IF you heard someone had celebrated their birthday with a 100-mile cycle, six-kilometre swim and a classic Lake District climb you would probably have visions of some lycra-clad youngster.

Not an 80-year-old. Who, for the record, was chatting and smiling pretty much throughout all the events.

Barry Johnson, who lives in Eaglesfield, near Cockermouth, has been a sporting legend for many decades.

The veteran triathlete, who still works as a personal trainer, is known for his love of Lakeland adventures.

He was supported on his latest ones by a team of good friends. They were all ages and abilities, united in their willingness to join one of Barry’s legendary grand days out.

Barry, who is married to Val and has a son, Simon, is one of the founding members of Cockermouth-based club Trilakeland and Cumberland Fell Runners.

“Every five years since I turned 40 I have planned and done some sort of adventure just to make sure I am still alive!” he said.

These have included ultra triathlons and epic fell runs: the Bob Graham Round, 55 summits at 55 and running all the lakes, meres and waters.

On his 75th birthday he and a team of friends took part in a huge triathlon which sets off from Loweswater and involved swimming in Crummock Water, cycling over Honister and running up Scafell. Barry and his friend, Grant Edmondson, created the event in the mid-80s. It was the one of the first triathlons established in the country and ran for 15 years.

This year he was meant to be representing GB in a triathlon in Sweden on his birthday and had a big party planned for the following weekend.

When covid struck he came up with an alternative.

Throughout his birthday week he held three events: a 100-mile cycle taking in various Lakeland passes; a six-kilometre swim around the perimeter of Buttermere; and a rock climb on Napes Needle, Great Gable.

“There was gorgeous weather every day.

"The bike ride was fantastic, with lots of chat.

"I wanted to swim in Buttermere as it’s my home valley and such a beautiful, tranquil lake. It was like a millpond that morning and great to have lakeside support,” said Barry.

“The Needle ridge was one of the first climbs I did with Val in 1964.”

The birthday boy was delighted with how it all went.

“From the initial disappointment of cancelled celebrations and events, what I actually did was probably better because it embraced so many friends over a few days,” said Barry, who is already planning his next adventure.