Extreme adventurer, mental health advocate, and award-winning charity founder Alex Staniforth is preparing for his most ambitious challenge yet: an epic attempt to climb all 446 mountains in England and Wales in one continuous, self-powered expedition in under 50 days.
Launching in May 2025, the 446 Challenge marks the 10th anniversary of the 2015 Nepal earthquake, where Alex survived being stranded on Mount Everest while three of his Sherpa teammates tragically lost their lives at Base Camp. The challenge also coincides with Alex’s 30th birthday, a milestone he is determined to mark by taking on his most ambitious adventure yet. The aim of the challenge combines Alex’s passion for the great outdoors with his mission to raise awareness around mental health.
“I want to show that no mountain is insurmountable,” said Alex. “Too many young people, especially young men, struggle to find their way and may never reach life’s milestones. This challenge is my way of creating hope, breaking down stigma, and showing what we can achieve when we keep moving forward.”
The 446 Challenge is unique in scale, speed, and purpose. While adventurer James Forrest previously climbed all 446 summits within a record time of six months while holding down a full-time job, nobody has attempted to summit all 446 ‘Nuttalls’ in the UK (peaks over 610m with at least 15m prominence) in a continuous, human-powered push. Alex will run or cycle more than 2,900km with a total ascent of 86,000m – the equivalent of climbing Mount Everest almost ten times. He will travel entirely by foot and bike, supported by a motorhome crew but without vehicle assistance between peaks. Each night, he will sleep in the motorhome before continuing on with his challenge. The route begins in Dartmoor before continuing on to Wales, the Peak District, Yorkshire Dales, Pennines, and Northumberland, finishing in the Lake District.
Alex aims to raise at least £100,000 for Mind Over Mountains – a charity he co-founded in 2020, which delivers professionally supported outdoor walking experiences to restore and sustain mental wellbeing. The funds will allow the charity to expand into Scotland by 2026 and enable 1,000 people to attend guided walks and retreats, combining mountain walking, mindfulness, and one-to-one coaching and counselling.
Based in Kendal, near the Lake District, Alex is undertaking intensive training for the challenge, including running across the fells weekly, alongside cycling and strength conditioning. Recent milestones include finishing 2nd in the Grizedale Marathon.
Several corporate sponsors have already been secured to support the challenge, including Jordan’s Motor Group, Swyft Home, Inov-8, Ellis Brigham, VOOM Nutrition, and COROS. More sponsors are being sought to support the challenge and help raise vital funds for the Mind Over Mountains Charity.
Jessica Thorp of Jordan’s Leisure said; “Mental health impacts so many people in their lives, and at Jordans Leisure, we are proud to support the 446 Challenge. What better way than to get out into the countryside in a motorhome or campervan, backing Alex on this formidable journey. We’re thrilled to be part of such an important cause and can’t wait to see him take on this incredible challenge!”
Individuals can get involved by donating, following the journey online, or joining Alex at selected points along the route. A free app and live tracking map will also allow supporters to follow Alex’s progress as he travels across the country. Businesses and organisations can sponsor the challenge as a major partner or sponsor one of the 446 peaks for £500.
More info: www.alexstaniforth.com/446challenge
