The Queen of the fells, Nicky Spinks, chats about her love of mountains, breaking records and beating breast cancer

WORDS: CLAIRE CHAMBERLAIN

COVER STAR

PHOTOS: JOSEPH BRANSTON

As the phone rings for my interview with Nicky Spinks, I’m acutely aware of the fact I’m about to chat with running royalty. In case you didn’t know, fell and ultra runner Nicky has achieved feats of endurance most of us can only dream of. Notably, she holds the record for the Double Bob Graham Round (climbing 42 Lakeland fells, twice – a total elevation of 54,000ft and a distance of 132 miles, in a time of 45hrs 30mins); and in June 2018, she became the first person ever to complete a Double Charlie Ramsay Round (summiting 24 Scottish peaks, including Ben Nevis, all twice; 116 miles and 57,000ft of elevation, in a time of 55hrs 56mins).

Her achievements haven’t gone unnoticed, either. This summer she was awarded the British Empire Medal for her services to sport and charity.

It’s safe to say I’m suitably star-struck when the Queen of the Fells answers the phone. But I needn’t have worried. Nicky, it turns out, is incredibly down to earth and, what’s more, is perfectly happy to take time out from work on her farm to chat with me about all things running, mountains and beating breast cancer…