The 7 summits consist of the highest mountain on each of the 7 continents. There are a couple of variations depending on your view of what constitutes a continent, namely the ‘Bass version’ or the ‘Messner version’.

The 7 summits were first completed by Richard ‘Dick’ Bass in 1985, his version being with Kosciuszko on the Australian continent whilst Reinhold Messner completed the 7 with Carstensz Pyramid instead, covering the whole of Oceania. Since Dick first completed the 7 another 416 mountaineers from across the globe have followed in his or Messner’s footsteps.

The stats and facts:

• 416 mountaineers from 61 countries (stats correct at end of 2016)

• 72 women in total (dates correct as above)

• 36 Brits (dates correct as above)

• 9 British women – I will hopefully be the 10th (keep your fingers crossed!)

WHY THE 7?

 For any mountain that I have climbed it has always been for the mountain itself rather than the number or perceived honour obtained and for their own unique challenge rather than having the 7 summits in my sights however, the challenge is now on.

Like everything in life, each mountain has its own challenges and to me, each is special in its own right. Everest for its sheer size, Carstensz Pyramid for the jungle/heat/bugs/rain, Vinson for the remoteness, Denali for the gnarly weather, Aconcagua for the changeable conditions, Elbrus for the big summit day and Kilimanjaro because it was my first.

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SUMMIT SHOTS