Mountains and rock climbing have been a big part of my life since I first went to North Wales in 1987. I have been fortunate to visit many beautiful places, lucky to share some great adventures with wonderful people and it really is a pleasure to work with my passion and help others to enjoy being in nature.
Spending so much time outdoors has played a big role in deepening my connection with nature and I also love to spend time in forests and by the sea. Just as much as when I am walking, running and climbing in beautiful places, I also enjoy peaceful moments when I can be quiet, still and more open to the beauty around me.
Climbing outside my comfort zone is a big challenge that presents a richly rewarding opportunity for learning to be calm, focused and free on the rock – useful lessons that can transfer into many aspects of life. The technique and movement aspects of climbing hold a great deal of interest to me and I thoroughly enjoy the relaxed and fluid feeling that comes with climbing well.
I lead up to E2 on trad, 7a on sport, scottish IV in winter and I’ve led treks up to 5750m in the Andes and the Himalayas. Aside from all the climbing and mountaineering, I’ve mountain biked extensively in Britain, ridden on horseback through Mongolia, sea kayaked in Thailand, I can hold my own on a slackline and I love walking, running and climbing barefoot.
A member of the Association of Mountaineering Instructors, I gained the Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor qualification in 2002 and the Winter Mountain Leader qualification in 2001. Instructing professionally since 1999, I also work as a school expedition leader, development trainer, learning mentor, outdoor educator and youth worker.