Six-year-old Leon set to become the youngest hiker to scale Ireland's 32 county peaks
Later on today, six-year-old Leon Toase will become the youngest person ever to hike to the peak of all 32 counties in Ireland – one day shy of his seventh birthday.
Leon’s father Andrew spoke to the Newry Reporter about the challenge, saying that the inspiration to do it came from a shared love of hiking between the father and son.
“The challenge is to hike to the highest peak in every county in Ireland,” he explained.
“It's a challenge that High Point Ireland have been running for many years now and since February we have taken it upon ourselves to travel around the country and attempt.
“Leon has been out in the mountains since he was no age at all. My wife Sorcha came home with a book detailing the walks for the peaks of each county and suggested that we give it a go.
“I had a word with Leon and he was happy to try it. We started off local, doing Slieve Gullion and Slieve Foy in Armagh and Louth and it sort of snowballed from there.
“It has mostly just been me and Leon, but on various hikes other people have joined us along the way, between friends, family, his wee brother and his mother.”
The challenge comes to an end today, with Wicklow’s Lugnaquilla (925m) the final peak for Leon to scale. It is the second highest county peak, following Kerry’s Carrauntoohil.
“A nine-year-old and an eight-year-old have done it,” said Andrew.
“Leon was up for the challenge and he was well able for it. He has troopered on. He turns seven on Wednesday and we will be doing our last walk on Tuesday whilst he's still six.”
Andrew has been documenting Leon’s journey on Instagram, which you can view at: https://www.instagram.com/leonkadventures?igsh=MTM2Znpsd2Ywa3J5eA==
If you would like to learn more about the challenge, you can do so at: https://www.highpointireland.com/county-high-points.html