A SUPERFIT Scot is putting the finishing touches to a plan to bag all of Scotland’s 282 Munros in just 37 days.
Paul Wilson will also have to cycle, walk and kayak between the 3,000ft-plus peaks as the rules of the challenge mean motorised transport is banned.
To have any chance of getting the record, he will have to bag an average of at least 15 mountains every two days.
The plan includes one day on which he will ascend no fewer than 13 peaks.
Paul, 29, has even included a recently “demoted” Munro on the target list. The peak was remeasured at just below 3,000ft but will be climbed anyway to make sure no-one can oppose the record.
The epic trek will start in June to take advantage of the longest days and – hopefully – best weather.
Paul will travel across 1,600 miles of Scotland toughest terrain, covering more than 43 miles each day.
Calum Paterson, 23, will provide support, driving a vehicle containing Paul’s tent, kayak, bike and emergency medical gear.
Calum, from Stevenston, North Ayrshire, said: “Paul’s incredibly fit – I’ve lost count of the amount of marathons he’s done. He can do one in something like two and a half hours so he’s got a real chance at completing this challenge.
“So far in training he’s achieved 13 Munros in a single day with the fastest ascent and descent coming in at one hour and 14 minutes.”
Calum said one of the biggest challenges would be Skye’s Inaccessible Pinnacle, the only Munro that requires rock climbing to conquer.
He said: “We have arranged for a team to be present at the In-Pin because there is a section where Paul will have to physically climb and not just hike.
“The team will secure ropes and the necessary gear waiting for Paul who will then just turn up and get on with it.”
The pair are raising money for the MS Society Scotland and The Royal National Institute for the Blind as they attempt to smash the current record of 39 days, nine hours and six minutes.
Paul, from West Kilbride, North Ayrshire, said he was inspired to conquer the equivalent of 130 vertical miles after he watched Englishmen Stephen Pyke achieve the current record.
He said: “I remember thinking at the time ‘Wow, that is absolutely phenomenal’.
“I had admiration for the guy and thought I’d love a shot.”
Mr Pyke set the current record in 2010 when he averaged seven Munros per day – on two separate days managing 12 peaks.
He beat the previous record of 48 days and 12 hours previously held for a decade by Glasgow man Charlie Campbell and also had to cycle and canoe between hills.
Paul and Calum have been in training for the feat since early 2012.
On their Facebook support page they wrote: “Tell yourself you will do it. Tell yourself you are fit enough, strong enough and pain does not exist to hold yourself back.
“Say it and believe it. I am not doing Challenge Munro not believing that i have not broken the record already.
“It is simply believing you can achieve your dreams.”
There were 283 Munros until 2011 when 914m high Beinn a’Chlaidheimh near Ullapool in the Highlands was demoted for being 40cm short of official Munro status.
