A CUMBRIAN adventurer has become the first person to complete a self-powered round of dozens of routes that feature in a renowned book of UK rock climbs.

Carrying all her kit with her, Anna Taylor, from Windermere, cycled 2,400 kilometres and climbed over 10,000 metres during a self-powered journey that lasted 62 days and saw her climb the 83 routes that are listed in the iconic ‘Classic Rock’ guidebook.

Contending with everything that the UK weather could throw at her she journeyed from South West England, to Wales, the Peak District, Lake District, and then up to the Scottish Highlands, before finishing on the infamous Cuillin ridge on the Isle of Skye.

Published in 1978, Classic Rock is one of the most well-regarded climbing books of all time.

Written by leading outdoor journalist Ken Wilson, it features 83 of the best rock climbs (up to the grade of ‘very severe’ or VS) that the country has to offer.

Just as walkers and runners set out to complete the Munro mountains in Scotland or the Wainwright fells in the Lake District, some climbers make a long-term project out of ticking off all of the Classic Rock routes.

The 23-year-old discovered that a self-powered round of the routes had never been done before and set out on her expedition on July 31 from Cornwall.

She cycled between each area and carried all of her own kit, and the only other form of transport she used was ferries to get to the routes based on islands.

Not only did Miss Taylor successfully climb all 83 routes, but she also completed the vast majority solo, adding complexity, time and danger to the trip.

“I am both delighted and relieved to complete my Classic Rock journey,” she said.

“I’ve learnt so much over the last couple of months and the experience has certainly been memorable – it has been good, bad and at times downright ugly!

“Soloing a wet route covered in vegetation is not much fun, while my legs were definitely not ready for cycling hundreds of miles while carrying all of my climbing gear. Add in a bout of sickness and some lively weather and the round was far from straightforward, but the compensations more than made up for all of that.

“Climbing long routes on beautiful faces high in the mountains with minimal equipment, is a pretty special experience.

“The journey has taken me to new and wonderful places in the UK, while also reminding me why I love my home patch in the Lake District. I have gained an even greater appreciation of the amazing landscapes on these shores, and of the amazing routes that Ken Wilson collected in Classic Rock.”