On 25 June, 45 intrepid individuals set off from Mayer Brown and headed northward to the Lake District to take on the 25 Peak Challenge.  Having successfully overcome the challenges of getting 45 people seats on the train without causing a riot, confidence was high as we arrived at Buttermere on Friday evening, boosted by the late night arrival of one of the corporate boys AWOL from his Takeover Code. 

An early start on Saturday morning didn't do anything to dampen spirits as we marched off to the first peak of the weekend.  The enormity of the challenge became apparent as we headed up the first incredibly steep ascent but everyone rose to the occasion and made it to the top from where we made our way across,  up and down some of the iconic Lake District Peaks.  All made it safely down to Langdale (in some cases after 12+ hours), where dinner was followed by a night under canvas, enjoyed by some more than others.  Sunday morning saw the tired limbs shaken out as the group split and set off to tackle a second day. With the sun less fierce than the day before, a brilliant day was had by all.

Special congratulations go to Mayer Brown's very own band of Sherpas who flew over an incredible 14 peaks on Sunday and still managed to make it back for dinner.  Having overcome the disappointment/embarrassment that was the England football team, the group gathered to celebrate with suitable refreshments, an awards ceremony and (for one) swimming in Lake Ullswater.  For some the challenges of day weren’t quite enough, and a few diehards drew the evening to a close with a spectacular display of tequila-fuelled human pyramiding.  It was a weary bunch who arrived back at Euston, but the blisters, bites and sunburn were all worth it as a cracking weekend drew to a close.

Every last person who took part managed to climb their own Everest to overcome exhaustion, treacherous bogs, near death scree slides, flesh eating midges and mad sheep on Helvellyn.  We are all extremely proud of what we achieved on a trek that was much more demanding than everyone had expected.

I have grazed ankles from my boots and may be selling all my walking gear shortly ....

I hope you have enjoyed reading this report and thank you all for your support.

Tracey