Did Clem Clements actually drive to any of the hills he climbed?

No, he never learned to drive. Clem cycled everywhere, even from the south coast of England all the way to Scotland to climb Munros. He was famous for taking his bike to the summits themselves, sometimes reaching peaks like Cross Fell with his bicycle right there with him.

What makes a hill qualify as a Clem?

A hill qualifies if it has an ascent of at least 100 metres all round or, failing that, is at least 5 kilometres by walking distance from any higher point.

How many Clems are there in total?

Clem’s original handwritten list contained 1,284 hills. Fourteen additions he made in 2004 brought the preserved historical list to 1,298, covering England, Wales and the Isle of Man.

Who Are They?

The Astronomer on the Hill: Getting to Know "Clem" Clements

The astronomer who brought the precision of the stars to the British hills.

25 August 20268 min read