Cumbrian walker honours loved one across the fells
At just 20-years-old, Tom Strong has set his sights on one of the Lake District’s most demanding challenges, climbing all 214 Wainwright fells in 2026.
However, this is not just a test of endurance. It is a tribute.
In December last year, Tom’s grandma, Sylvia, died after battling a long-term illness. She spent her life in nature, passing this passion on to her grandchildren.
“My gran was a big advocate for it [the outdoors],” said Tom.
“She’s done the Wainwrights herself, and I suppose that’s another big driving force of why I want to do it.”
The Wainwrights are a set of 214 peaks described by Alfred Wainwright in his series of books, ‘Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells’. By the end of the challenge, Tom will have walked 215 miles and climbed 36,000 metres of elevation, which is over four times the height of Mount Everest.
Not only is it a test of fitness, but it is also a test of mental resilience. He says a “positive mindset gets me up in the mornings,” despite facing the unpredictable and gruelling weather of the Lake District on every climb.
Alongside this, Tom works full-time at the local nuclear fuel management site, Sellafield.
The Keswick-local said: “I’m working a nine-to-five…I’m trying to do as much as I can on the weekends.
“That balance has affected the challenge a bit, but it’s a price I’m willing to pay. Knowing that I’ve got the correct help behind my back, such as my dad and my friends… [has been] a positive.”
Watching his gran’s health decline throughout his childhood was hard for Tom, often leaving him feeling helpless. Walking has now provided him the opportunity to move forward, whilst also keeping her close.
“When I started climbing, my granny struggled a bit more [to walk],” he recalled.
“[It’s nice]to be following in her footsteps…it’s a note to her.”
Every hiker has a climb that stands above the rest. Whether it is due to its magnitude or its popularity, walkers travel from all over to attempt one of the 214 fells.
“Great Gable would be a really special one for me,” he said.
“It was my granny’s favourite mountain… she did a National Trust campaign [on the famous summit].”
Tom’s walking ambitions for 2026 aren’t just restricted to the Lake District. In May, he will travel to Morocco to undertake his toughest challenge yet.
He added: “I’m off to climb my first 4000 metre peak, a two-day trek up Mount Toubkal…it’s the highest mountain in North Africa.”
All of this is in memory of his grandma. He will be raising money for Macmillan, a charity close to the family’s heart, and says it is “a pleasure” to honour her, supporting a cause that meant so much to them.
Top Ten Wainwrights in height:
- Scafell Pike – 978 metres
- Scafell – 964 metres
- Helvellyn – 950 metres
- Skiddaw – 931 metres
- Great End – 910 metres
- Bowfell – 902 metres
- Great Gable – 899 metres
- Pillar – 892 metres
- Nethermost Pike – 890 metres
- Catstycam – 889 metres
