Summiting a mountain at 80-years is an extraordinary feat.

Just ask avid runner, father and grandfather Barry Erxleben who climbed Mount Memory in the Drakensberg on Saturday.

Having celebrated his 80th on February 9, Mr Erxleben set a goal to make the climb ‘for the last time’.

His daughter Kerry Hesom said she thought he was mad until it all materialised on Saturday morning in the Monks Cowl area of the majestic Drakensberg Mountain.

Accompanied by his two daughters Lee Rodrigues and Kerry Hesom, his grandchildren Travis Hesom, Merryn Hesom, Kelvin Vincent and Wesley Vincent, granddad Barry put the young ones to shame as he ascended Mount Memory.

“It is so freaking amazing! Dad managed the epic climb, 80 and on all fours at stages,” said daughter Kerry.

To mark this magnificent family journey, grandson Travis presented a padlock to Mr Erxleben on the day.

“It represents fortitude, strength and protection that he finds in his grandfather, so they have chained it to a rock at the top and they will climb again when he passes on to put the end date,” explained Kerry.