Today’s the shortest day and the start of a tough challenge. Accomplished climber and founder of Scottish mountain adventure company ROCKS AND TRAILS, 34 year-old Anna Wells is on a monumental journey. She’s attempting to become the first woman to top all 282 Munros during the astronomical winter (22 December-20 March), supported by brands AKU and LEKI.
This challenge covers approximately 2,000km in distance and an elevation gain of around 140,000m. To date, the winter Munro round has only been completed by three individuals – Martin Moran in 1985, Steve Perry in 2006 and Kevin Woods in 2020.
She plans to tackle this challenge with a rough average of 4-5 Munros/day, weather permitting, dedicating 60-70 days out of the 90 available, driven by inspiration from Moran’s book and Woods’ film.
She’s been kitted out with a selection of AKU boots and LEKI poles, supplied by UK distributor ARDBLAIR SPORTS IMPORTERS. Anna is no stranger to the quality and comfort of AKU boots after wearing them recently whilst completing the northern three Cuillin.
She explained her motivation for taking on this challenge, “I have always been totally addicted to big days in the mountains. I just feel completely at home in wild places and I’m passionate about finding adventure close to home. The simplicity of endless days of walking really appeals to me; away from the trivialities of daily life, but also quite unburdened kit-wise compared to my usual winter activities of ice/mixed climbing, skiing and paragliding.
“I love the idea of waking up each morning, packing a rucksack, and walking up some hills, every day for three whole months. I’m very grateful to those supporting me, in particular Ardblair for supplying AKU boots and LEKI poles, along with my other sponsors ALPKIT and BRIDGEDALE.”
Follow Anna’s journey – @rocksandtrails.
Background:
After a career change from medicine, Anna is a fully qualified Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor (MCI) and International Mountain Leader (IML). As an accomplished climber and Alpinist, Anna has summited 55 4000 m Alpine peaks, represented Britain in numerous Ice Climbing World Cups, scaled El Capitan and set the female Cuillin Ridge Speed Record on Skye in summer and winter.
