Joss Naylor

A parish chairman will beat the bounds of his area to raise funds for two local causes.

But this will be no stroll in the countryside, as the bounds include the two highest mountains in England – and the chairman is fellrunning legend Joss Naylor.

The veteran 76-year-old runner, possibly the sport’s best known elder statesmen, will tackle the 42km (26-mile) route to celebrate the Queen’s diamond jubilee on 2 June. In doing so he will climb 3,350m (11,000ft) as he runs the boundary of Wasdale Parish.

As well as Scafell and Scafell Pike, his route will take in Caw Fell, Haycock, Scoat Fell, Pillar, Kirk Fell, Great Gable, Great End, Illgill Head and Whin Rigg.

Mr Naylor, who spent his working life as a shepherd in Wasdale, is holder of countless running records and was appointed an MBE for his services to sport and charity.

In 1975 he ran 72 Lakeland peaks in 23hrs 11mins on a diet of Complan, boiled sweets, egg and beans, rice pudding, chocolate, pie and beans, sandwiches, team and sugar.

He also ran the Pennine Way in 3 days, 4hrs, 36mins the previous year. Mr Naylor completed all 214 Wainwright fells in seven days in 1986.

In 2008, he and mountaineer Sir Chris Bonington made the ascent of Scafell Pike to celebrate the UK taking on the Olympic baton.

Parish clerk David Killick told the North-West Evening Mail: “There can’t be many parishes in England where the chairman is almost the only resident capable of beating the bounds.”

Joss Naylor will undertake the run to raise funds for St Michael’s Church, Nether Wasdale and for the Old School Community Hall in the village.