HOW NEW ROCFLY G 390 BOOTS HELPED PROPEL JAMES FORREST TO NATIONAL THREE PEAKS RECORD

In August this year hiker James Forrest set a new ‘solo & self-supported’ record time for completing Great Britain’s National Three Peaks on foot. The 37-year-old INOV8 ambassador hiked up and down the highest mountains in Scotland (Ben Nevis), England (Scafell Pike) and Wales (Snowdon) – and every mile in-between them – on an epic 500-mile adventure that took just 16 days, 15 hours & 39 minutes. Throughout the entire journey – completed largely off-road – James wore ROCFLY G 390 boots, the newest addition to our range of lightweight hiking boots, and the first in the world to boast Graphene-enhanced foam cushioning. We sat down with James to talk about his adventure and experiences in the boots.

James on his National 3 Peaks Challenge

1. What inspired you to take on the National Three Peaks?

I’ve actually never done the National Three Peaks in the ‘classic’ way, travelling by car or minibus between the mountains and aiming to finish in 24 hours – but it was always on my bucket-list. Then this summer, after fast-hiking (and loving) some other long-distance trails, including the West Highland Way and Pembrokeshire Coast Path, the idea of completing an entirely self-propelled journey of the National Three Peaks on foot popped into my head. That was it. I felt excited, and slightly petrified, about the prospect – and that’s when I knew I had to take it on.

I absolutely love challenging myself, pushing my boundaries and seeing what I can accomplish in the great outdoors. This style of adventuring gives me an exercise-induced rush of happiness endorphins, a wonderful sense of achievement, and a confidence-building, life-affirming boost from being self-reliant and getting through the hard times.

Plus, I always want to take on a bona fide expedition, not a holiday. If everything is easy, comfortable and gentle, it’s a holiday. But when I start facing adversity and begin doubting whether I can make it to the end, then I know I’m where I desire to be – on a real adventure.

James on his National 3 Peaks Challenge

2. How did it compare in terms of difficulty versus other hike challenges you’ve undertaken?

I found it slightly easier (and far more enjoyable) than completing my self-supported round of the 214 Lake District Wainwrights peaks (England) – perhaps because I had atrocious weather on the Wainwrights round and mostly amazing weather on the Three Peaks trek. Lots of my other challenges, such as climbing all 282 Munros mountains in Scotland and all 446 Nuttalls in England & Wales, were long-term projects (lots of small trips with a unified mission) rather than continuous, non-stop walks. This approach posed different challenges in different ways. I guess what I’ve learnt most is that each adventure is completely unique, and will pose its own unique physical and mental challenges.

James on his National 3 Peaks Challenge

3. What were your three biggest National Three Peaks highlights?

The three best moments were: 1. A magical wild camp in the hills above Conwy, watching a dazzling sunset over the Irish Sea; 2. Camping close to Devil’s Staircase in Glencoe with a grandstand view of Buachaille Etiv Mor, one of my favourite mountains in the UK; 3. Of course, making it to the finish line after a rather traumatic final day (see below).  

One other quick point too... I initially thought I'd hate the built-up, urban sections of my route, but I actually found myself relishing the variety of this walk. The journey felt like an authentic insight into life in the UK, and every aspect of it: council estates and fun fairs, oil refineries and wind farms, posh villages and deprived towns, remote mountains and rugged coastlines. At walking pace, I was able to take it all in, almost like the hiking equivalent of sitting in a cafe and people watching.

James on his National 3 Peaks Challenge

4. And what were your three toughest National Three Peaks moments?

I suffered two pretty awful days of rain, including a 12-hour stint of non-stop downpours on the West Highland Way – that was really demoralising. But overall the weather was kind to me. The biggest challenge was, without doubt, the final ascent of Snowdon. I had to dig really deep then and, for a fleeting few moments, I didn’t think I’d make it.

After almost 500 miles of walking, I suddenly fell ill with sunstroke in Llanberis. I threw up violently and just felt absolutely awful. I was nauseous, dizzy and completely bereft of any energy. I’d come so far, maybe 98% of the whole journey, and now it looked like I might fall at the final hurdle. I just wanted to curl up in the embryo position and go to sleep. I felt so weak. It was a pivotal moment in my challenge. But I didn’t panic. I had some fizzy drinks and sweets, managed to regain my composure and somehow found the strength to plod, rather slowly, up and down Snowdon to complete my journey.

James on his National 3 Peaks Challenge

5. You did it solo and self-supported. Do you like being on the trail alone? What do you think about? 

Yes. It’s certainly not for everyone, but I really enjoy it. I relish the solitude and tranquillity. It’s great for my mental health and feels like ‘kicking leaves’ time for self-reflection and just letting my mind recalibrate. I always feel less stressed and anxious after a long walk. I also love the challenge of being self-reliant – facing adversity and difficulty, and getting through it.

Most of the time I’m just alone with the random thoughts in my head – mostly thinking about what food I’m going to buy at the next town. But, when it’s raining or I’m struggling, I like to listen to comedy podcasts – anything that feels positive and makes me laugh out loud. This really helps boost my mood and prevents me from sinking into a dip of negativity.

James on his National 3 Peaks Challenge

6. How much did your pack weigh?

I kept the weight of my backpack as ultralight and minimalist as possible. My base weight was just 4.6kg, with a few extra kilograms added for food and water – but I don’t think it ever exceeded 7kg. This was really important to me, as obviously I wanted to move as fast and free as possible. A heavy pack that weighed and slowed me down would have been a nightmare. 

The main way I achieved such a low weight was carrying ultralight camping gear, including a trekking pole tent, down sleeping bag with an incredible warmth-to-weight ratio, and a lightweight inflatable mat. I didn’t carry a camping stove (I just ate cold food or in cafes/restaurants en route), only packed a few spare clothes, and, in terms of nutrition, I re-supplied as frequently as possible to minimise the weight of the food in my pack.

My final tactic was to ditch everything that fitted into the ‘just in case’ category. Some of the things that didn’t make the cut included: flip-flops, sleeping bag liner, sit mat, gloves, water filter, mug, pillow, deodorant, sunglasses and compression sacks.

James on his National 3 Peaks Challenge

7. In the film that’s set to follow you talk about your struggles with mental health. How important do you feel it is to highlight this through your challenges?

It’s so easy to bottle things up, to not talk about your problems and refuse to show weakness or vulnerability. But that’s just not healthy. There shouldn’t be a stigma about mental health. There shouldn’t be any dishonour or disgrace in it. And everyone’s mental health – no matter how seemingly small or trivial – is worthy. Talking openly and honestly is so important and sharing your feelings is the first step towards healing. 

I don’t really see myself as a mental health campaigner or anything like that. But I’m not ashamed to say that I’ve struggled with low-level depression for a few years, and hopefully my story – told through the lens of adventuring – might strike a chord with some people.

James on his National 3 Peaks Challenge

8. Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, Snowdon. Can you rank them in order of favourite first?

Oh wow, that’s a tough one. Tricky decision. My all-round favourite is Scafell Pike, just because I live in Cumbria and the Lake District holds a really special place in my heart. But, during this expedition, it was actually the least enjoyable climb due to low cloud, drizzle and strong winds.

The best by far was Ben Nevis. I was treated to an awe-inspiring cloud inversion, with jagged peaks piercing through a sea of clouds, and I really couldn’t have asked for a better way to start my journey. The weather was really kind on Snowdon too. Watching the sun set, painting the sky into a masterpiece of orange, pink and yellow, as I reached my final summit was pretty magical.

James on his National 3 Peaks Challenge

9. Looking back now on your achievement and record, how do you feel?

I like to think of my adventures as a testing ground for dealing with the obstacles, frustrations and un-kindnesses of everyday life. The mountains are a microcosm of a life, a mirror-image of reality if you like. And if I can overcome the challenges of the mountains with resilience and positivity, that gives me strength to do the same with everyday life. 

James on his National 3 Peaks Challenge

10. How did you enjoy the new ROCFLY G 390 hiking boots?

I’m not just saying this – I think they’re really, really excellent. They are probably my new favourite, but sit nicely in the range, offering something different from both the more protective ROCLITE PRO G 400 GTX and the really lightweight ROCLITE G 345 GTX, both of which I’ve worn for adventures too.

The ROCFLY G 390 boots feel supercharged! The Graphene outsole is ultra grippy, the upper gives you that trademark INOV8 out-of-the-box comfort, and the new Graphene G-FLY midsole is amazingly springy and cushioned, almost propelling you forward with good energy return. Being non-waterproof, they dry really quickly and breathe well too – my preferred approach. 

They have definitely now become my go-to hiking boots for long-distance walks, and I could imagine wearing them for an attempt of Great Britain’s LEJOG (Land’s End to John o’ Groats) or something similar. But they work equally well for day walks and mountain climbs.

James on his National 3 Peaks Challenge

*James is an adventurer, hiker and author. Follow James on Instagram and discover more about his book Mountain Man.

*Read more from James: Fast hiking all 214 Wainwrights | The mental health benefits of hiking

*All photos by Dave MacFarlane