In an extraordinary accomplishment, a dog from Ripley has etched its name in the annals of mountaineering history by becoming the first to conquer every mountain in England, as attested by its owner.
Jon Birtle, a civil engineer, proudly recounts the journey he and Bentley, his nine-year-old Yorkshire Jack Russell terrier, embarked upon to accomplish this monumental feat, which culminated earlier this month.
Their odyssey began in 2019 when Mr. Birtle marked his 50th birthday and sought an unconventional way to commemorate the occasion. The decision was made to ascend Pen-y-ghent in the Yorkshire Dales, igniting a passion that led them to tackle the remaining two Yorkshire peaks with equal fervor.
Driven by their initial success, Mr. Birtle delved deeper, researching and conquering all 41 mountains in Yorkshire before elevating the challenge to encompass all 180 mountains in England exceeding 2,000 feet (610 meters) – known as Hewitts.
Their journey was not without its trials. Battling adverse weather conditions, pandemic-induced lockdowns, exclusion zones, and injuries, the intrepid duo persisted, averaging a climb every three weeks over the span of five years. From the rugged terrain of the Yorkshire Dales to the expansive vistas of the Peak District, the Lake District, and Dartmoor, they traversed over 600 miles, with Bentley clocking over half a million steps.
Each summit was immortalized with a date-stamped photo of Bentley, amassing a devoted following on social media who eagerly tracked their progress.
Reflecting on their achievement, Mr. Birtle expressed profound gratitude for the transformative impact of their journey on his mental well-being. He remarked, “All the pressures of life are left up at the top of the mountain – it is like a soul cleanser.”
As they look towards the future, Mr. Birtle vows to continue their adventures, fueled by their shared passion for exploration. With Bentley still in prime physical condition at nine years old, there are undoubtedly many more mountains yet to conquer for this indomitable pair.
