A Welshman has become the first person to run across all of Wales’ 189 mountains - completing the feat for charity.

Will Renwick, 31, ran 500 miles solo across Wales in just under a month - a feat which had never been achieved before. Going from south to north, Will ran up the 189 mountains self-supported, carrying all his gear on his back in just three weeks.

The route covered every peak in Wales over 2000ft in height, or 50m elevation.

The challenge started on September, 10 2021, and ended on October 4 in Conwy.

Will is raising funds for outdoor mental health charity Mind Over Mountains.

Mind Over Mountains are a mental health charity, bringing together the healing power of nature, mindfulness and unpressured time to talk with professionals. A critical time where many need immediate and accessible mental health services, according to ONS data, depression rates have doubled since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

Will says the generosity of strangers donating to Mind Over Mountains is what kept him going.

“The idea of a gigantic, never-been-done-before adventure within my home country really appealed to me, especially if I tied it to a charity with a cause that’s close to my heart,” he said.

“Mind Over mountains is a small charity making a big difference for people and I’m proud to be fund raising for them.”

Will has raised almost £7000 for the charity through his efforts.

Alex Staniforth, the co-founder of Mind Over Mountains, said: “We’re thrilled that Will has chosen to support Mind Over Mountains through such a phenomenal challenge. It perfectly embodies our ethos in the power of spending time outdoors for our physical and mental well-being.

“Will’s journey will inspire so many whilst enabling us to help others in need to access their own mountains and the support they need.”

Will’s 500-mile journey began in the Black Mountain range in the western Brecon Beacons. His route progressively got more challenging, with Snowdon and the rest of the Welsh 3000s left until last.

The incredible challenge took a toll on both Will and his gear. His ankles were aching, he had holes in his feet and his one lighter broke, meaning his ‘boil in a bag’ meals were eaten cold.

Will is no stranger to an endurance record. In 2013, he became the youngest person to walk around the perimeter of Wales via the Wales Coast Path and Offa’s Dyke Path - a record which has since been broken.

Since then, he has become President of Ramblers Cymru and the editor of the magazine, Outdoors Magic and Trustee for the Cambrian Way.

To keep up with Will and his future endeavours, visit his Instagram @will_renwick, Twitter @WillWalksWales or to donate visit Will’s JustGiving page by clicking here.