Gwynn Stokes in action during the 2019 Spine Race. Photo: Bob Smith/grough

An ultrarunner plans to attempt an 804-mile route in record time to establish a new challenge trail.

Gwynn Stokes, a member of Durham Fell Runners, will set off from Cape Wrath in the far North-West of Scotland on 1 September in an attempt to reach Edale in Derbyshire in 14 days.

The route runs from the northernmost end of the Cape Wrath Ultra trail to the southern extremity of the Pennine Way. It will also take in part of the West Highland Way and cross the Southern Uplands.

Stokes is appealing to fellow runners and outdoor enthusiasts to meet him en route to help pace him and lend general support.

He said: “I want to put this trail on the map for the world ultrarunning community, just like some of the great ultra-trails around the world such as the John Muir Trail, Yukon and Pacific Crest.”

Stokes is a veteran of several ultra-challenges and came fourth in this year’s Montane Spine Race in January, up the full length of the Pennine Way. He has also taken part in the Dragon’s Back Race, the Lakeland 100 and the Cape Wrath Ultra. He has also completed a sub-24-hour Bob Graham Round.

He said: “Three years ago at the end of The Spine race in Kirk Yetholm my wife noticed a plaque on the wall that said KY – Cape Wrath.

“And that was it: the seed was planted so this really is my wife’s fault. After doing the Cape Wrath Ultra in 2016 and the Pennine Way twice it makes sense to join the two up.

“I am in no doubt that this challenge is mammoth but a task and adventure that I am willing to undertake as it has never been ran before.”

Anyone who wants to help him as a pacemaker can contact Stokes through his website. During the challenge, the public will be able to follow his progress via the Open Tracking site.