, she soon discovered a critical issue with her schedule: insufficient time for sleep.
The Mental Challenge
She strategically reserved the most challenging peaks for the end of her journey, aiming to take advantage of the longer daylight hours typical in late winter. However, as she faced these grueling days, the lack of sleep began to take a toll.
“There just aren’t enough hours in the night for sleep,” Helen observed, and the ensuing brain fatigue began to hinder her progress. Fortunately, she was able to rely on friends for both emotional encouragement and logistical assistance. Notably, renowned UK trail runner Nicky Spinks supported her during the demanding Rigby Round, which consists of 18 consecutive Munros in the Cairngorms.
Nevertheless, she endured significant portions of her journey solo. At one point, while traversing the ridge between Mullach Fraoch-choire and A Chralaig, Helen experienced a serious fall, landing on sharp rocks that inflicted a deep wound on her shin. Despite the injury, she managed to limp the five kilometers back to her vehicle, feeling dazed and fatigued. Awakening to find her sheets stained with blood, she sought medical help, receiving three stitches and having her leg tightly bandaged.
Determined, Rennard returned to her challenges after a brief recovery, pushing through with a mix of painkillers and her tenacity. This decision came at a physical price, as her injury continued to fester, hampering her every step. Now that she has concluded her round, the injury finally has a chance to heal.
In addition to her injury, Rennard faced other obstacles such as inclement weather, equipment failures, and the psychological strain of solitary mountain climbs.
“I can’t quite believe that I managed to keep it together for 80 days,” she reflected on her resilience.
The Munro Community
Helen joins an elite group of only five individuals who have completed all the Munros in a single winter season. However, the tradition surrounding these peaks is far-reaching, with a vibrant community that celebrates climbing throughout the year. In 2022, for example, climbers rallied to celebrate 82-year-old Nick Gardner, who became the oldest person to conquer the Munros.
An interactive resource devoted to the Munros, including a dedicated website, features a route planner, an interactive map, and supplementary checklists. Tackling the Munros is not only a test of physical and mental strength but is also a tribute to the stunning and rugged landscape that defines Scotland.
“I love the Scottish hills deeply and feel incredibly fortunate to have had such an intense experience in them,” Rennard concluded about her journey. “The memories from this round will last forever.”
Source
explorersweb.com