I can’t believe that my 2 year old son managed to climb Pen-y-ghent. As I have mentioned before we were originally going to Yorkshire to complete the Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge as part of my ‘Nine Months Of…’ campaign for Pregnancy Sickness Support. However, due to two bouts of bronchitis we had to stop training and decided to postpone the challenge until 6th September. As the accommodation was still booked, we went for a family holiday instead.
We hadn’t planned on Adam walking up a peak. Mum and I wanted to see what the climb would be like in September and decided Adam would go as far as he could before the men returned to the car. We were unprepared for Adam to go very far. Between us we had two small bottles of water, soya for Adam, two snacks and the usual nappies etc. As soon as we got off the road Adam was off.
Pen-y-ghent is the smallest of the 3 peaks although still 694 meters. Considering we live in Norfolk Adam has never seen a peak let alone climbed one. He did extremely well. Not once did he opt for the easy route. In fact he usually chose the hardest path to take.
Adam didn’t want help and appeared to relish in the challenge.
Despite the steep incline Adam kept on running up the hill. Luckily for us he resisted wanting to run back the other way. The view was spectacular walking up Pen-y-ghent.
During the walk he befriended an 8 year boy called Daniel. Daniel was so kind to Adam and told him about his walking adventures up Snowdonia and Pen-y-ghent.
Everyone who passed Adam could not believe he had only just turned 2. He had more energy than all of us put together and didn’t complain. All the time he was focused on the path ahead and the next obstacle in the way. Following the path across the fields went well. However, the ascent to the top of the Peak was difficult to say the least.
The path narrowed, there was a drop down one side which seemed to go on forever and instead of steep path we were now rock climbing.
It wasn’t only Adam that did well at this point. Grandad does not like heights and did incredibly well with the rock climbing. We hadn’t realised how steep the ‘scramble’ up would be. Finally we reached the top of Pen-y-Ghent. Adam celebrated with a big “ooooo-yeah!”
We all decided that going back down the peak the same way was not an option. Adam was not very happy that we didn’t turn around to go back down or about having a nappy change at the top of the peak. However, once he realised he could run down the peak he soon cheered up. We had to put Adam’s backpack reins on him to prevent him running too fast.
It wasn’t too long before Adam and Chris were in the distance.
We also met up with Daniel and his family on the way back down. He couldn’t believe that Adam was still running. Despite walking for 4 hours and 7 miles without a break Adam was still cheerful – and running to find the next puddle.
He had certainly earnt his Pen-y-ghent badge!
So how did Adam recover from his epic walk? He slept for 45 minutes and then we met up with Katrina, Griffin and Scott from Mummy Whiskers for tea. Our two HG survivors spent time playing outside. Adam was overjoyed to realise he could climb the wrong way up the slide. It was lovely to meet up with Katrina – not long now until BritMums Live when we get a whole weekend together! Adam finally dropped at 9.30pm but was still up at 5.30am the next day!
Spewing Mummy has a great post about how her 6 year old son had recently persevered to carve a spoon from a piece of wood using his pen knife. Caitlin writes “It’s no wonder Alfie worked so hard and endured so much for his spoon…He’s a Hyperemesis Survivor!” I believe the same is true for Adam. He has a fighting spirit and is determined in everything he does. He managed to walk/run all that way on a packet of soya chocolate buttons and soya drink and still wouldn’t rest when we reached the cafe. Hyperemesis certainly creates strong survivors.
The trip has made me more determined to complete the Yorkshire 3 Peaks within the 12 hours. It has given me a better understanding of the challenge and I’m better prepared for training ahead. All I need to think about is Adam running up that peak to spur me on. If you would like to spur me on with the fundraising you can donate here:
All the money raised goes directly to Pregnancy Sickness Support.
Adam was 2 years old.
I am in awe of Adam! I thought my little one was good for the walking that she does but it is nothing compared to this! lovely post xx
He was a little star. Since his was 9 months old there has been no stooping him. I wish I had his energy.
That’s a brilliant effort from your amazing tot ! What a great walker! From the smiles in the pics it looks like he enjoyed every minute of it! Nothing like a nappy change with a view either…!!!!
Thank you. I had expected the next day that he would slow down but he didn’t!
What an amazing young man you have – I don’t think I could do what he did! #SSAA
He certainly will be my incentive to complete the Yorkshire 3 Peaks in September.
What a little inspiration Adam is! What an incredible achievement for such little legs. His strength and energy will keep you going in your challenge. The views look spectacular, what a lovely memory to have too x
It was a special day and no doubt one we will tell him about several times in the years to come!
Adam is amazing, what a way to walk and it sounds like he relished the challenge. Beautiful scenery and a great adventure. Thank you for joining me on Country Kids.
Adam certainly enjoys an adventure and a challenge and if it involves running then all the better!
That is brilliant, what an amazing adventure to have and remember together. Love all the adventurous hiking photos too. Happy times to cherish there for sure. Congrats that’s big deal for such a little one. lol Great views too! Thanks for linking up to Share With Me #sharewithme
I bet it is something he will be reminded about several times over the years – probably when he is refusing to do a short walk some time in the future!
It’s so true that our HG babies are incredibly strong and can achieve anything, was lovely to see you guys again and great to see the photos of Adam climbing the peak, such an amazing little guy, give him a big hug from us! X
I wish we lived closer. I know the boys would be inseparable. It’s great how well they get on straight away as if they always see each other. Miss you all x
Wow, pretty impressive at 2. My son’s 3 and although he’s good at walking outside for ages, I don’t think he’d have done all that.
Adam certainly likes a challenge.
Wow, well done Adam! Some adults couldn’t manage that so he’s a pretty amazing little chap to have completed it. Looks like everyone had a great time 🙂 #magicmoments #countrykids
There were certainly a few times when we were rock climbing that I thought I couldn’t get up there. Then I looked at how much fun Adam was having!
WOW, you are such a superstar Adam. I doubt I could walk that far at 34! He really did manage that walk/climb so well, I can tell how proud you are.
Thanks for linking up with Small Steps Amazing Achievements :0)
x
I feel Adam could become an adrenaline junkie! Jumping out of planes next.
Wow thats all that I can say! Congrats! #magicmoments
Wow was a word we repeatedly throughout the climb!
Dropping by again for #alphabetphoto and still in awe of his walking powers =)
What an incredible effort! Well done Adam 🙂 Looks like a beautiful walk – quite inspiring! #alphabetphoto
What an inspiration, such an amazing effort. You must have been so proud. Looks so beautiful too. Thanks for sharing with #alphabetphoto