Episode 25 - Martin Moran Round with Robin Downie

In this episode I sit down with Robin Downie to talk about his inaugural completion of the Martin Moran Round in Torridon. Devised by Robin - himself a local of Lochcarron - he completed the 86km round in August 2022 and named it in memory of mountaineering legend Martin Moran, the local guide who sadly perished in the Indian Himalayas in 2019. Robin had been inspired since his youth by Martin's many achievements, which include the first continuous traverse of the Alpine 4000m peaks (Alps 4000, in 1994) and the first completion of the Munros in a single winter journey (1985), the Cuillin Ridge Traverse record, and many winter climbing first ascents in the North West and elsewhere. 

Robin's love for his local hills shines throughout the conversation. He chose to include 9 Munros and 6 Corbetts of Torridon, giving a wild and rough route with almost 9000m of ascent. He set a time of 20h51m47s. Aside from this round he has also completed the Celtman Ironman three times, as well as the Glencoe Skyline and many cycling races. 

Robin's Martin Moran Round raised funds for the Martin Moran Foundation, which was set up in Martin's memory to continue the work of passing on mountain skills to young people. They provide mountain skills courses for young people aged 16-18yrs who are passionate about the outdoors but don't otherwise have the support or resources to access mountain adventure. www.martinmoranfoundation.co.uk