Mountain Training celebrated its Fiftieth Anniversary in 2014 and since then we've been celebrating your experiences!
Over 143,000 people have registered for an award since 1964. Find out what some of them think of their journey in their own words.
(The stories scroll through every 5 seconds. To pause the scroll and read a story, just move your cursor over the story.)
My Mountain Training Story :
David Hosier
Quite simply climbing has been a huge part of my adult life. Evenings, weekends and holidays are spent mainly climbing. I love it! In the early 1980’s I began using rudimentary climbing walls in the South East before joining the South Devon Mountaineering Club and progressing to real rock. Since then climbing has literally taken me to wonderful and spectacular places all over the world. From the boulders, outcrops, sea cliffs, and mountain crags of the UK, to fantastic climbing throughout Europe and the Alps, Adventures in Australia and experiences in the Himalayas.
Over the years I have done bouldering, sport climbing, and mainly “trad†climbing as well as competed in bouldering and lead competitions. In the early 1990’s I trained as a teacher with a key element being PE with outdoor education. In 1993 I came to work in York and in 1995 I gained what is now the Rock Climbing Instructors (RCI) award.
Whilst I had worked in Outdoor Centres as an instructor in the late 80’s I then used the award in schools and for the local authority running and supporting climbing sessions for young people. Over the years I have also used my skills to introduce family and friends to climbing and the outdoors.
I have now retired from full time teaching and have set myself up as an independent climbing coach and instructor. I run bespoke training both on indoor walls and on local crags. This gives me a great focus for my time. an excuse to spend time with climbers and in climbing environments, and a great way to share my knowledge and experience educationally.
See my website: www.insideoutclimbing.co.uk
My Mountain Training Story :
Brendan Pollitt
Turned my hobby into my new job in 2016, and never looked back! 4 different roles in 3 different climbing walls, and in 2024 I still love going to work as a climbing instructor as my main job.
Last year, qualified outdoors and I’m now enjoying introducing and supporting people to explore and achieve on Scotland’s rockier surfaces! Got no upper body strength? Scared of heights? Not outdoorsy? You might surprise yourself!
My Mountain Training Story :
Roger Palin
Passed the MIC course in 2001. Since then I have worked at Joint Services, Glenmore Lodge and many others. I have provided instruction, coaching, teaching advice and created operating systems.
Also qualified in paddling, skiing and mountain biking.
l have combined my climbing qualifications to be an all round versatile outdoor pursuit professional.
My Mountain Training Story :
Liam Malone
Liam Malone runs Cove Climbing. Cove Climbing offers instructional and guided days out for Rock Climbing, Scrambling, Hillwalking and Winter Skills. Guided adventures with Cove Climbing, could take you anywhere from sun-kissed sea cliffs to the wild corries of the Cairngorms. Or if you are looking to develop skills to be self-sufficient in the mountains and on the cliffs, then check out our instructional days. All our days out are tailored to you!
I’m passionate about climbing and the climbing offered by the North East of Scotland, from the schist and granite sea cliffs to the peaks and plateaus of the Cairngorms.
I am a climber and mountaineer but more of the former. I have climbed in the Alps, Dolomites, at Spanish sport crags and Yosemite, but I still love it here in Scotland. Bouldering, trad or sport. As long as it’s climbing I’m happy.
I have extensive experience climbing in the North East Scotland which allows me to pick the most suitable venues on any given day or weather and get the most out of it for you.
I am a member of Mountain training and the Association of Mountaineering Instructors (AMI). I hold the Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor Award as well as the Winter Mountain Leader Award. The work I do is all taught and assessed through these qualifications but also through personal experience in climbing and mountaineering.
Get in touch with me Liam@coveclimbing.co.uk
My Mountain Training Story :
Luke Reader
I am a Summer Mountain Leader and a Rock Climbing Instructor with a degree in Outdoor Adventure Education. Currently under employment within the British Armed Forces, where civilian recognised qualifications mirror some of the military qualifications through the Joint Services Adventure Training (JSAT) scheme.
With 10 years experience within the outdoor community, many of my exploits being within Wales, and beyond to Scotland, Northern Ireland, Norway, the Alps, France, Bavaria, Spain and Oman. These exploits are in a range of activities: rock climbing, bouldering, hiking, mountaineering, skiing, gorge walking, coasteering, winter walking, ice climbing, and international hiking.
I am continuing forwards to gain further military and civilian recognised qualifications. I am now seeking further experience for the Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor (MCI) certificate, as well as Ski Foundation 3 (SF3), Advanced Summer Leader (ASL), and Rock Climbing Multi Pitch Leader (RML) within the military.
Dated: 06 March 2024
My Mountain Training Story :
Joshua Laverty
Heading towards my 4th year working as an Outdoor Instructor. Qualified ML and RCI, also work as a Ghyll Scrambling Instructor.
Ex- Military, I also instructed for a number of years in the Army. Instructing both military and adventure sports.
Love to be immersed in nature and to share my passions with others.
My Mountain Training Story :
Simon Murray
have been a mountain person all my life and spend most of my time doing something related to mountain life. I completed my Summer ML award in 2015 and have continued to develop my leadership skills with groups in the mountains. I have continued to do expeditions in the winters in Arctic Norway mostly, notably crossing Svalbard and trips in Finnmark and Dovrefjell. I have also continued to develop my winter climbing experience which gives me an appreciation of operating on steep graded ground in winter. I am fairly confident and steady on steep winter ground, night and day in all conditions. Life in the rescue team in the Cairngorms certainly helps to develop your self reliabilitly and winter group management skills as well as continuously maintaining your current winter skills. In the previous 5 years I achieve around 30-50 ski touring days in Norway, Austria and Scotland.
I continue to be a member of the Braemar Mountain Rescue team. Here I lead the medical sub-group as this is my specialisation as a pre-hospital remote areas trauma medic, having gained considerable experience in this field in my military career which too me all over the world. I am a former Royal Naval Officer and I spent most of my time with Royal Marines Commando units and Army units on ground operations all over the world. I have completed tours of duty in Afghanistan, Bosnia, N.I, the Persian Gulf and elsewhere.
I am also a keen wildlife enthusiast with a particular interest in the creatures of the Boreal region such as Wolves, Bears, Wolverines, Lynx and Owls, but which also includes many Scottish species such as Capercaillie and pine martin. I am interested in how the landscape is used in Scotland and Estate management in general.
I have climbed hills in many areas of the world including Europe, Caucusas, Balkans, North America, Falklands, Arctic, Antarctic and the Hindu Kush. I hope to continue to wandering the silent high places for many years to come.
My Mountain Training Story :
Kris Mackie
Scout Leader based in West Lothian working primarily with 10-18 year olds
DofE Qualifications: DofE Manager, Award Verifier, Leader, Expedition Supervisor and Accredited Assessor
Scout Permits: Nights Away (Campsite)
Working towards Hill and Moorland Leader, Camping Leader, Scout T1 permit
My Mountain Training Story :
Michael Howard
I was born and raised in Argyll on the west coast of Scotland and introduced to the outdoors from an early age. Hill walking is something that I appreciate more now, as an excellent activity to offset time spent sitting in the office. I'm also a skier, which I started in the 1980s at Glencoe & Aviemore, with some experience of ski touring in the Cairngorm area. More recently I have completed several winter 'ski safari' tours of the Dolomites, Italy (2016, 2017). I have lived in the south-west of England since 2000, and enjoy getting out for walks on the local moors. Recently I've pledged to start taking things more seriously by developing my scrambling & climbing skills, particularly when visiting Scotland (e.g. Tower Ridge, Nevis, 2021) and Wales (e.g. Tryfan, 2021). Over various trips to Skye, I've summitted all the Munro summits on the Cuillins, including the Innacessible Pinnacle (2022), Sgurr nan Gillean (2021-22) and Clach Glas (2023), with the help of a guide. After some fitness training and investment in new gear: ice axe, crampons, B2 boots etc, I summitted Mont Blanc on my second attempt on a guided, 6 day course in June 2023: probably my toughest sustained physical challenge ever. My goal now is to develop the personal knowledge, resilience and skills needed to safely explore wilderness places which are higher & more remote across the UK, European Alps and areas such as Nepal. I have registered for my Mountain Leader training week (August 2024) and look forward to meeting & being inspired by other like minded mountain enthusiasts.
My Mountain Training Story :
Sam Marsland
I am Sam Marsland, an Mountaineering Instructor based in The Lake District & Scotland
I instruct full time under the business name Lake District Mountaineering and I am also available for private guiding in summer and winter
I hold a BA Hon's degree in Outdoor Leadership and I hold the WMCI and MCI qualifications
My Mountain Training Story :
Barry Thomas
've been mountaineering all over the world since 2002, including operating in artic, desert and jungle environments as a Former Royal Marines Commando.
After sustaining an injury whilst on operational service, my rehabilitation was through mountaineering and outdoors adventures. Climbing and Mountaineering became a massive part of my life, offering a new challenge and focus. As I discovered the benefits of adventure led activities for improving mental and physical well-being, it became my ambition to enable people to discover their own adventures and benefit from being outdoors.
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Since 2013 after gaining my first qualification I have had the pleasure of guiding people through their outdoors journeys as owner of Crag 2 Mountain.
My Mountain Training Story :
Tim Miller
Passionately providing Technical Advice, BMC FUNdamentals Workshops and all things climbing. Please get in touch to discuss how I can help.
My Mountain Training Story :
Nathan Stares
I love getting into the hills & the mountains when the opportunity arises and have a passion for the outdoors. I don't work full time in the outdoors but I am available for leading in the UK mountains at weekends or longer pre-arranged periods. I gained my Mountain Leader qualification in 2006 with the Military with whom I still have links since leaving in 2010. As well as leading in & enjoying the fantastic mountains & hills of Britain and Ireland, I have conducted trekking & mountaineering in the European Alps, including France, Corsica, Italy & Austria. I have enjoyed expeditions to the Caucasus mountains on the border between Georgia & Russia, skiing in Norway, trekking in the Tien Shen range in Kyrgyzstan & the Tatra mountains of Slovakia/Poland. I've had the pleasure of walking in more diverse locations such as the jungles of Borneo & Brunei & mountaineering in the former Republic of Yugoslavia & Mount Kenya, Africa. I like to get out & share my passion for the outdoors with like minded people or friends but I also like to introduce people with little or no outdoor experience to the hills & mountains. Since gaining my award I have enjoyed helping people enjoy the outdoors and have lead college students, youth groups and small groups of all ages. Whilst in the mountains I like to pass on my knowledge, such as navigation tips, security on steep ground, mountain geology, mountain weather or the local flora & fauna. I am happy to lead small groups or couples/individuals in the British hills and mountains with an emphasis on realistic group capabilities, safety & enjoyment. You can get in touch by e-mailing: nathstares300@yahoo.com or by messaging me on Instagram: @nathanstares to discuss a plan for your hill or mountain goals. I live with my family in North Yorkshire.
My Mountain Training Story :
Michael Gormley
I have taken part in many walking activities as a member of the Air Training Corps, as a member of the Officer Training Corps (Army Reserve) and within my own time with likeminded friends.
I have also dabbled in indoor/outdoor rock climbing, high ropes courses and kayaking from time to time.
My Mountain Training Story :
Gary Howarth
Hi, I didn't start undertaking an award for any other reason other than to improve my own competence in the outdoors. That said, I've been a teacher for the last 29 years and have had ample opportunity to practice my skills, and more importantly, pass on my knowledge to others. I currently run my school's DofE Award but I also use outdoor ed to re-engage some of our more reluctant learners.
I believe the key to engaging the disengaged is understanding that there is simply no one size fits all solution. Bespoke interventions are vital in shaping the futures of our most vulnerable students. Relationship building is, in my opinion, the most important part of this process. All too often, these students are labelled in a negative way and I believe it is possible to provide an opportunity for them to succeed in an alternative environment.
For many years, I have had the opportunity to coordinate the Duke of Edinburgh Award and through this work I have seen how Outdoor Education can be used to motivate hard-to-reach students and help them understand how to transfer the elements which helped them succeed outdoors back into the classroom. I’ve taken students beyond their comfort zone, seen them rise to the challenge and hopefully fostered the potential for lifelong growth and transformation.
I must be a bit of a 'glutten for punishment' because I also play out in my spare time.
My Mountain Training Story :
Kirsty Pallas
I've been working in the Scottish Highlands as an instructor since 2011, and have built up qualifications over that time. I love teaching skills so folk can become independent in the mountains, and can start go on their own adventures safely. I enjoy a variety of work, from guiding mountaineering routes in the Cuillin, to teaching rock climbing, and delivering Mountain Leader courses to new instructors.
I've been a member of Oban Mountain Rescue Team since 2013, and I'm the training office and one of the callout managers. It's something I enjoy being part of, and helping train up some quite specialist skills like avalanche rescue and technical rigging.
Over the last few years, I've been doing lots of work with affinity groups and raising awareness on the range of barriers that might prevent access to the outdoors. Increasing visibility and access is something I'm really passionate about, and work on both in the hills, as well as delivering talks and writing articles.
When I'm not working in the hills, I love getting out to explore new areas through a cool scramble or long rock climb, and even better if it's mixed with a bit of mountain biking!
My Mountain Training Story :
Christopher Pink
I am a very keen walker of valleys & mountains. Have had a varied and wide working life, from the Armed Forces, Fire & Rescue Service and presently working for myself as an Outdoor Instructor. Travelled all over the world and enjoy getting involved with the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme along with planning long distance walking routes in the UK.
My Mountain Training Story :
Phill Brette
I am an experienced education practitioner who has taught in secondary education since 2012 and special education since 2015 . In 2021, I was successful at gaining the position of Assistant Headteacher / SENCo in my current school - Elemore Hall School in County Durham. Elemore Hall is a multi-site Durham County Council Special School for secondary aged pupils who have Social, Emotional and Mental Health Difficulties (SEMH). Our school based curriculum offers pupils the opportunity to achieve success in the classroom and to build on this leading to qualifications such as GCSEs and BTecs in a range of subjects that we have carefully chosen to provide a broad and appropriate launch pad for post 16 choices.
My role includes, pastoral, behaviour and oversee provision for and reporting on Looked After Children who attend the school, coordinate assessment of pupil progress, achievement and attainment across the school.
I have been asked to run Duke of Edenborough Award within our school setting. For me its all about the kids and exploring the potential that they have, learn about healthy lifestyle choices and the environment around them as well as doing an activity that is cost effective.
My Mountain Training Story :
Mark Poole
I first became interested in leading in the hills professionally after 2 happy years as a very active member of a Mountaineering Club after leaving school. I applied for and received exemption from the summer mountain leader training course but did not progress to assessment as I subsequently decided to return to study to train as a land surveyor. Whilst at university I remained active in the hills, had my first experience of the Swiss Alps and completed numerous fell races and mountain marathons including the KIMM and the Welsh 1000m, both of which I subsequently completed 5 times. After graduation I moved to Aberdeen with the Cairngorms and sea cliffs of North East Scotland on the doorstep. In 1992 I was working offshore as a freelance hydrographic surveyor and, through an Army contact, had the opportunity to spend a few weeks as an assistant leader for Exodus Expeditions in the central Pyrenees. This re-kindled my interest in leading in the hills and I completed my summer ML in 1994. At the end of 1994 I co-led the trekking and mountaineering phase of an Operation Raleigh expedition to Patagonia from where I returned to the Pyrenees to spend the summer seasons of 1995 and 1996 and the winter of 1995, based outside Bagneres de Luchon, leading summer day walks, multi-day treks and snow shoeing walks for Exodus Expedition clients. In 1996 I attended a European Mountain Leader training course in Benasque and it was here that I met my future wife. I qualified as an EML in 1997, we were married in 1998, the first of our three children was born in 2000 and I returned to full time employment as a surveyor. Mountaineering has subsequently been a hobby rather than a profession for me but, with the prospect of an empty nest within the next couple of years, I plan to explore opportunities that the award may afford to enjoy a return to the challenge and satisfaction of leading groups in the hills.
My Mountain Training Story :
Louise Tully
My name is Lou Tully and I am based in North Wales. I am a Mountain Leader course provider (Freedom Outdoors) and I regularly run training and assessment courses from my base at Capel Tanrallt (www.capeltanrallt.co.uk) and also out of Llanberis. I am always happy to chat through any questions that people might have.
I also run navigation, climbing and scrambling courses and bespoke days in the hills as well as on the coast.
In winter I enjoy heading up to Scotland for some more reliable winter conditions. Please get in touch if you are interested in any winter related tuition or guiding- from winter walking skills to climbing.
My Mountain Training Story :
Victoria Taylor-Roberts
I am a keen, enthusiastic climber and educator. I want to increase female participation in the climbing arena, and will continue to do this through my coaching. I engage with supporting women transitioning from indoor climbing, into the outdoor world. Climbing can be incredibly empowering and an amazing teaching tool.
I am the co-owner of West Country Adventures; a small South Devon based company, where we focus on developing small groups and individuals in bouldering, indoor climbing, sport climbing and traditional climbing. I am also currently the lead Coach for Plymouth Life Centre, helping the Manager by overseeing and delivering on the youth competition squad.
I work with a range of clients, with a broad range of ages, abilities, goals, using different techniques to support their development.
I have worked in the outdoor sector since 2004. Graduating from Manchester Metropolitan University in 2007, having completed a BSc in Geography and Outdoor Studies. I call on all of these skills when teaching and coaching, aiming to deliver engaging courses and coaching.
Working for World Challenge Expeditions from 2012 to 2020 has allowed me to work overseas, travelling to remote and far-off places. These developmental expeditions really allowed me to develop my leadership skills.
During the first part of my career, I focused on water-based coaching, attaining my Level 3 Kayak Coach, UKC Paddlesport and 4-star Sea Leader. In 2016 I focused my attention and time to develop my land-based knowledge, skills and qualifications.
I completed my PGCE (teaching qualification) in Further Education in 2012, later working at South Devon College within the Outdoor Adventure department.
My awards have allowed me to access working with a wide range of diverse groups of people.
I love the fact that 1 day is never the same as the next. The people, the environment all make it special and unique.
My Mountain Training Story :
Sarah Morgan
My name is Sarah Morgan, I am looking forward to studying a Business Management course in September 2024. In January of 2024, I left the company I had been working with for 2 years to actively pursue work that I believed would aid me in my career choice. In June 2022, I qualified as a lifeguard under the GEN9 edition. I have also signed up and paid for two courses this year, one with Swim England as a Swim England Assistant Swimming Coach in March/April 2024and another with Swim England as a SEQ Level 1 Swimming Assistant (Teaching) in April 2024. I am emailing you to enquire about opportunities to expand my experience in the leisure industry.
I feel that I bring a lot to the table in terms of work ethics and people skills. In addition to being a Lifeguard in my previous job, I also took on roles as a Food and Beverage Assistant, a Guest Experience Advisor and a Hot Tub Associate. I have several employer references both in leisure and hospitality that available on request.
My Mountain Training Story :
Holly Kay
I got seriously into hills 5 years ago after a big break up. Definitely one of the healthier coping mechanisms out there in my opinion! Hillwalking, and since then, ski touring, gravel cycling and wild swimming, transformed how I felt about my body. I did my ML Assessment with Abacus Mountain Guides in October 2023, and I'm keen to use the qualification to help build the confidence of people who are new to exploring Scotland's hills, and share my enthusiasm for getting out and about.
My Mountain Training Story :
Andrew Swann
I'm a keen climber and mountaineer. I've been a qualified MCI since 2013 and I use the skills gained through this award on a daily basis in my work. The main reason I went down the MCI route was to give me variety in my work and also to be able to work with people as they progressed.
My Mountain Training Story :
Oliver Soord-Gurney
Adventures sea to summit. Summer and winter. Solo, vanlife or with Magnus the Red Toller.
Predominantly lead UK Mil Adventure Training expeditions:
Ski touring (SL3)
Mountaineering (ASL)
Climbing (RCI)
Working towards my SMI award.
More recently sky diving through the Tigers APDT.
https://www.instagram.com/tigers_army_parachute_team?igsh=bjZqYThoYXZsOTJy
My Mountain Training Story :
Mark Richards
I started my mountain leader story when I booked my training course during Covid lockdown; because we had to stay at home and events were cancelled I had none of my usual fell running goals for the year. The training course gave me a reason to get out an accumulate QMDs, and something worthwhile to aim for. After the training I was able to keep the momentum going, helped by a move to the Lake District, to gather more QMDs and book my assessment for April 2022. Having passed, my assessor suggested that training for winter ML would make me a better summer ML; I hadn't thought about that, but registered for the winter scheme and have spent the last two winters accumulating winter QMDs; the additional challenges of winter walking have definitely helped develop my skills and experience.
There was a temporary blip when after years of pain I had both hips replaced in August 2023, but I managed my rehab really well to get back in the hills as soon as I could, and was on the top of Ben Nevis 5 1/2 months after the operation.
I'm still working, so leading is not top of the agenda at the moment, but hopefully will provide an occupation when I reach retirement age in September 2025.
My Mountain Training Story :
Jamie Barclay
Resourceful, enthusiastic mountaineering instructor, mountain rescue member and doctor. Strengths in technical mountaineering instruction, expedition leadership and personal development coaching. I possess excellent communication skills, and adapt well to unfamiliar and dynamic environments. I’m a team player, with intuitive situational leadership skills, honesty and integrity.
Rock climbing lead to mountaineering and leading others, which lead to qualifications and work across the UK and overseas. I have enjoyed helping others overcome fears, meet personal challenges, develop new skills and go on to become safe leaders and instructors for themselves. I have worked with youth, adult, civilian and military groups, and have loved the variety and learning that comes with each day's work.
My Mountain Training Story :
Charlotte Harrison
I am the New members officer for the UK's second BMC climbing club for LBGT+ climbers and their friends, Let's Go Belay and Boulder Together, based in the south west of England. I also helped found ClimbOut, the UK's first queer climbing festival, which will be having its second year in 2024. I use my awards to help diversify the climbing cohort and bring more people into the sport.
My Mountain Training Story :
Elspeth Berry
I live in Scotland and I love to be outdoors! I’m an ultra runner so an inclined to cover terrain pretty quickly but I enjoy spending time in the hills too.
I have run the length of Scotland following the watershed, an unmarked geographical line which weaves between water heading for the Atlantic and the North Sea. I have also climbed all of Scotland munros and am working my way around the corbetts now.
I volunteer for Lomond Mountain Rescue team and I would like to be able to prepare people to go into the mountains safely by gaining my Summer Mountain Leader award.
My Mountain Training Story :
Thomas Armstead
Hello!
I’m Tomo and I have worked in the outdoor industry since 2013, in a variety of setting including residential centres, council owned activity centres and schools.
As well as enjoying waking, I also spend lots of time mountain biking and running.
I am qualified to instruct various activities such as archery, mountain biking, walking, indoor climbing and paddling.
My favourite thing to do is skiing, I just don’t get the weather for it that much in West Yorkshire!
My Mountain Training Story :
Jonas de Jong
Hi guys, looking forward to training with you! On the path to become an IML, hopefully sooner rather than later :)
Based in the Swiss alps and already working as a guide fulltime.
My Mountain Training Story :
Charles Hall
I've been lucky enough to have climbed some awesome routes, with some great climbers all over Europe & Asia.
The opportunity came to return to my roots and add qualifications some 15 years or so ago, and I’ve been able to combine the skills learned in a successful commercial career with the accumulated knowledge of 30 years climbing, to deliver highly focused learning outcomes for all levels of climbers.
Climbing is still my passion, whether it be guiding novices on classic trad routes, working with groups or coaching at the local climbing walls or sports crag, or climbing with my mates.
I was moaning the other day about getting ready to lead a stag group on a stream scramble, on a wet and miserable grey morning, and my other half told me to stop whining, - cause not many people get paid to 'play out' as she so eloquently puts it. -
Well she's right - I've been in the envious position of getting paid for doing something I truly love, - what a job :-)
As an example I got a job via a local provider working with 2 novice climbers at Stanage this summer. You never know what client is going to present to you, well these clients were fit and capable belayers, but who hadn't climbed outdoors for 3 years. So after assessing them on a route on Black Hawk it was game on. No top roping, just seconding my lead, and we bagged 21 stars on routes up to E1, as I just said what a way to make a living.
But we all know the good old British winter weather and its effect on the outdoor industry so I'm adding Development Coach to my qualifications list to fill the winter period (apart from the weeks in Spain coaching a British Public school’s climbing club)
Indoors I’m A NICAS Course Director for 2 climbing walls and am a member of the NICAS Coach Development Team, helping shape the future of indoor climbing qualifications.
My only complaint - I wish I'd done it all sooner!!!
My Mountain Training Story :
Patrick Hickie
I specialise in teaching and coaching small groups, often pairs or singles, in a whole range of climbing and mountaineering skills so that they can develop into independent and self-sufficient climbers.
Traditional mountaineering skills are my main focus, including navigation, rock-climbing technique, snow & ice climbing, advanced rope-work and general skills associated with thriving in the mountains - in both summer and winter conditions.
As a regular leader of high-altitude expeditions, I also offer advice and training for those embarking on their first high-altitude experiences (often on expeditions to peaks such as Kilimanjaro, Island Peak, Mera Peak and Denali).
My Mountain Training Story :
William J Manners
I have been mountaineering and climbing since around 1983 when I was a member of a group of 6th form college friends who started climbing. We didn't know what we were doing ............. With some tuition from college staff we gained some knowledge. 17 years in the Royal Engineers enabled me to gain experience, qualifications and work in the climbing and mountaineering field. I was able to take part in or organise climbing expeditions to a variety of overseas destinations as well as run a Nordic ski racing team and the Joint Services Mountain Training Centre in Ballachulish. On leaving the Services I worked in youth expeditioning for 10 years firstly with my own company then with Outlooks Expeditions, latterly as their Technical Director. During this time I was again on overseas expeditions. I spent 4 1/2 years as the Highland Council / High Life Highland Outdoor Education Officer - which was an enlightening experience. Since 2018 I have worked as a freelance Winter Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor with my own clients as well as Glenmore Lodge, West Coast Mountain Guides, Jagged Globe, Dubh Mor and Scottish Rock and Water. I also lead overseas expeditions for Jagged Globe. I have met and worked with some amazing colleagues and clients and feel extremely privileged to still be doing so. In my spare time (as I try not to work full time!) I am a member of Stirling Triathlon Club, represent Great Britain in my age group and am a level 2 Triathlon Coach.
My Mountain Training Story :
Craig Offless
Since gaining all my awards I have lead, guided and taught, all aspects of climbing and mountaineering throughout UK, Europe, Africa, Asia and North America. I have lead mountaineering expeditions to Kenya, Kili, The Atlas, Himalayas, Alaska and the Andes. I have been a technical adviser to a couple of companies providing bespoke overseas expedition and for World Challenge from 2000 to 2010. I have run a small company providing training and assessment for both RCI (SPA) and MLS awards. Based in the Peaks, my wife and I own the Cheshire Cheese Inn in Hope, Derbyshire. I am on the AMI committee, mainly responsible for MCI/WMCI Trainee Workshops and have been on since 2020. This is my second time on the committee and believe it is important that mountain instructors have an organisation that supports their interests. Having retired, I now spend my wondering the hills either on my bike, where possible or on foot.
My Mountain Training Story :
Chas Ward
I spent many days & nights, growing up, in wild places & I enjoy sharing my passion for landscape & wilderness with others. Nature brings wide-ranging benefits & the world around us generates a sense of place. It helps those who thrive better outside classrooms to learn; develops shared values; challenge & stretching experience in fun & engaging ways. Activity outdoors is key to building individual, group and team confidence and interpersonal skills.
I had walked in the mountains of Yorkshire, the Lakes & N.Wales, through Cubs, Scouts & Ventures & was introduced to climbing. I joined the T.A. & ran with the O.T.C. Mountain Running Team; Reserve British Military Pentathlon Squad & completed the Welsh 1000. A serious accident, 1990, I re-learned to walk; & climbed the west face of the Eiger. I studied Geology at Leeds & climbed Grit E6; Slate E5; F7b+ sport; Winter IV. I volunteered as Assistant Leader & Photographer, British Schools Exploring Society Arctic Norway Expedition, 1994; Fire Co-Leader BSES Indian Himalaya Expedition 1998.
Marathons: Snowdonia 2008; Welsh-1000 & Langdale marathon '09; illness/accident '11-13; CRO Challenge (Ingleborough Marathon) x6: 2014-'19, 2022. Mountain Leader, for Global Adventure Challenges '20; Mountain Safety Team (MST) for the Ultra-Tour of Snowdonia, Snowdon Skyraces 21 & 22; route-marking & MST for Salomon Skyline Scotland 22. Climbing again, from late '18, I won back my fitness to F6c by 2023.
I volunteered for Cancer Research UK 2021; Adventure Leader (3 x 2 weeks) for the British Exploring Society Scottish UK Explorers Spring Expedition to the Scottish Highlands, 2022; Hartz Scottish Explorers Part 1 & Part 2 Scottish Highlands, 2022. For Part I, I was the only Mountain Leader, responsible for leading every Fire on the mountain. I was commended for recovering an injured Young Explorer from the high Munro's; nominated for BES' Leader of the Year Award; & received the John Muir Explorer Award.
My Mountain Training Story :
Georgia Cottle
I have been a keen outdoors women from my teenager years. I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to access the Gold D of E award at my school which taught me how to be confident in the outdoors, spending many a weekend hiking, camping and navigating my home hills of the Brecon Beacons. Since 2014 I have lived in Scotland and spent as much time as possible exploring the wild, barren and rugged Scottish landscape. My inroad to outdoors pursuits in Scotland was primarily through mountain running and orienteering. I have now moved on to developing my skills in outdoor climbing, ski-touring and winter mountaineering. I'm exciting to get started with the ML training, I want to use the course to engage others in the world of Scottish wilderness.
My Mountain Training Story :
Dan Robinson
I gained the WMCI (MIC as it was then) in my early 20's. I have spent many years on the AMI committee and also stood as the Gear Deal's Rep, MTE Board rep, BMC Tech Committee and was the Lakes AMI Trainee workshop provider. Today I still help with the running of the Cumbria Bolt Fund and deliver bolting workshops and training nationally.
In 2003 I set up Real Adventure, designed to deliver tailored educational courses for young people, skills training and guiding, B2B sales for outdoor equipment and adventure filming and access. Our staff all hold higher level awards and are committed to their work.
My Mountain Training Story :
Lesley-Anne Wray
In 2010 I joined my university climbing club and absolutely loved indoor climbing and the community I had become a part of. We went on outdoor climbing trips and I found further joy in not only outdoor trad and sport climbing but hiking as I seemed to be the only fan of a long walk in.
In 2014 I moved to England and joined a new climbing club. This is when I started to take it more seriously indoor climbing weekly and outdoor climbing at least once a month. I progressed to leading trad up to VS but actually was finding a lot more joy in walking than climbing. Through the group I discovered scrambling and loved the balance between covering distances on the hills and technical challenges.
In late 2014 I met my partner who also loved to hike and needed to stay in shape for the Infantry. Over the past 10 years we have hiked continuously together in the UK and abroad. While mostly venturing to the Brecon Beacons we have hiked and wild camped across North Wales, Lake District, Scotland and the Mournes.
I have recently quit my job in Engineering to start my own adventure business focused on adventuring with dogs, combining mountain skills and dog training to help people hit the hills with their dogs in a safe and controlled way that preserves nature.
My Mountain Training Story :
Dr. Robert Colin Pugh
I have over 30 years of experience in the hills in both the UK and Europe. I undertook my ML(S) training in 1996 in the Lake District and then lived in Europe for over a decade. Returned to the UK in 2015 and passed my ML(S) assessment in October 2019 with Graham Uney Mountaineering. Living on the edge of the Peak District I have also rekindled my love of rock climbing (nothing too serious!) and fell running. I am also a chartered geologist (CGeol) so I usually know what rock I'm climbing, walking or running on and how it got there! I also ex-deputy team leader of Glossop Mountain Rescue Team and have participated in numerous rescues and exercises over the past 7+years. Also, through the team, I am a qualified Casualty Career, Fall Protection Equipment Inspector and and ex-Swift water and flood Rescue Technician (SRT) and I am DBS Enhanced certified.
I also serve as a Sgt. instructor with my local Army Cadet Force (ACF) detachment, where I am responsible for teaching and assessing cadets in all subjects of the Army Cadet Syllabus (ACS21) which includes navigation and expeditions. Additionally ,through the ACF, I am a DofE Leader and Expedition (Bronze and Silver) Supervisor and Assessor and I hold an FMT600 for minibus and am DBS Enhanced certified .
My Mountain Training Story :
Ben Walker
I started leading trekking & over-land tours in 2004. Initially based in SE Asia for 4 years, I spent 2 years leading trips in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, China, Tibet, Malaysia & Japan; with nearly 2 years in Borneo. I have taken time out to cycle from Bangkok to Delhi, the length of New Zealand & the UK, & now predominantly lead cycling & trekking holidays, alongside charity challenges & other adventure races. I live & work in the Lake District & Scotland, & lead a number of overseas expeditions each year.
My Mountain Training Story :
Jack Morford
Born and bred in London, my climbing career didn't kick off until the humble age of 25. At the time I was a PhD student in Astrophysics at University College London and master of my own time. Climbing was always something I wanted to do but the opportunity didn't ever really present itself. So I booked onto a learn to rope climb course at Mile End climbing center in London. Roped climbing was always something that seemed to interest me more than simply bouldering, probably due to the more technical nature of it, the additional gear required, and also the opportunity to start climbing bigger things.
I quickly made the transition to the outside. I think my first outdoor experience was actually at Stone Farm rocks at the southern sandstone. Everything felt hard, and whilst it wasn't exactly a confidence boost, I absolutely loved it. Many trips to Portland and Swanage followed before every holiday started to revolve around climbing. Whilst being pretty pleased with my progress, there was a nagging feeling that I needed to get to grips with trad climbing. I had a day or two with some experienced friends to get at least a feel for it, but it wasn't until I went on a learn-to-lead trad course in the Wye Valley that I really gained some confidence in placing gear and building anchors. I felt like I'd found my calling and started climbing here there and everywhere. It opened up Scottish Winter climbing, alpine climbing and even expedition climbing.
These days I'd consider myself an all-around climber and am probably looking for more adventurous outings than pushing my grade. Sometime in the not-too-distant future I'll be looking to focus on training and actually pushing my sport climbing grade, fun things just seem to be getting in the way of that 8a dream.
I'm currently in my RCI consolidation and looking to gain experience in managing groups and shadowing other RCIs to build that side of my log book.
My Mountain Training Story :
Kyle Jones
Ex Military (Welsh Guards) for 12 years. Left the army and moved to Snowdonia in 2017. Volunteer for South Snowdonia Search and Resuce Team since Jan 2023. Rope Operator for the team. Currently wanted to get qualified in ML to pursue an outdoor career.
My Mountain Training Story :
Finn Hughes
I am an outdoor professional currently working within an outdoor education department taking a lead on developing climbing for our students across all abilities from year 4 all the way to year 13's, supporting the rest of the team delivering the welsh 3000's and coordinating our bronze DofE program and supporting the other two levels.
I have had a passion for the mountains for as long as I can remember since learning to ski at age 3 and snowboard at age 12 in Bettmeralp in Switzerland at the family property every year since and mountain biking on the Sussex Southdowns.
In my role as the 'climbing lead' I encourage my climbing students to go through NICAS program so we can easily track their progression and gives them motivation to progress with the next steps. I try to inspire them to achieve more and to overcome challenges on the wall through effective coaching and taking them forward onto competitions and residential rock climbing trips like Portland or Stanage edge.
My role as a DofE bronze coordinator sees me coordinating bronze leaders both in school and out on the ground with an average cohort of 70 students every year for the past 4 delivering key skills such as teamwork, communication, navigation and expedition skills. Half the students from this group are then inspired to carry on the programme and go onto silver and gold which is fantastic to see from them and continue their adventure and makes me feel that I have achieved my goal of helping promote the outdoors.
Like my students I am always on a journey of self-discovery and self-development and continue to progress, however slowly (depending on work/life balance), through the Mountain training syllabus and courses. I am currently working towards and through my CWDI, Development Coach and ML training and looking to hopefully complete my foundation coaching assessment this year while next year I plan on taking my climbing delivery further still and plan on doing my RCI.
My Mountain Training Story :
Adwitaa Vijayasundar
Over the summer, I trained as a lifeguard and now have the RLSS NPLQ qualification. Whilst working as a lifeguard, many staff mentioned that children often struggle in the deep end of the pool, get nosebleeds and misbehave (pushing/ jumping in shallow areas etc) which can lead to worse accidents.
I have given presentations and run workshops to the young school children, and give them water safety tips as a RLSS member.
I understand that many schools teach children how to swim, however there is a lack of awareness on what to do if something goes wrong and being aware is always good to know from a young age.
Children are much more excited and engaged with learning in workshop setup than they are at school and I hope that my talk will help them improve their understanding in a more engaging way so they can learn about being safe in water and still have fun.
My Mountain Training Story :
Scott Kirkhope
Scott Kirkhope is the Director of Elite Guides. Based in Fort William Scotland, Elite Guides offers a wide range of high-quality mountain guiding and instructional courses. Ben Nevis Guides, Skye Cuillin Ridge Guides and Glencoe Mountain Guides - offering Guided Rock Climbing, Guided Scrambles and Winter Climbing Courses and Guided Winter Climbing.
Scott has spent 20 years working in the outdoor sector in a range of roles from a Trainee instructor to a Senior Instructor at outdoor education centres before starting his own company.
My Mountain Training Story :
David Squire
Duke of Edinburgh Award Assessor.
NNAS Tutor
MLS
Started enjoying the outdoors at school, including Duke of Edinburgh Award and Ten Tors on Dartmoor. Carried on the interest through time in HM Forces at home and abroad, and then transferred interest to instructing ACF cadets and CFAV in maximising enjoyment of the great outdoors.
Now also involved in arranging worldwide trekking adventures, aswell as on home shores for trekkers of all ages and abilities.
My Mountain Training Story :
Danny Brown
I've been an MCI since 2003 and a climber for even longer. I love the outdoors and run and cycle as well as climb as often as life allows.
My Mountain Training Story :
Alessandra Birch
Greetings! My name is Alessandra.
I returned to the outdoors in 2024 because I realised that what I wanted was not the engineering job I was gunning for since 2021, that now I needed a break and I've returned to the interests of my youth- one being Adventure Sports.
It's been six years since I've actively pursued working outdoors, I was a University student until I decided I wanted a gap year.
I have been passive in polishing my skills, I want to do more to cultivate my climbing, my orienteering and outdoor skills, in water sports too.
I hold an SPA, CWA, and in Mountain Skills as of 2017. My current favourite activity would be indoor climbing as I love the full body exercise it demands.
My Mountain Training Story :
Ronald Morley
DofE expedition assessor bronze, silver and gold.