Running High: The First Continuous Traverse of the 303 Mountains of Britain & Ireland

by Hugh Symonds

This is the story of an epic run of 2000 miles in 97 days. Hugh Symonds ran to the top of all 277 Scottish Munros, 4 English tops, 15 Welsh peaks and 7 Irish summits in his marathon run. The book is a fascinating human account, in diary form, not only by Hugh but also by his wife Pauline and the children who acted as his support team. Hugh's run was the first continuous traverse of the 3000 foot mountains of Britain and Ireland. Hugh's run was also the subject of a Channel 4 documentary, also called Running High.

Genres: Nonfiction

273 pages, Paperback

First published October 31, 1991

Reviews

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I decided to read this after reading Feet in the Clouds (which really enjoyed).

Reading this book in 2025, I have massive admiration for Hugh’s achievement. When you consider the advancements in technology, having GPS watches, mobiles and computers to plan routes.

I found this book inspiring and decided to get a OS map of my area to find new trails or routes. Also, to go a little lower tech when running.

I appreciated all of the different view points, Hugh’s as the runner, Pauline (his wife) holding down the fort with the 3 children and then the children’s diary’s at the end. Also, I found the appendix at the end very useful and interesting.

I would recommend this book.

[Douglas Law · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book and even greater achievement.

[Darren Beech · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting insight into the ultra challenge world

[Guy Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspirational

[Nick Stevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this book twice now and it's a great account of an incredible mountain journey on foot.

[Andy Weston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hugh is a personal friend. This was an extraordinary accomplishment, and his writing makes the adventure element come to life.

Follow his progress on his bike on www.crazyguyonabike.com