Summit 10 Challenge
Conquering the 10 highest mountains in England and Wales in the fastest possible time, three adventurous young climbers now have Scotland in their sight
Three intrepid friends are embarking on their third amazing SUMMIT 10 challenge. Following on from their success completing their first and second challenges – climbing the 10 highest mountains in England and Wales back to back – they are now planning their third, to climb the 10 highest mountains in Scotland.
SUMMIT 10 first started when Ribble Valley aerospace engineer Peter McLay decided to not only test his physical fitness and mental agility to the extreme, but also to make a documentary of the challenge in memory of his grandma.
“I started 2023 wanting to test myself in a way that I had never done before – something that would combine my daily training in the gym and my enjoyment of climbing mountains. So, I had this crazy idea to hike the 10 highest mountains in England back to back as fast as possible and film it all into a documentary – naming the challenge SUMMIT 10,” explains Peter. “I then called two good friends, who I thought would be daft enough to try this with me!”
Joined by software engineer James Sunter-Storey and electrician and ex-army Bryn Catherwood, Peter adds: “At that stage we didn’t realise it would result in multiple extreme expeditions over the following years.”
Their first SUMMIT 10 Chapter 1 was a steep learning curve: “We had no idea what to expect. We came up with a route plan but hadn’t anticipated the severe weather we would encounter. We had lightning storms and high-speed winds in the Lake District – challenging conditions, but we got through it.”
SUMMIT 10 Chapter 1 – England was successfully completed with the trio hiking across 30 hours 45 minutes, taking 130,000 steps, climbing the equivalent of 1491 flights of stairs and completing a total distance of 106.34km.
“Afterwards we discussed what went wrong and what went right and we learnt from it,” explains Peter, who produced a 42-minute 4k documentary following the challenge with the help of Michael Dorrington of Ex-Captures Drone Services.
Hot on the heels of Chapter 1 the three climbers then began planning Chapter 2 in Wales: “We weren’t going into it blind even thought it was the same concept.”
Chapter 2 was a great success with the trio hiking across 23 hours 47 minutes, taking 75,000 steps, climbing the equivalent of 727 flights of stairs and completing a total distance of 58.19km.
With the arrival of 2025 came SUMMIT 10 Chapter 3 Scotland: “This time I want to challenge the team further, building on the work we have already completed,” says Peter, who has scheduled the Scottish challenge for July when the three pals will endeavour to climb the 10 highest mountains in Scotland in the fastest time possible time and filming it.
They will be climbing Braeriach, Sgor an Lochain, Càirn Toul, Ben Macdui, Cairn Gorm, Aonach Mor, Aonach Beag, Carn Mor Dearg, Ben Nevis and Ben Lawers.
“This will be the most technical challenge we ever done due to the landscapes, terrain and logistical planning involved,” says Peter.
“Planning began back in November and we have been working on it to ensure it gives us the best chance of success. We have estimated it will take three to four days to complete depending on the weather and any setbacks we encounter.”
Over the years completing the Summit 10 challenges, the three have raised thousands of pounds for charity including £4,832 for Dementia UK and £1,831 for the Children’s Hospital Charity.
This year they are raising money for Lancashire Mind: “I feel we all have a connection to someone, either friends or family, that have suffered from mental health issues. We also owe so much to hiking and climbing as a way for us to have a positive outlook.”
The trio have also formed many valuable collaborations with local businesses through SUMMIT 10 – this year their main official event sponsors are Pursue Fitness, Hyer Wellness and Ex-Captures Drone Services. There are still event partnership availabilities via a set donation, giving companies the opportunity to be involved in the event.
“We have seen a huge increase in interest in the SUMMIT 10: Chapter 3 event. The story is really gaining traction,” adds Peter, who uses social media platforms to raise awareness of the challenge.
“We will be camping, cooking and of course, filming the climbs and the raising of the summit flags. To be honest Chapter 3 is as big as it gets for us.”
