Can I do it? Can I climb 300,000 feet of ascent in 2011? To be honest, I don’t know, but I guess that’s why it’s a challenge. By the way, “climbing” for me means walking uphill – I’m very much a hill-walker, a Munroist indeed!

Break it down and it only equals 822 ft per day, so it’s no great feat of endurance or strength. But it’s still a challenge, especially as today is January 14th and I’ve only climbed 4404ft so far, over 7000ft down already!

**UPDATE** I’ve decided (on March 7th) that 365,000 feet or a 1,000 feet per day is a bit more of a challenge and the maths is easier!

I have a slight advantage that I live at the foot of the Ochils in Clackmannanshire, so at least I don’t have to drive anywhere to do this. The Nebit (a 1381ft climb) is my local “training” hill, so if you want to find me, that will be a good place to start!

Alva and snow covered Ochil Hills. The Nebit is on the right.

As much as I like The Nebit, I don’t want to spend the whole year on it’s slopes so I’m hoping a planned trip to Scotland’s Northwest will bump up the tally a bit. A planned week on Tiree won’t!

I’ll Tweet and post some updates along the way. Wish me luck!

**06/12/2011 UPDATE**

Well, we’ve done it! And with four weeks to spare. I say “we” because my good wife decided to take up the challenge as well. With four weeks left I wonder if we can get to 400,000ft? We’ll have a go but its quite wintry on the hills at present.

**31/12/2011 UPDATE** Earlier today my 136th ascent of the Nebit this year took my total ascent for 2011 to 400842 feet. Made it! And tomorrow I’ll start all over again.

Tags: challenge, hillwalking, Ochils, Scotland