Yorkshireman Becomes First to Cycle Highest Mountains in UK

Jack Harrison, a 28-year-old ultra-endurance athlete and helicopter engineer from York, has become the first recorded person to summit the highest legally rideable mountains in England, Scotland and Wales by mountain bike – a feat that took over three years to complete. 

This challenge saw Jack conquer:

• Snowdon (1085m) – highest mountain and bridleway in Wales
• Helvellyn (950m) – highest bridleway and third highest mountain in England
• Ben Macdui (1309m) – second highest mountain in Scotland and the UK

“Helvellyn was the most technical up and down, Snowdon was the quickest but arguably the most physical, and Ben Macdui was the longest day out, taking over 6 hours,” said Jack.

The challenge began in 2022 when Jack realised it was legal to cycle up Snowdon during off-peak periods. Motivated by YouTube videos, he cycled Snowdon in 1 hour 45 minutes up and 11 minutes down, before taking on Helvellyn the following month – both after work, racing daylight to the summit.

Scotland posed a tougher logistical puzzle. Although access rights allow cyclists on all paths, Ben Nevis was ruled out after two reconnaissance hikes, citing poor rideability and heavy footfall traffic. He opted instead for Ben Macdui, the next highest and far more rideable peak, completing the ascent with a full day in hand.

“I did Snowdon and Helvellyn after work, trying to beat nightfall,” said Jack. “Ben Macdui required a bit more planning, but it was worth the wait.”

Jack now sets his sights on his next cycling challenge: the Kielder Chiller 24, a 24-hour mountain bike race through the night in Northumberland.