Climber Laura completes 'full house' of 1,072 peaks around UK

Scottish climber Laura Baillie has reached a significant milestone by completing the “full house” challenge, which involves summiting all of the UK’s highest peaks. At 38 years old, Laura joined an exclusive group of about 100 individuals who have stood atop all 1,072 summits required by the Scottish Mountaineering Club. Her final climb was Carn na h-Easgainn, located in the Highlands south of Inverness, marking the end of an impressive journey across Scotland, England, Wales, and Ireland.

The challenge that Laura undertook demands the ascent of every Munro, Munro Top, Corbett, Graham, and Donald in Scotland along with each Furth in the other countries. For her last summit, she intentionally chose Carn na h-Easgainn, a relatively straightforward climb that allowed her family and friends to be present for the celebration. Notably, even her 89-year-old grandmother was able to join her at the peak, facilitated by special access that permitted her to be driven close to the summit.

Laura explained her decision to save this easier climb for last: “I left that one for last so that friends and family can join. I left them a super-easy one, it’s an estate track all the way up.” She added that her mother was granted permission to drive her grandmother to the top, an experience Laura described as “so, so special.” Over the years, her accomplishment has required repeated trips to remote areas, early starts, and enduring various weather conditions, reflected in her comment about tackling “pathless terrain, chest-deep bracken” during the more challenging Corbett climbs.

Despite not being a professional athlete, Laura managed this remarkable feat while balancing her day job as a property manager in Glasgow. She attributes her success to dedication and a deep love of Scotland’s hills. Often hiking alone, she takes precautions by sharing her planned routes and estimated finish times with family and friends to ensure her safety in Scotland’s isolated landscapes. With this achievement, Laura Baillie has cemented herself as one of the youngest women to finish this strenuous and highly respected mountaineering challenge

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