Alan Hinkes, the plucky Yorkshireman who'd probably rather be remembered for conquering the world's 8 000m peaks than for choking on chappati flour, has set himself a new challenge.

The top mountaineer, now 51, is tackling the Six Peaks Challenge: the highest mountains in Scotland, Wales, England, the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man. Hinkes aims to complete them within 72 hours.

The trek includes 50 miles of walking with 20 000 feet of ascent. Less environmentally friendly, the chirpy chappati king will need to drive 1 000 road miles in his quest to raise cash for the charity Water Aid. Hinkes started today, 7 July. HIs route takes in Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, Snowdon, Snaefell, Slieve Donard and Carrauntouhil as well as, obviously, two sea crossings, Alan having yet not perfected the art of walking on water.

According to his sponsor Berghaus' website (which incidentally contains some hilarious variations in the spellings of the peaks) Alan says: "I'm very much looking forward to the challenge and to raising funds for WaterAid.  On my travels, I have witnessed the devastating effects of lack of water or poor quality water has on people and I am committed to supporting WaterAid's work in using practical, sustainable solutions to provide safe water to the world's poorest people."

Alan summited Kangchenjunga, his final 8 000 metre peak, in May last year, the first Briton to achieve the feat.