Many would be happy to climb the highest mountains in these islands in a lifetime, but a team of charity hill-walkers sets off on Friday to achieve this feat in a weekend.
The Five Peaks Challenge team aims to scale the highest points in Ireland, Wales, England and Scotland within 48 hours. If transport and legs oblige, the group hopes to beat the existing record of 45 hours and 50 minutes, set by an English team last April.
The challenge is expected to raise more than £25,000 for Focus Ireland, which will use the money to improve the quality of services at its housing advice centre in Dublin. Corporate sponsors have provided most of the funds - at a rate of £1 for each foot climbed - but the public is also being asked to contribute.
Carauntoohill, 1,040 metres, is the first target for the group of seven walkers, who plan to start their marathon effort at 5 a.m. on Friday. A back-up team of drivers will then transport the group to the foot of Slieve Donard in the Mourne Mountains in Co Down, the lowest of the five peaks at 852 metres.
The evening ferry from Dun Laoghaire will take the group to north Wales, from where the ascent of Snowdon (1,085 metres) will be undertaken by night. From there, it's a long road north to Scafell Pike in the Lake District (977 metres) and then to Ben Nevis in Scotland, the last and highest peak at 1,344 metres.
If the target is met, the group should be down in time for a last pint in a local pub on Saturday night.
"It's as much a logistical challenge as a task of physical endurance," says Mr John Harrison, an active hill-walker who came up with the idea of the challenge. "Everything hinges on the traffic and the ferries, as much as physical fitness."
A Garda escort has been arranged to ease traffic worries, and a physiotherapist will be on hand to soothe weary limbs.
Mr Harrison first attempted the Five Peaks Challenge last year, when he recorded a time of just over 51 hours. This year's team includes a number of experienced hill-walkers, as well as novices such as the chief executive of the VHI, Mr Oliver Tattan, Mr Ian Mc Keever and Ms Emma Caulfield of AA Roadwatch, and this reporter.
Those who wish to contribute to Focus Ireland can pledge money at any Irish Permanent branch by asking for the Five Peaks Challenge account.