As we approach the long Easter Weekend here in Bulgaria I wanted to update you on the last climbing weekend and the date for the next planned climb.

Peaks 8 / 9 – Голям Калин /Big Kalin 2,669m + Малък Калин/ small Kalin 2,664m

‘We came, We saw… BUT we did NOT conquer’

As repeated throughout this challenge, safety is the number 1 priority when taking numbers into the hills. With that in mind it was the 3rd time in the challenge so far we had to turn back before we had even started!

The plan was to take an off-road private road to the start of what was to be a relatively short 3 to 4 hour hike to Big Kalin and Little Kalin. However, the private road was made all the more difficult by the large volumes of snow still lying on the ground. With many km of driving still to go Martin proposed and we all agreed it was not in our interest to slide off the road into the valley below!

As the famous Mountain climber Alan Hinkes once said… ‘No mountain is worth a life. Coming back is a success and the summit is only a bonus’. As an alternative we headed to the nearby Stob Pyramid and took a short walk to the top for some team photos.

Next Peaks

I am pleased to confirm:

  • The next peaks we will attempt will be during the weekend of Saturday May 13th and Sunday May 14th.
  • The location will be the Pirin Mountains (weather conditions permitting).
  • The plan is to spend 2 days climbing / 1 night stay in a hut in the mountains
  • Given this will be an overnight AND not a circular route we will have the logistical challenge of dropping off car/s and travelling to the start etc

For those considering joining us please be aware – i) This will be the final period of cold weather before we head into the ‘warmer’ climbs ii) We will be away two full days in the mountains – only those ‘prepared’ should join

If you are interested in joining us please drop me a message on whatsapp / viber on +359 882 900 882.

I will issue a further email at the start of May to those who have expressed an interest

A Reminder of the purpose behind the ‘Bulgarian 56 Peaks Challenge’


When embarking on this challenge myself and those who have joined me have focused less on the completion of the challenge itself…. And more on

  • Raising awareness for the For our Children Foundation
  • Raising much needed funds
  • The great spirit and positive mental benefit enjoyed by spending quality time with friends old and new in the wonderful mountains of Bulgaria.

With this mindset the team and I have no issue if the challenge were to continue beyond 2023. Further evidence of the challenge is given below.

Fundraising Site

Ted Talk Link (November 2022 / 34,000 views to date)

преди обед BTV Interview (February 2023)

BULGARIAN 56 PEAKS CHALLENGE
BULGARIAN 56 PEAKS CHALLENGE