Why I climbed all 282 Munros at the age of 80 - Nick Gardner’s fundraising feat

When Nick Gardner, from Gairloch, in the north-western Scottish Highlands turned 80 years old he set himself the challenge of climbing all 282 Scotland Munros within 1200 days.

Nick took on the challenge to raise money for both the ROS and Alzheimer Scotland after his wife, Janet, was diagnosed with osteoporosis and Alzheimer’s disease.

On Saturday 13 August 2022, now 82-year-old Nick, finished his incredible challenge, climbing over 500,000 feet (152,000 metres) in total. That’s like scaling Everest (8,848m) 17 times and walking 2,000 miles (3,218 km) – the equivalent of hiking from Edinburgh to Greece! In total, he’s raised over £80,000 to be split between the two charities.

We caught up with Nick to find out more about what motivated him to take on this challenge, how he felt at the finish, and what he plans to do next.

What inspired you to take on this challenge in particular?

“I love mountains and have climbed many before, but I never thought to challenge myself to do them all.

“The initial reason for taking on this challenge was for myself. When Janet had to go into a care home due to her alzheimer’s and osteoporosis, I felt completely helpless. I knew then I had to get myself a project to concentrate on and as I’d been climbing my whole life I thought “right, let’s have a go at the Munros”.

“I turned 80 the week after we went into the first Covid-19 lockdown, so I didn’t actually end up starting the challenge until the end of July 2020, but since then, I’ve been able to keep going."

How did you feel finishing the final Munro?

“I’ve never had a day like it in my life. The whole experience has just been incredible and I’m so happy it turned out like this. The support I’ve received has been unbelievable and it’s really carried me through. To have so many supporters I’d met along the way there to celebrate my final Munro felt so special. Most people don’t get this experience, and I feel very lucky.

When I embarked on this challenge, I knew what l was letting myself in for from a climbing point of view, but l had no idea of the logistical work that was necessary. My daughter Sally has done it all. Without Sally I know I would never have been able to do this. From organising arrangements, dealing with enquires about climbing, and handling social media the final munro really brought this all to light and I feel so grateful for her help.”

What was your favourite mountain?

“My local Munro, An Teallach is my favourite. Some people argue it’s the best mountain in the UK. When it’s on your doorstep, I don’t know why you would drive anywhere else. Every day the weather is so different and it’s so beautiful up there.”

What do you hope to achieve through your fundraising?

“I hope through my fundraising efforts, osteoporosis can be one for the history books. It’s an illness that I believe can be eradicated through knowledge and awareness and I would like to spread the message that by taking positive action for our bone health throughout our lives, we can help reduce our risk of osteoporosis when we’re older. I know walking is a weight-bearing exercise that is great for your bone health, so I hope I inspire others to walk more too.”

What are your plans next?

“Doing this challenge has made me so fit and feel so well within myself that I’m not going to stop. I love long days of walking and can still walk for 14 hours. I find the mountains so therapeutic that the mental aspect of the Munro challenge was never an issue. I always knew I had the mental stamina to do it, I just hoped my knees would manage to behave themselves too! Luckily they have, but sometimes they get sore so I think I’ll do long walks now instead, such as the Southwest Coastal Path.”

Among the ROS staff and volunteers who travelled up to Scotland to celebrate Nick’s final Munro was Craig Jones, Chief Executive and Rachel Hughes, Head of Supporter Engagement.

Craig said:

“Nick’s achieved is one of the most impressive fundraising efforts in the ROS’ 35-year history. He’s inspired not only the charity, but thousands of people who will remember this for a long time.”

Rachel said:

“I feel really inspired by what Nick has achieved. We’re so grateful to Nick for undertaking this incredible challenge in aid of the ROS and Alzheimer Scotland and we’d like to say a massive ‘thank you’ to him. It’s been amazing joining him on his final walk and I would now like to climb more Munros having completed this one!”

By supporting the ROS, you’re changing lives. You’re fuelling pioneering research and powering policy-changing campaign work. And ensuring our vital Helpline continues to be there – for anyone who needs it.

However you choose to be a supporter, from challenges like Nick’s, to leaving a gift in your will, together we can beat osteoporosis.

To read more about Nick's story and support his challenge, visit his JustGiving page. If Nick’s story has inspired you and you’d like to get involved in a challenge visit our fundraising page.