Meet Our Supporters: Jane’s round of British County Tops
Meet Our Supporters: Jane’s round of British County Tops
For the past decade, Jane has been making her way through an extraordinary challenge: completing all 85 Historic British County Tops across England, Scotland and Wales. We are in awe of the scale of the challenge, and of Jane’s determination to keep going through a decade that has brought its fair share of obstacles.
Now with just four tops remaining, Jane is closing in on the completion of her challenge — and is using those final tops to raise vital funds for Mountain Rescue teams across Britain.
We caught up with Jane at the end of August to hear more about what inspired her to take on the challenge and her journey so far.
Jane writes:
The Final Four – Completing my British Historic County Top Challenge
When things go wrong in the mountains, Mountain Rescue teams are the people we all hope will arrive. They give their time, skills, and commitment freely, often in harsh and dangerous conditions, yet they rely heavily on public generosity to keep going. By donating to this challenge, you are helping Scottish Mountain Rescue and English and Welsh Mountain Rescue save lives and bring people home safely. Your support will make a tangible impact on teams who are there for all of us when we need them most.
My Challenge
In 2016, after hearing Jonny Muir discuss his book The UK’s County Tops on BBC Radio 2, I ordered his book .
In August 2016, I completed my first County Top — Aran Fawddwy in Merionethshire. Shortly afterwards, I committed to completing all 85 Historic (1973) British County Tops across England, Scotland, and Wales as a way to stay fit through my fifties.
Image: Jane summits Aran Fawddwy, Wales
Despite the challenges of COVID, personal illness, bereavement, and the sheer remoteness of some locations, I have now completed 81 of the 85. As I celebrate my 60th birthday this year, my aim has been to complete the final 13 in 2026.
Why Mountain Rescue?
I take the mountains seriously, plan carefully, and carry the right equipment — but accidents can happen to anyone. When they do, Mountain Rescue teams are often the difference between a safe return home and a serious outcome.
Highlights Along the Way
There have been many unforgettable moments, including:
Carn Eige (1,183m): a 17‑mile day taking in two Munros and three Munro Tops
Image: Jane on the hard-earned summit of Carn Eige, Glen Affric
Bidean nam Bian (1,150m): stunning panoramic views and a challenging return route through the Hidden Valley, completing in the dark.
Image: Jane atop Bidean nam Bian, Glencoe
Ben Vorlich (Loch Lomond): marking the late Queen’s funeral with a quiet dram of whisky on the summit
Each summit has reinforced my respect for the mountains — and for the volunteers who respond when things don’t go to plan.
The Final 4 Counties to Complete
England:
⭐ Cumberland
⭐ Northamptonshire
✅ Suffolk – completed 07/06/2026,
✅Lincolnshire – completed 24/05/2026
Wales:
⭐ Caernarvonshire
✅ Pembrokeshire – completed 30/03/2026
✅ Cardiganshire – completed 28/08/2026
Scotland:
⭐ Inverness
✅ Roxburghshire – completed 05/04/2026
✅ Shetland – completed 26/06/2026
✅ Orkney – completed 24/06/2026
✅ Sutherland – completed 03/07/2026
✅ Nairnshire – completed 21/06/2026
Many of these remaining County Tops are among the most remote of the entire challenge.
How You Can Help
I am aiming to raise at least £5,000, with an ambitious target of £10,000, to support Mountain Rescue teams across the UK.
The Final Thirteen – Completing My British Historic County Top Challenge – GiveWheel
CURRENT TOTAL (31/08/26) – £2065 plus £500 employer contribution
Every donation — large or small — helps keep these volunteers trained, equipped, and ready to respond when someone needs them most.
If you’re able to support this challenge, donate, or share the page, I would be incredibly grateful.
Thank you for helping turn every step of this journey into real support for Mountain Rescue.
While I plan carefully and take every precaution, the mountains are unpredictable and accidents can happen to anyone. When they do, Mountain Rescue teams are often the difference between a safe return and a serious outcome. These volunteer‑led teams rely heavily on charitable funding to remain operational. By supporting this challenge, you are directly helping Scottish Mountain Rescue and English and Welsh Mountain Rescue continue their lifesaving work. Every donation makes a real and tangible difference.
~ Jane Greves
A big thank you from Scottish Mountain Rescue
Jane, we can’t thank you enough for choosing to support Scottish Mountain Rescue as you take on the final stages of such an incredible personal challenge.
We’re hugely grateful for the enormous amount of time and dedication you have poured into this challenge, and for helping shine a light on the vital work of Mountain Rescue teams across Britain.
From everyone at Scottish Mountain Rescue: thank you, Jane. The very best of luck with the final four!