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 :
John Bradshaw
I set up Hike South East to provide friendly, interesting, well organised and great value hikes in the best rural locations that Kent, Surrey & Sussex have to offer. I have long had a passion for hiking in the UK and abroad & have spent many years leading walks through the countryside of South East England, as well as leading groups on historical and literary city walks as a volunteer tour guide. I greatly enjoy informing and entertaining people about the places explored, and the stories connected to them. Working towards & achieving the Lowland Leader award has been key to setting up & developing the business.
My Mountain Training Story :
Julian Goode
I'm Julian Goode - owner of Goode Walks, based in Brentwood in Essex. I've been walking, hiking, and climbing hills and mountains since family holidays in Snowdonia, Scotland and the Lake District way back as a teenager - and have spent as much time as possible in the outdoors for pleasure over the past 25 years.
It was only having been diagnosed with Leukaemia in 2019 that I discovered Mountain Training and considered the possibility of a complete career change - after 30 years working as a journalist and digital media consultant - and starting a new business as a walking leader.
I set about plans for Goode Walks during my treatment, and was able to qualify as a Lowland Leader in summer 2021. My mission is to help everyone possible to enjoy the great outdoors - leading guided tailored walks & hikes for individuals and groups of all kinds in the Essex countryside, as well as Suffolk, Hertfordshire, London, and right across the south east and East Anglia; including health and fitness walks; well-being and mental health walks; corporate walks, challenges, team bonding and netwalking for businesses, their staff and clients; map and navigation skills walks; and a variety of nature, climate (I am a trained Climate Reality Project leader) & environmental walks.
I am Outdoor First Aid trained, a Mental Health First Aider, and also a certified Leave No Trace Trainer - qualified to provide Awareness Workshops on The Seven Principles of Leave No Trace minimum impact practices for anyone visiting the outdoors to organisations such as schools or as part of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.
And I am planning my Camping Leader assessment in summer 2024, to then lead groups on multi-day camping walking, hiking & backpacking trips, and teach campcraft activities - having taken my Mountain Training Hill & Moorland Leader training during summer 2022, with a view to assessment as soon as possible.
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 Croydon Mountaineering Club whilst working in London on 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 :
Jennifer Roberts
After a childhood spent in the city, it is no surprise that I wanted to get out and explore the world. I now spend my time focusing on adventures and helping others to achieve their goals in the outdoors. This hasn’t always been the case. I worked as a Marketing Manager in Oxford for ten years before a major career change into the outdoors, where my excellent communication skills, customer care and passion for the mountains are very useful. I am a qualified International Mountain Leader and member of BAIML, splitting my time between the UK and Italy. It takes many years of dedication to develop the required skills to qualify as an International Mountain Leader and this qualification is kept up to date with regular CPD. I am also an accredited DofE trainer, supervisor and assessor working throughout the UK and abroad training and assessing candidates on Bronze, Silver and Gold expeditions.
International Mountain Leader (UIMLA)
Winter Mountain Leader (MTUK)
Wilderness First Responder (WEMSI)
Water Safety for Expedition Leaders (REC 3)
Rock Climbing Instructor (MTUK)
Climbing Wall Instructor (MTUK)
Éducateur Sportif/Carte Professionnelle (France)
I also have an enhanced DBS and my own public liability insurance.
My Mountain Training Story :
Christopher Wood
My love for the outdoors started at the age of 11 when my dad took me on my first camping expedition. Catching the train from Romiley (a village 3-4 miles outside Stockport) to Edale in the Peak District. I was blown away by the scenery that greeted me on arrival – a mere 30 minute journey from home.
My initial interest was taken further when I joined the local Air Training Corps and with them enrolled on the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme, successfully achieving by Bronze & Silver Awards.
As I started work I moved from one side of the Pennines to Retford in North Nottinghamshire on the other. I continued to get out in the Peaks District on a regular basis & working the length of the UK made visiting other National Park and remote areas easy.
Now in Brigg, North Lincolnshire, it was only as my youngest 2 daughters joined the local Air Cadets and the request was sent out for volunteers to assist in the running of things that I started to investigate formal outdoor activity qualifications. I naturally gravitated towards assisting and running the DofE side of things and soon became a DofE Leader on the squadron. I undertook the Expedition Assessor & Supervisor Training (EAST) Pathway through DofE Learn but if became clear that to become an accredited as a Supervisor/ Assessor I would need to gain the MTA Hill & Moorland Leader qualification.
Coincidently, and unbeknown to us both, my eldest daughter decided to undertake the same qualification at the same time. So we have shared the journey together which has been really special.
As well as being a Hill & Moorland Leader I have also achieved the MTA Camping Leader qualification. I am a SJA Activity (16hr) First Aider & have achieved the FAQ Level 3 Award on Mental Health: Workplace Fist Aider.
I also have a vast experience of the management of Health & Safety Policy & Systems and hold the NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health & Safety and RAFAC Risk Assessors qualifications.
My Mountain Training Story :
Hugh Geoffrey Harman
I first started working in the outdoors in 1998 and got my ML(S) and SPA in 2000...just in time for foot and mouth. I escaped to Thailand to teach EFL for a few years and returned to the UK, did my PGCE and have been working as a supply teacher in primary schools since 2010. Since 2017 I have also been working as freelance instructor, mostly in the warmer months. It's been pretty varied: one week I could be guiding a charity group on the Yorkshire 3 Peaks, the next walking and climbing in the Lakes with Army recruits, the next taking primary school kids weasling on the Roaches. I don't aspire to be a MCI or a development coach. I enjoy where I am and just want to get better and delivering the stuff I already do.
My Mountain Training Story :
Matthew Hackett
Adult Instructor with RAFAC
My Mountain Training Story :
Simon Pike
Hi
My name is Simon. I have a great love of the outdoors, anything adventuring and exploring.
I have completed the national 3 peaks challenge in 23 hours and completed numerous expeditions in and around the country. Ranging from the Brecon Beacons, the lake district to the South West Coastal Path.
I have an interest in climbing too which is why I'm undergoing my RCI training and assessment.
All of these interests I enjoy doing solo, with others and leading groups.
My Mountain Training Story :
Andy Hickey
Hi everyone,
I’m a recently qualified ML and here's my story.
After a long career in retail and hospitality (heading out onto the hills as often as I could manage) I took a complete career break mid-2022. It was an 11-day walking break in Scotland in September 2022 that made me realise that the hills are where I need to be and the idea of taking people with me was clearly the right option.
I started towards gaining my ML qualification in October 2022 and dedicated myself full-time to the journey. I deliberately chose to gain experience with different course providers in different locations; I started off with a Navigation Course and a Scrambling Course in Eryri in October then followed this up with an Outdoors First Aid Course and the 6-day ML Training in Wasdale in the Lake District. A refresher course and some shadowing on both a navigation course and a mountain skills course (in the Lake District, Peak District, and Eryri respectively) got me ready for assessment, which I completed in September 2023.
My mountain walking log covers mountain days in Scotland (both Highlands and Galloway), Wales (both Eryri and Bannau Brycheiniog) as well as in the Lake District, although my hill time also reflects experience going back 40 years, from venture scout adventures through to military misadventures and cub scout leadership.
Since qualifying, I’ve undertaken some 3-Peak Challenge work (on Scafell Pike and Yr Wyddfa, and occasionally both) as well as keeping my time in the mountains ticking over and working on scoping/developing what I hope will be my own guiding “angle†over the coming years (based around my love of waterfalls).
My home is in Cumbria and I’m based between there, Hertfordshire, Cheshire, and all points in between.
My style is towards the coaching end of leadership – I gravitate towards looking after those at the rear, encouraging and supporting them, rather than at the front setting the pace and roaring people on.
Thanks for reading,
Andy
My Mountain Training Story :
Jay Taylor
Hi , I’m Jay :)
Climbing since 1998.
Currently training for my RCI qual & super keen to share my experience & knowledge of our little world
My Mountain Training Story :
Chaz Powell
After exploring and hiking the globe for the past two decades. I now live my life as an Explorer, Expedition Leader, Bushcraft Instructor and Ranger.
Having obtained my Summer Mountain Leader award in 2015, I now look forward to working towards and obtaining my International Mountain Leader Award and continuing to lead in the outdoors both in the UK and abroad.
My ongoing project 'The Wildest Journey' is all about my remote explorations by foot along Africa's wildest rivers. With the main focus and objective behind my journeys being to raise funds and awareness for wildlife conservation and anti poaching.
During 2016/17 I spent 137 days walking over 3000km from source to sea along the Zambezi River and in 2019 spent 47 days walking 1120km from source to sea along the Gambia river and 29 days walking 800km from east to west across Madagascar whilst walking source to sea along the country's longest river, The Mangoky.
My Mountain Training Story :
Martin Fernández Cartelle
Hello everybody! My name is Martin, I am from Spain. I am a stunt performer and also I work sometime as a rigger in the film industry.
I am in climbing sport enthusiastic since 2020, and now me level and compromise it’s much more than before.
I usually training climb two or three times a week indoor and one or two in rock each 2 weeks.
I just get my IRATA and first aid in October.
Now I am training trad and sport climbing on rock, but I have to say I prefer sport right now :)
I will go to Manchester on Nov end to do the assessment on RCI!
I am trying to get mi climb skill for the BSR.
My Mountain Training Story :
Sarah Weeks
Sports Leaders Level 2 Award in Basic Expedition Leadership - Qualification Centre
Worcestershire County Council - 29/06/2009
My Mountain Training Story :
Simon Turner
Over the last 30 years or more I’ve hill and mountain walked, and climbed throughout the UK, and internationally in the Alps, Pyrenees, Asia (Sri Lanka), East Africa (Kenya and Uganda), USA (Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Rainer, Yosemite, Grand Tetons, Arizona and Olympic Peninsula) and Canada (British Columbia - Coast Mountains and Vancouver Island).
I love to share my passion for the outdoors with other people, whether that's young people or adults, and get great fulfilment leading, passing on my mountain and hills skills and watching people develop their skills and grow in confidence to have their own adventures.
I live in Shropshire which is my base and where I lead hill walking and rock climbing in the Shropshire Hills (AONB). I also spend a considerable amount of time leading mountain walks in Wales especially the Berwyn's, Aran’s and Snowdonia National Park as well as the Lake District and throughout Scotland. I've walked extensively in the Brecon Beacons, Peak District, Dartmoor and Yorkshire Moors.
I have also climbed and mountaineered in the South West, Snowdonia, Peak District, Lakes and Scotland especially enjoying the Skye and Rum Cuillins and Outer Hebrides. Mountaineering, hill walking, trad climbing and scrambling are my main passions, but I also enjoy bouldering, sport climbing and indoor climbing as well.
I am available for all UK and overseas opportunities to lead groups walking in the hills and mountains or provide rock climbing taster sessions; as a NNAS Tutor (Bronze and Silver) and DofE Expedition Assessor I am also able to combine my Mountain Training Awards with these skills too.
I am a keen mountain biker and besides loving being up a mountain or on a crag I am also an active paddler and have paddled throughout the UK and Europe and have several British Canoeing qualifications including Coaching (OFQUAL Level 3), AWWS&R, Moderate Kayak and Canoe Leader, Open Water Canoe Leader and SUP coach.
My Mountain Training Story :
Ross Askew
I have served in the British Army for over 19 years. I love the outdoors and the environment around me. I enjoy challenges and seeing individuals progress. I am full time lecturer, teaching uniform services and police. I have sports coaching degree and volunteered as a football coach and numerous of coaching badges within the sporting world.
My Mountain Training Story :
Scott Young
I have been a lover of the outdoors since my childhood and was brought up in the South Lakes getting into the hills whenever possible. I have been an active rock climber since I started climbing in the early '90s. Climbing: I have climbed for over 30 years and gained my SPA in 2013. I take groups climbing indoors and outdoors. I particularly love the Lakes and the variety of rock types and styles of climbing. Mountaineering & the Alps: My first climbing trip to the French Alps was when I was 16 with summits in the Mont Blanc and Ecrins massifs. This started my passion for France, the Alps and mountaineering. The logical next step for me was to be based in France and move out there.
Skiing: Following on from my first winter season (95-96) in Serre Chevalier / Ecrins I knew that I wanted to live in the French Alps. I returned in 1999 and spent the next 8 years living full time in the France - climbing / mountaineering in the summer & skiing/touring in the winter. I spent 3 winter seasons based in Les Deux Alpes, 5 more in Chamonix where I developed my skills in skiing, snowboarding and ski mountaineering. All summers were spent living in in Chamonix 2000- 2007. Since returning to the Lakes and becoming a fulltime secondary teacher I have held the Snowsport England Alpine Ski Course Leader (ASCL) award (2010- present) and every year (apart from COVID) have led on school ski trips - groups of pupils 11-18yrs throughout North America and Europe. I hold Kendal Ski Slope accreditation and lead groups here. Teaching: Since becoming a secondary teacher I have been able to be involved in D of E awards and orienteering. I run the school climbing club and run sessions on our school indoor top roping wall. I run outdoor climbing sessions with school pupils on the local outdoor crags around Lancaster. Holding my SPA has meant that I can take pupils from school climbing in and outdoors which I find particularly rewarding working with young people outside of the classroom.
My Mountain Training Story :
James Hage
I got into climbing (very late) through Scouting thanks to a couple of friends. I'm a very casual climber due to time commitments from other things, but do enjoy going out, supporting other Scouts and also going and learning new experiences. Never done any awards like NICAS but always willing (and love) to learn. I also hold a number of Scout Permits including:
- An Artificial Top Rope Leadership Permit in climbing
- A Terrain 1(Summer) Permit
- A Camping and Lightweight Expedition Permit
I Completed the ICA in 2019, and the CWI Training in March 2022.
Also love to ski, holding the European Bronze (ESF) 3 Star Award, which I thought was just a basic award but turns out is a little more advanced. I also like to Scuba Dive, being a BSAC Sports Diver. I have completed the NNAS Navigator Bronze award, and the Countryside Leader Award for hill walking through Nottinghamshire County Council (Walking log kept separate) Completed the ERCA High Ropes Course in May 2022.
My Mountain Training Story :
Adam Clark
I learned to climb in the early 2010s, initially as top-rope only and then, soon after, progressing to indoor lead climbing. A short time after I progressed to outdoor climbing.
My Mountain Training Story :
David Eaton
I have a background in photography and began my hill-walking in the Peak District back in the mid-80s, as an extension to that. Some twenty-eight years later a chance conversation with a Scout Leader and DofE Supervisor led to me taking-on the Hill & Moorland Leader Award (and now Mountain Leader Award), having never previously thought of outdoor leadership.
I've shared my skills and knowledge in other areas (with 14 years experience as a lecturer in photography) and I'm hoping to do the same with my love of hill-walking and my map reading/navigational skills, which were developed in the days before GPS and Smartphones…
My Mountain Training Story :
Bill Robinson
I have been a passionate and persistent mountain and hillwalker for over 40 years, rooted in childhood experiences in Wales, Oxfordshire and the Swiss Alps. The substance of my walking since the mid 1980's has been in Snowdonia (Snowdon & Welsh 3000's; Rhinogs; Cadair Idris range), the Black Mountains, the Brecon Beacons and Mid-Wales (Pumlumon etc) alongside lower level hill and moorland walking on Dartmoor, Exmoor, Herefordshire border country and some limited Scottish experience. I am half-French and have occassional experience of the French Pyrenees and the Cevennes. Over many years I have planned and led walks for family and friends, including my younger brothers from their early teens onwards, and subsequently my own two daughters. This has typically included wild camping and/or bivvying as a core element. Amongst the many self-evident joys of spending time in and around the mountains and outdoors, walking and adventuring has been a significant contributory factor in sustaining and nurturing my positive mental and emotional wellbeing, in addition to the obvious physical fitness benefits. I have had a short article published in Trail Magazine (on a wild camp through the Rhinogs range). As I move into a more balanced mix of work and other commitments at this stage of my life I have decided to move towards a long-held ambition to complete a mountain leadership qualification in 2023/24.
My Mountain Training Story :
Anne N Aspin
Completed the ML Training in 2009 and been slowly building experience through UK QMDs and overseas expeditions including New Zealand, Morocco and Corsica.
Next up is a micro navigation refresher day and further first aid qualification prior to ML Assessment.
My Mountain Training Story :
John Figiel
Originally from Whaley Bridge on the edge of the Peak District I now live in Suffolk, where I own and run Dog-go! a dog walking business that also specialises in taking owners on dog friendly walks exploring the Broads, and the East Anglian coastline and countryside.
In addition I can also usually be found leading walking groups in the Peak District (with and without dogs!) as well as working on outdoor event safety teams.
A keen trail runner, I also enjoy cycling and climbing, keep bees, and possesses an enquiring knowledge of both lowland and upland flora and fauna.
My Mountain Training Story :
Barry Moses
As a Mountain Leader and I find great satisfaction in working alongside the Scouting movement to assist adults in providing young people with the opportunity to experience the beauty and challenges of the mountains. I believe that the mountains offer a unique opportunity for personal growth and development, and I am dedicated to helping others discover this for themselves.
My Mountain Training Story :
Brett Mahoney
Shwmae,
I'm the Gwent Outdoor Activity Development Officer for The Outdoor Partnership, a registered charity that improves people's lives through outdoor activity. A big part of my role is to reduce barriers to to the outdoors for people from all areas of society and support in creating a more inclusive outdoor industry, both areas that I am passionate about.
As well as working for the charity, I continue to work as a freelancer for providers and centres, as well as offering private guiding and coaching in fell running, hill walking and climbing, predominantly working in Bannau Brycheiniog and Eryri.
My main passion is ultra distance fell running, I currently hold the winter records for the South Wales Traverse and Rownd Mynydd Du (Black Mountains Round) and am hoping to do well in the Spine Race in June 2024. I also try to to get out and climb from time to time! Mainly interested in sport climbing and mountaineering.
I'm a qualified Mountain Leader, Climbing Wall Instructor, Mountain Bike Leader, Leader in Running Fitness, DofE Assessor, and enjoy guiding and coaching people to achieve their goals in the mountains.
I'm a member of Longtown Mountain Rescue Team, operating in the Black Mountains area of the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park.
if I'm not out guiding or running, you will probably find me exploring the mountains with my best adventure buddy/daughter Lily, son Ray, dog Bryn and wife Nicola.
Hope to see you on the hill soon.
My Mountain Training Story :
Jamie Walker
Whilst at University I got my foot in the outdoor industry. I was an instructor for Huddersfield climbing centre- CCG. I worked at other walls under the CCG brand including Harrogate and Manchester wall. At this time I was a sport climber with little to no trad experience. Through my time within the CCG I was promoted to Duty Manager and as Duty Manager I was responsible for inspecting the equipment around the centre. I also had responsibility over the NICAS scheme and used my fundamentals 1 & 2 to help improve the delivery of our NICAS by creating games and a more clear course structure. In this time I had received in house sign offs and was instructing up to NICAS level 4, as a result of this, I never pursued my CWI and set my ambitions on the RCI. Unfortunately Huddersfield climbing centre closed down during one of my travelling trips so I started to pursue other professional goals. Finally around 6/7 years later I have returned to the outdoor industry as a DM at Mendip Activity centre and am committed to developing myself as an instructor/climber/mountaineer. My current goals and objectives are to gain the RCI and ML.
My Mountain Training Story :
Henry Lock
Hello, my name is Henry Lock.
I always grew up with going on walks around where I live with my siblings and my parents and my dogs but I didn't realise how much I loved the outdoors until I partook in the DofE scheme at my school and took it through all the way to my gold expedition and I am on track to getting my gold award. In doing my gold I found how much I adored walking in the mountains.
My Mountain Training Story :
Lee Anderson
After a number of years dreaming of living in the mountians, I moved to Mallaig in the Scottish Highlands in March 2021. This move gave me easy access to develop my knowledge of the Highlands and build on my skill set. I now hold the Winter Mountain Leader Award and I'm working towards my Rock Climbing Instructors Award.
I specialise in guiding in remote, hard to reach locations, like Knoydart and Fisherfield. I make my personal adventures as sustainable as possible, and aim to do more guiding where both participants and guide (me) access trails by bike or public transport, offering cashback as a 'Sustainable Travel Incentive' to encourage and support people to choose the ecological option.
My mountain journey really took off in 2015, when I started working at a school and began helping with Duke of Edinburgh Award expeditions. My colleagues running the DofE recognised my enthusiasm for the outdoors and suggested I do a Basic Expedition Leader course. I completed my BEL course between Autumn 2015 and Spring 2016. This gave me a foundation of expedition skills that I have since built upon. By 2019 I was managing the school DofE programme, had gained my ML Award and climbed some significant peaks in Europe.
In 2017, a cycle tour of Ireland enabled me to quickly complete a 'round' of the Marilyn-Furths, giving me a great variety of experience across the British Isles. Among many cycle tours, one that stands out was my tour of 2022, when I cycled to the Alps and climbed the Matterhorn and Dufourspitze (Monte Rosa), truly memorable moments were made with a low carbon footprint!
I am excited to be well on my way to completing a round of the 282 Munros that will guide me, and others, to new horizons. The Munro journey doesn't just take you to new mountains, but new glens and new parts of the country, that's just part of the reason it's Not About The Summit.
My Mountain Training Story :
Chris Revell
PE Teacher delivering A-level and Vocational PE/Sport in a 6th Form College.
Looking to develop my skill set to deliver outdoor and adventurous activities to students.
Former Metropolitan Police Special Constable.
My Mountain Training Story :
Robert Morris
I live in Swindon, Wiltshire and work for Nationwide Building Society.
I’m a Lead Volunteer (Group Scout Leader) in the Scout Association.
My Mountain Training Story :
Adam Betts
I started to get involved in mountaineering at the start of 2013 once i moved to RAF Leachers where i joined the RAF Mountain Recuse Team. Once Leachers closed in mid 2014 i moved to RAF Lossiemouth north Scotland, and continued with the MRT. Feb 2016 i was given a full time job on the MRT at RAF Valley. So i have gained a lot of experience and training in the MR system. I'm now working towards RCDI and MCI.
My Mountain Training Story :
Andy Kelly
Having moved to Cumbria in 2012 with little experience in the Outdoors but keen to explore and seek out adventure, this was the start of a journey for me.
Naturally, this started with hiking on the Lake District fells, something which I enjoyed right from the off. I soon realised I could grow in confidence and enjoy more exciting experiences through more formal skills training.
This led me to training courses in things such as navigation, Winter skills, and rock climbing which acted as a catalyst for me to go way beyond just hiking.
In the years that followed I've hiked extensively in Summer and Winter in The Lakes, Snowdonia and Scotland. Rock climbed and Winter climbed primarily in Cumbria and Scotland and enjoyed many classic mountaineering routes and ridges in both Winter and Summer.
I've climbed more than half of the 282 Scottish Munros, a particular passion of mine is spending multiple days out 'Munro Bagging' and camping in the mountains in remote areas.
I've had a couple of trips to the Alps and climbed eight 4000m mountains, including Mont Blanc.
I spent around 4 years as a Mountain Rescue Team member in my local Lake District team, and more recently have completed my Mountain Leader Qualification, and have completed my Winter Mountain Leader Training.
I'm hoping having my ML qualification will enable me to show others how to seek out adventure. This could be with their first tentative steps into that world, or could be with progressing onto more committing endeavours such as multi day outings, remote Munros, or more technical hikes.
My Mountain Training Story :
Lewis Burgar
I have been hiking in the peak district since I was able to walk, my nan used to take me and my brother our almost every weekend and teach us what she knew of the history of the land we hiked, how it was formed and some human history too. She helped spark a love for the outdoors that still burns strong within me. This lead to me joining scouts and later the Air cadets, I learnt how to navigate with a map and compass as well as first aid, route planning (hill and moorland), various camping skills and climbing/belaying. I also completed the bronze duke of Edenborough award during this time in the Air cadets.
Since about the age of 16 I have been near routinely venturing out into the moorlands and hills on routes I plan myself and navigate by map and compass (GPS is far too boring). The extent of these adventures only limited by how far I could walk from home and when I could get a lift from my mother, Since getting a car I have summited the mountain Snowdon and did so with red weather warnings since I figured it would be quietest that day. Although that may be the only actual mountain I have summited by foot, I feel the experience I've had spending my whole youth in the hills and moorlands of the peak district can contribute greatly to hiking in the mountains. I aim to expand my experience and eventually become a mountain leader.
My Mountain Training Story :
Locryn Williams
I am a mountain leader and rock climbing instructor operating from Kernow (Cornwall), Cymru (Wales), England and Alba (Scotland). I run mountain journeys, scrambling, navigation workshops, rock climbing experience days and advanced rock climbing to becoming independent. I also have been a Rock Skills tutor and instructor; I’m a PE teacher and Acting Head of Outdoor Education at Embley School. I have run ten tors teams, hill skills and multi day expeditions as well as being a DofE leader, coordinator and manager.
Through teaching I have developed OAA curriculums, bring outdoor Ed into the mainstream curriculum whilst running Expedition clubs and more. I’ve developed climbing in schools and led on competitions and NICAS.
I’ve been on personal expeditions to various areas of Scotland during winter, the Alps, Skye and Iceland with many more planned.
My Mountain Training Story :
Dawn Adam
I work as a full time outdoor freelance instructor. Most of my work Is facilitating young people on The Duke of Edinburghs Award but I am also an archery instructor, a mountain bike leader and I can lead bushcraft lessons.
I have also lead expeditions for Outlook and Camps International until the COVID pandemic put a stop to those.
As a previous teacher of Physics and a current A level examiner I pride myself with building good relationships with young people and getting the best out of them.
I am also an RAF volunteer with Air Cadets. I run the adventure training side of my squadron and also help out at Wing level.
The Ten Tors event is very famous here in the South West, I have trained and managed teams for nearly twenty years. I'm also a Scrutineer for this event for the last five years, ensuring the safety and fairness of the event and its people.
My Mountain Training Story :
Calum Wallace
My base is North Wales where I spend most of my time. I am a climber, mountaineer and outdoor instructor who spends as much time as possible working and playing in the mountains.
My approach is client centred, I work with you to achieve your goals and ambitions. I hope that after your time working with me, you feel empowered, and have the knowledge to go tackle your own mountain adventures.
I offer summer and winter guided walks, summer and winter personal mountain skills courses, summer rock climbing, and year round navigation training. I also run guided hut to hut trekking in Europe.
I am a full time outdoor instructor based in Bangor, North Wales and. previously I worked in the Outdoor Education department of Gordonstoun School in Scotland and the Expedition department at Aiglon College in Switzerland where I specialised in delivering the outdoor education programme in the Junior School.
My Mountain Training Story :
Jessica Rowe
The reason I'm doing my Mountain Leader training course is to enhance my leadership skills for ocean rowing expeditions.
Skills such as risk assessment, decision making, communication, resilience, adaptability and confidence are skills I can develop over time by spending more time training with groups in the hills or mountains, which I can bring to my leadership role as skipper onboard rowing boats.
I am doing this for personal growth rather than to have a career as a mountain leader.
My Mountain Training Story :
Mark Adamson
I'm an Explorer Scout Leader (14-18 year-olds), DofE Supervisor and the District Bushcraft Lead Instructor. We try to make our DofE Expeditions memorable so offer to assist the participants to achieve via different modes: Bronze by foot, Silver by foot or bike and Gold by foot, bike or canoe.
Keen walker since being a Scout in the 1970's
Have walked extensively in the British Isles. England all over the Lakes and Peaks. Wales Snowdonia and Brecons. Scotland Skye, Jura and Caingorms. Have done the three peaks indivudually, not part of the three-peak challenge.
Have skied extensively in Europe and USA/Canada
Have ski toured (with skins) in Europe
Have wild camped since the 1970's
Have taken part in endurance road bike rides eg Fred Whitton
Have cycle toured in England and France - both by mountain and road bike
Have taken part in mountain bike events, some of them 24 endurance
Achieved BCU3* and used to shoot grade 5 rapids - this was in the 1980's mind!
Scouting is based on a permit scheme and hold the following relevant permits:
Summer T1 (upto 800m)
Summer T2 (over 800m) training complete, assessment in March 2024 - this includes rope work and scrambling
Winter T2 training complete, assessment in Feb/Mar 2024 and possibly 2025 depending on snowfall - this includes crampons, rope work and snow: anchors, belay points, holes
Top-rope indoor climbing
BCU Canoe award - in the planning stage and aim to complete by 2025
ML - The ML will enable me to secure the T2 Supervisor permit which will allow me to supervise 3 groups of 8 on the hill. This is the driver to achieve the ML qualification in 2024.
My Mountain Training Story :
Christopher Griffiths
Christopher Griffiths is the owner of Enjoy Water Safely, a new Approved Training Provider delivering a wide range of RLSS UK courses.
Enjoy Water Safely is associated with Dashing Dolphins Learn to Swim and RLSS UK Qualifications in based in Worcester and has historical links with St John Ambulance (SJA) in Malvern. Christopher Griffiths qualified as a First Aid trainer assessor in 2007 with SJA and converted to RLSS UK Qualifications (formerly IQL) in 2018. Developing his career as a RLSS UK Mentor and Trainer Assessor, he has over 20 years experience in the Leisure industry supporting all ages to enjoy water safely.
He is currently on an Early Years pathway to becoming a Batchelor of Education with Qualified Teacher Status at University of Worcester in 2025.
My Mountain Training Story :
Valeria Trezza
I have international certificates to work onboard that could be useful for your staff. I have experience and Practical skills as an adventure tour guide, and also as a speaker about Antarctic geopolitics and history.
Through travelling this wonderful world I have been privileged to have learned the importance of taking care of our planet. I am convinced that tourism is a perfect educational way to learn about Mother Nature. My experience as an expedition guide allows me to express how humans should be respectful to Mother Nature.
I was lucky enough to travel more than 13,000 km by road from Ushuaia to Peru and also cycle from Italy to Spain as a solo traveller. In addition, I had many opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities in Patagonia. Also, thanks to my solo adventures, I had many opportunities to confront myself, and I learned that the natural environment is the most powerful teacher.
I am excited to share pleasant experiences and positive energy with people from different countries, learn from them, adapt to everything, and solve problems. I have extensive experience on expedition Vessels both in Antarctica and the Great Lakes regions and looking forward to expanding on that experience.
My Mountain Training Story :
Kevin Rutherford
Hello, thanks for visiting my profile, i have been walking and climbing for nearly 30 years, working in the Outdoor Industry for over 20. I set up Ecosse Mountains in 2003, based in Grantown on Spey, North East Scotland. As a mountain instructor "WMCI", a full member of the Association of Mountaineering Instructors (AMI) provides courses and tailor-made days on all aspects of Summer and Winter Mountaineering and Climbing.
I also work as a freelance instructor, engaging with many other companies where I am an associate instructor, I have a wealth of experience in training and assessing a variety of National Governing Body qualifications up to and including Winter Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor, Scotland North East AMI Trainee trainer as well as a WMCI Mentor.
As well as working in the UK I have experience in running ice climbing courses in Norway and have guided numerous high-altitude trekking trips in Africa and Nepal.
The above experience has also enabled me to work in the TV/Film industry for over a decade looking after cast and crew in challenging locations, Health and Safety qualified, IOSH Safety and Health for Business, and a member of the Institute of Safety & Health.
For further details - www.ecossemountains.co.uk
My Mountain Training Story :
Paul Smith
Paul is a member of the Mountain Training Association and a qualified Rock Climbing Instructor . Since 2022 he has worked as RCI in Northumberland and Yorkshire as well as instructing and coaching indoors.
His climbing journey started forty years ago as a teenager going scrambling with his father and uncle in the lake district. However his climbing really took off in 1986 when he attended Teesside University and joined their mountaineering club. Over the four years he progressed from leading Severe to establishing new E6s. After graduating with Honours in Civil Engineering he worked as a Project Manager and lived in Newcastle. He became active in the Northumberland scene and joined The Wanneys Climbing Club.
During the 1990s he started sport climbing at Malham and Kilnsey redpointing up to 8b. He progressed on to competition climbing and competed with success for around ten years in bouldering and lead climbing most notably winning the Berghaus British Bouldering Championship and later placing highly in the national lead climbing series and being selected to GB Climbing Team.
Paul also winter climbed extensively in Scotland ticking most of the Cold Climbs classics as well as multiple ascents of grade VIIs and VIIIs. He has climbed in the Alps ticking off the major summits, Mont Blanc, Matterhorn etc. and multiple north faces including Les Droites and Grandes Jorasses in winter and Piz Badile and Cima Grande in summer. In Norway he has climbed numerous hard ice routes up to WI5 and soloed the 800m Gausta Marathon.
Paul has also bouldered outdoors up to 8A and been a new route developer in the North East with significant contributions to Goldsborough and Shaftoe Crag where he wrote an article on the development for magazine On The Edge.
He regularly posts climbing related content on his Instagram page @ Paul_Smith_Climbing.
My Mountain Training Story :
Chris (Gus) Hudgins
Lifetime Climber, Stuntman and Martial Artist that's rarely to be found sitting still.
Qualified Rock Climbing Instructor, Kickboxing coach and Combat Instructor.
I've been climbing for over 25 years all over the world up to Trad E8, Sport 8a+ and 7c+ boulders. I also enjoy climbing writing and have authored quite a few articles as well as co-writing the BMC Staffordshire Gritstone guidebook.
It feels like a bit of a privilege to be able to mix my lengthy climbing experience with teaching and coaching climbing, and I love seeing the development and enjoyment in my students !!
My Mountain Training Story :
Michael Curry
My Story:
Well a bit about me, I am an all-around outdoor instructor qualified to lead in the mountains, climb and teach. The mountains are not just my workplace but they are somewhere special I go to enjoy myself and recharge my batteries.
I have walked and climbed in many parts of the world, but I'm yet to go to the Southern Hemisphere, Patagonia and New Zealand are high on the go-to list.
What's my favorite mountain:
It's hard to say, I love Scotland, its splendor, the remoteness, and lack of crowds, but The Alps are a big draw, crossing glaciers and scaling 3000-meter peaks over several days can't be beaten. Back in the UK - The Black Cullins, Skye is magical and as close to alpine as we will get in the UK.
What's my favorite piece of kit:
A pair of Outdoor Research gloves, they live in my rucksack all year, light enough to keep the chill off hands in a chilly breeze and warm enough to withstand a full-blown white out on The Cairngorm Plateau.
How was I introduced to the outdoors:
As a teenager, I decided to try and climb a crag, no kit, and no idea, and sure enough, I fell off, fortunately not too far, but did land in a bed of nettles - ouch. At that point, my mother decided I should learn to do it properly and thanks to supportive teachers a love of the outdoors was born and now all these years later it's my job.
What other Outdoor Sports:
As well as a qualified Mountain Leader and Rock Climbing Instructor, I'm qualified to take people, canoeing, kayaking paddleboarding, and on two wheels mountain biking.
How do I fill in my spare time:
When I do not have to cut the grass or keep up with household chores then it's the mountains. Anything from a day walk in Summer to an overnight expedition in winter.
My Mountain Training Story :
Oliver Berkin
Working in the Moutnains was, from a young age, my one and only goal. From as long as I can remember our family holidays revloved about being in mountainous areas in the UK and Europe. This was the start of mine and my sisters Wounderlust... We would spend hours flicking through guide books, maps and old copies of National Geographic. We simply enjoy planning trips and "expeditions". Some times we were actually allowed to go through with these plans, with parental permission and support... Weather it be backpacking on the Pennine Way or tackleing one of the Alta Via in the Dolimites these experencesd pre 18 were solid foundations I still reffer back to even now after working in the outdoor sector for over 20 years. As a dyslexic accademia was never going to be a great fit however using dyslexia as a super prower rather than a crutch I opted for a further education route that suited. i found my self in Pembrokshire on an Outdoor Studies and Sports Science course. in between 1st and second year i secured a placment at Cape Adventure (Previously the John Ridgeway Adventre School) and this was a remote, tough and hugly exhilerating experience. Operating 20KM south of Cape Wrath really made you atuned to the "what if's" and dynamic behavoiurs and really drove home the need for prep and planing skills again that added to my foundations.
so Post 20 what have I done.... Gained my Winter ML by the time I was 25, Lead 23 over seas Expeditions and counting, worked in full time roles for the two biggest expedition providers in the UK, worked for the Swiss Brand Mammut and embarked on a philentropic give back by returning to the Scout accociation as an adult assessor maintianing the high standards needed to take young people out in the hill and Mountains, weather it be climbing or walking. Full Circle... ;-)
My Mountain Training Story :
leanne wrightson
I've been a carer for most of my adult life, working with people with disabilities. Most of my education, qualifications and experience are in this field particularly specialising in Dual Sensory Impairments. In June 2016 I volunteered with my sister's school (ASN specialist school) to go to The Bendrigg Trust for the weekend and we took part in multiple activities, I loved seeing my sister achieve so much and I wanted to be part of that for other people. So I decided to volunteer, then I was invited to apply for the trainee in Feb 2017. Now I return as part of the freelance team quite frequently as well as gaining knowledge and experience from other outdoor companies such as Venture Trust, Able 2 Adventure and Camps International.
My Mountain Training Story :
Aimie Bowman
Hello, I'm Aimie and I've decided to take my love of the outdoors further - not only for my own development but to also benefit the young people which I work with and other communities.
I have very vivid memories of my first ever residential outdoors trip at just 10 years old to Auchengillan Outdoors Centre, where I fell in love with the outdoors and still remember intricate flora and fauna facts from the instructors. As an adult, I first really got into the outdoors via running, when I wanted to add some diversity to my training. This took me on my first hike up Ben Lomond and despite a fear of heights - I've never looked back and began combatting this fear. Since that day I've climbed 252 Munros (some several times), Corbetts, some smaller hills, long distance walks such as the West Highland Way (multiple times) and Glen Affric Way.
Since becoming so passionate about the outdoors, not only am I working within a Glasgow Secondary School with young people where I'm lucky enough to be a DofE Leader taking part in DofE Expeditions, but I'm now also in my second year at Stirling University undertaking the Environmental Geography and Outdoor Education degree.
The idea from gaining outdoor qualifications is to not only promote safety in the outdoors (including the dangers of cold water to teenagers), but to really boost the recognition of the advantages of physical and mental health outdoors can bring while teaching those to respect and nurture the landscape we have on our doorstep. Having my Summer ML qualification would also allow me to take small groups of pupils from challenging backgrounds into rural environments during the Summer holidays on day trips, instead of being at home playing computer games. The more young people you can engage with the outdoors in a respectful way, the better the ripple effect this will have in protecting our outdoor environments, our outdoor access rights but more importantly the positive impact in the wider communities.
My Mountain Training Story :
Steven Pease
We are an established provider of Mountain Training courses, and have delivered training and assessments over the last 20 years to numerous candidates from climbing awards to the Mountain Leader. We have worked as a Head of Centre, technical expert, freelancer and former AALA inspector. We now concentrate on delivering Lowland Leader courses in our local Chiltern Hills, an area we know very well and enjoy walking, cycling and running in ourselves.
We have always prided ourselves on an ethos of approachable professional skills delivery and good customer service. It is firmly founded by an enjoyment of the outdoors and our desire to share this space and our knowledge with you.
On booking one of courses you will get an experienced, professional, friendly and knowledgeable provider, who delivers only in their local area, reducing environmental impact.
My Mountain Training Story :
Mike Kann
Most of my life, I've been an engineer and product designer working to go climbing. I have done many alpine rock routes, primarily in the Dolomites, become involved with cascade ice climbing, created an accommodation business in the Dolomites (Casa Alfredino), worked on climbing equipment designs (notably the WC Friend, Edelrid Bulletproof HMS, and a line of Skylotec equipment) and generally enjoyed being in the climbing, mountaineering and skiing scene. Now I aim to pass on what I've learned to the next generation, helping people who have discovered climbing through bouldering walls get outside and fall in love with that too.
My Mountain Training Story :
Sam Higginson
From a corporate London based background, in 2023 I took a career break to adventure more often and further afield! Currently based in Chamonix, France.
I have significant experience sailing, hiking throughout the UK - this has lead me to spending a large amount of time climbing, skiing and mountaineering.
Looking to undertake my Mountain Leader qualification in order to gain further knowledge in the hiking, climbing and mountaineering areas with a view to potentially working in this area.
My Mountain Training Story :
Steve Bull
Worked in Antarctica in 2003 and 2004 as a private guide.