'The mountains have always been a sanctuary for me'

Dan Beaumont got involved with fell running 18 months ago

A fell runner is set to complete a nationwide endurance challenge for charity this weekend.

Dan Beaumont, who is originally from the Lake District but now lives in Southville, Bristol, is taking on the UK’s four big mountain running “rounds” to raise money for Mind Over Mountains, a mental health charity.

He is working alongside a camera crew to document the experience, which he plans on turning into a film about mental health.

“In a world where we’re increasingly connected online but often feel more isolated, I believe that spending time in nature with loved ones is a powerful way to foster real connections and improve mental well-being," Mr Beaumont said.

The 33-year-old was working in a "really stressful" finance job in London, which led to him becoming burnt out and struggling with his mental health.

After returning home to Cumbria for "some much-needed respite" about 18 months ago, he discovered mountain fell running and immediately became "fascinated" with the sport.

Dan Beaumont turned to the outdoors when he was struggling with his mental health

He found out about The Big Four Rounds challenge, which involves scaling 152 summits, more than 102,362ft (31,200km) and almost 248 miles (400km) across the highest peaks within the UK.

Each route has to be completed in under 24 hours to gain "official" recognition.

The rounds are named after the runner that created the route:

• Bob Graham - the route in the Lake District, England

• Paddy Buckley - the route in Snowdonia, Wales

• Denis Rankin - the route in County Down, Northern Ireland

• Charlie Ramsay - the route in Fort William, Scotland

Mr Beaumont completed the Bob Graham route in May 2023, which prompted him to embark on the remaining three.

He has already completed the Paddy Buckley and the Denis Rankin in under 24 hours.

'A place of solace'

Mr Beaumont said the mountains have been a "constant presence" in his life.

"My earliest memories are of being carried on my dad’s back, exploring these beautiful landscapes.

"The mountains have always been a sanctuary for me, a place of solace and rejuvenation whenever life felt overwhelming," he added.

Mind Over Mountains helps people who are struggling mentally by encouraging them to turn to the great outdoors - a mission which Mr Beaumont "deeply resonates" with.

So far, he has raised more than £7,200 for the cause.

"The challenge has been a wonderful excuse to bring people together", Dan Beaumont said

Mr Beaumont will embark on the Charlie Ramsay - his final round - on Saturday morning.

"This challenge has been a wonderful excuse to bring people together, giving us all something to aim for and celebrate," he said.

“Running 100km is difficult in itself, even on flat ground, but if you’re navigating really wild and technical terrain with adverse weather conditions, it adds a whole other element.

“My plan is to take it one peak at a time and embrace the journey ahead."