David Solomon made history this August by becoming one of the first Black men to complete all 282 Munros in Scotland. The Inverness-based cyber security analyst achieved this remarkable feat after a four-year journey through Scotland’s highest peaks.
From Personal Grief to Mountain Heights
What started as an escape during lockdown transformed into a groundbreaking achievement. Solomon initially climbed Ben Nevis while processing the loss of his sister and a relationship breakdown.
“I was just dancing on the top of the hill, and I felt so free,” Solomon recalls. “It was incredible, and I felt like everything that had been going on in my head just became so quiet.”
This newfound peace sparked a determination to explore more peaks. Soon after, he tackled seven Munros in one day at Kintail.
Breaking Barriers in Scottish Mountaineering
During his journey, Solomon noticed a striking absence of Black climbers on the mountains. His research revealed no previous records of Black Munro-baggers.
“One thing I noticed throughout all my time doing the Munros was that I had never encountered anyone who was Black when I was climbing,” Solomon explains.
This discovery gave him added purpose. Moreover, 2024 marked a milestone year, with another Black climber, Peter, completing the Munros in September.
Challenging Outdoor Industry Norms
Solomon maintains a strong social media presence as “ilovethishike” but deliberately avoids promoting outdoor brands. His stance focuses on accessibility issues.
“The greatest barrier to people embracing the outdoors is affordability,” he states. “People have to choose between working to pay bills and taking time off.”
He advocates for making outdoor activities more accessible rather than focusing on influencer marketing.
Community Support and Future Adventures
Solomon’s final Munro became a celebration of community. Friends and family, including his daughter and brother from Canada, joined him for the climb.
His essential climbing companions include music, a down jacket, gloves, and his dog JJ. These items helped him through countless challenging ascents.
Now, Solomon has set his sights on conquering all the Wainwrights in England, describing them as “a walk in the park” compared to the Munros.
