A HIKER has set a new record time for a self-supported continuous hike of Alfred Wainwright’s 214 Lake District peaks.

James Forrest, 37, a journalist and adventurer from Cockermouth, walked 328 miles to complete the peak-bagging feat in 14 days and 11 hours.

The inov-8 ambassador ascended 36,000m and wild camped for 14 consecutive nights during the adventure.

Hiking alone with no support crew or pre-arranged help, James carried all his kit and camping equipment in a large rucksack. He occasionally re-supplied along the route with food and gas that he had earlier stashed in secret locations.

The journalist and author hiked an average of 13 hours a day, battling all manner of brutal weather conditions. He wild camped amid the remote fells, and also slept overnight in a cave, barn and church.

It is the fastest self-supported completion, beating what is believed to be the previous record of 25 days, set by Jack Roberts in 2017.

James – a bored office worker turned intrepid adventurer who has set a number of mountain-bagging hike records across the UK and Ireland – said: “I am ecstatic with the time I’ve set and so relieved to have finished.

“The atrocious weather transformed the journey into a rather gruelling and traumatic experience – I’ve never felt so utterly miserable and unhappy on a mountain before. I thought the torrential rain and strong winds would never stop.

“But I’m so happy that I found the strength and resilience to keep going and make it to the finish line – it was really emotional arriving into Keswick, cheered on by friends and family. That moment will stay with me forever.

“It has been the challenge of a lifetime. I love the Lake District and – if I can somehow forget the thrashings I took from the weather gods – I hope the enduring memories of my expedition will be the times when the sun did shine and I relished the peace, beauty and escapism of Lakeland.

“The Lake District is a special place and we should all respect and look after it.”

James adhered to 'leave no trace' principles during his trip, camping responsibly by carrying out all litter, never lighting fires, pitching late and leaving early.

The fastest supported completion – and overall record – is held by inov-8 ultra runner Paul Tierney who, in 2019, did it in a phenomenal six days, six hours and five minutes.