The Ethels — a collection of hills named after Peak District conservationist Ethel Haythornthwaite — are scattered across the national park’s varied and often unforgiving terrain. While many walkers aim to summit all 95 over time, Ben believes no one has ever completed them in one uninterrupted expedition.
“After researching the challenge extensively, I’ve found no record of anyone completing all the Ethels in a single journey,” he said. “What began two years ago as a late-night ‘I wonder if this is even possible?’ has turned into a fully mapped expedition and a year-long physical and mental training commitment.”
500 Kilometres. No Resupply. Barefoot Sandals.
The route will cover approximately 500 kilometres, with Ben averaging around 50km per day as he traverses every corner of the Peak District. The terrain includes some of the region’s most iconic — and toughest — landscapes, from exposed moorland to steep, rocky ascents.
Adding to the scale of the challenge, Ben will be wild camping each night and carrying all necessary supplies from the outset.
“I won’t be resupplying once I set off,” he explained. “That makes this a completely self-supported endurance challenge.”
In a further test of resilience, he will complete the entire route wearing barefoot sandals — a minimalist style of footwear that offers little cushioning or support compared to traditional hiking boots. Covering such distance over rugged ground would be demanding under any circumstances; doing so in barefoot footwear adds another significant layer of physical strain.
Raising Funds and Awareness
Beyond the physical achievement, the expedition has a deeper purpose. Ben is aiming to raise £2,000 for Mental Health UK and CPRE, supporting causes that reflect his commitment to both mental wellbeing and the protection of Britain’s countryside.
He also hopes the challenge will highlight the positive impact of time spent outdoors on mental health, while promoting growing interest in natural movement and a more barefoot lifestyle.
“This challenge is as much about mindset as it is about endurance,” he said. “Time in the outdoors has had a huge impact on my own mental resilience, and I want to show what’s possible with a crazy idea, preparation and belief.”
Full details of the expedition can be found at benschallenge.com.
