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 :
Debbie Riley
I use my MCI to introduce groups or individuals, to outdoor climbing. I am based in the south of Scotland and I work in Scotland or Northern England to find the perfect location to introduce multipitch climbing. I particularly enjoy Langdale, Borrowdale and Glencoe.
I teach weekly climbing classes to children aged 8 to 12 years.
I enjoy leading hill walks and scrambles, particularly on the Cuillin in Skye and in the Scottish Highlands.
I also teach navigation and hill skills to adults and young people.
My Mountain Training Story :
Emad Kazemi Azad
Pushing ourselves through the pain barrier and past fear is when we grow and gain strength, confidence and experience.
I had already rescued two people from drowning by early intervention over 30 years before taking the NPLQ course at 62 and now feel proud that next time I will be doing it as part of a trained fraternity of lifesavers and looking forward to wearing “the T-Shirt†at poolside as a sports teacher in the college I work at.
EA
My Mountain Training Story :
Michael Meade
I HAVE BEEN A POLICE OFFFICER SINCE 2012 STARTING MY CAREER AS A SPECIAL CONSTABLE, I THEN JOING WEST YORKSHIRE POLICE AS A FULL TIME POLICE OFFICER, I HAVE RECIEVED A DISTRICT COMMENDATION FOR SAVING A MANS LIFE ON TWO SEPERATE OCCASSIONS, I HAVE ALSO RECIEVED A ROYAL HUMAIN SOCIETY AWARD FOR DOING CPR ON A MALE AND SAVED HIS LIFE.
My Mountain Training Story :
Georgina Churchlow
Since retiring, I have developed my love of walking to lead walks for a variety of age groups from young people, through adults to retired people. This includes those looking for a challenge, those looking to learn about the environment, nature and history, to those for whom the social connections found when walking are important. Walking is possible at all ages.
I have also continued to walk long distance routes such as the South Downs Way, North Downs Way, Hadrians Wall Path, Isle of Wight Coastal Path and others.
My Mountain Training Story :
Claire Williams
www.montblanctrips.com was created in 2024. My favourite trek - Tour Saint Bernard Switzerland/Italy. I created a website for trekking mainly in France, Switzerland, Italy, like the Tour Mont Blanc. Hopefully in 2025 I will be mainly in Switzerland on the Tour Saint Bernard. I discovered I prefer Switzerland to France as place to be. I was a regular rock climber in my 20s and 30s and love the outdoors. I started ML Award in 2008 (registered UK Mountain Training). I immersed myself fully in UK mountain environment (climbing & walking in summer/winter across Scotland, Wales, England). I reached Mountain Leader Standard in 2011-UK. I reached International Mountain Leader standard in 2016 at PYB in Wales (UK) and the Winter Training element & Winter Assessment element was in France. I actively led groups in UK for DOE purposes doing training and assessment (Gold, Silver, Bronze). I was a St. Johns volunteer for years and GG Snr Section leader too. I was ready to do international treks with school groups commercially for other companies. I never found the time to finish the assessments for SPA (2013) or WML (2014) but I did enjoy the training and have put the skills into practice in the mountains in winter and on rock, to this day I enjoy using the skills that I learned during the training for Winter (WML) and on rock (SPA). I love climbing and touching rock but rarely do now as I am ordinarily walking. I think rock climbing experiences are for any rock enthusiast and are usually pleasant and need not be extreme as easy routes are as enjoyable as harder options even when just walking about the mountains on a day out. I settled in the French Alps when I was 40 as part of a long term plan and having worked as an expedition leader in Peru, Greater Himalayas, Morocco I have now set up the domain www.montblanctrips.com to invite clients to come trekking on the TOUR MONT BLANC (Italy, France, Switzerland) & the TOUR SAINT BERNARD (Switzerland, Italy).
My Mountain Training Story :
David Wooton
Currently a Royal Marine Cadet instructor and new to Hill Walking. Trying to train and get ready to go onto a Lowland Leader course in the future. Based in Scotland.
My Mountain Training Story :
Phil Blair
14 years instructing.
Walking, climbing, paddling and Sailing in the UK. Specialising in adaptive sports and working with people with disabilities in the outdoors at Calvert Trust Lake District.
Worked as a ski instructor in Canada and Switzerland for 7 winter seasons.
Biggest passion is for climbing and mountaineering. Sharing that environment with friends family and clients.
Also a member of Keswick Mountain Rescue team for four years.
My Mountain Training Story :
Kevin Roet
I've been climbing since I was twelve years old. It's a passion and a way of life. It's also something I love to share, whether that's with other experienced climbers, or with people who are just starting out. Sharing the adventure is a huge part of it for me. I set up Rise & Summit as a mountain skills training and guiding company offering a wide range of courses with something to suit everyone, from the complete novice to those looking to hone their technical mountaineering/climbing skills.
We also offer TV & Film safety services from cast and crew safety, to stunt doubles and rope rigging to get to awkward places and training, whether this is in extreme mountainous environments, cliffs or off the side of buildings.
We offer technical advice to climbing centres, whether this is staff training, helping with risk assessments and operating procedures.
As the author of the book 'Climbing Psychology', I specialise in teaching people about the psychology of climbing and helping others with their headgame in climbing.
My Mountain Training Story :
Allan Hunn
My connection with the outdoors comes from spending my early years in Zimbabwe and enjoying the freedom to truly explore the wilds without boundaries.
On completing lengthy military service and gaining ML, I found myself working internationally in industry which enabled the opportunity to work towards IML.
During frequent trips to the Pyrenees I discovered WWII Escape & Evasion history and found the subject absolutely enthralling. Ever since, I have been conducting in-depth historical research to retrace the routes of Allied servicemen and Jewish refugees to take clients on these incredible routes and highlight the associated history.
CPD is extremely important to me, given military service, I had a basic understanding of challenges facing society around mental health and so I undertook the MTA recognised CPD of Life Coach & Mindset Practitioner which is invaluable for supporting clients in the mountains.
To complement the qualification of IML and to support military history research I have become a Battlefield Guide. This has been complimented by being offered the post as a Trustee responsible for 'commemorative walks' for a Charitable organisation associated with escape & evasion. This has been an honour to accept and 2024 and 2025 will see a significant number of developments associated with escape & evasion history.
British Association of International Mountain Leaders, Battlefield Guide, Expedition Leader, Life Coach & Mindset Practitioner & RAF Veteran.
My Mountain Training Story :
Christopher Stanley
As a climber of around 15 years and general outdoor sports enthusiast, I am working on gaining an RCI qualification along with MIAS level 2 and Paddle sport leader.
My work as a special education geography teacher; supporting students in an underprivileged area with a wide range of SEMH needs and physical disabilities, has given me the opportunity to develop an outdoor education programme centred around life skills, personal confidence, resilience and teamwork, whilst providing experiences that would otherwise be unachievable due to cost, and the unique challenges these students can present to unknown external activity providers.
The RCI award will allow me to take students into areas normally inaccessible to them, to experience my love for climbing and the amazing community I am part of, whilst achieving my programme objectives and helping them gain the DofE bronze award.
Secondary to this, I am an active member of The Yorkshire Mountaineering club, and would like to improve the safety, quality and overall fun had by our members and aspirants with a recognised qualification and set of standards behind me.
My Mountain Training Story :
Sam Mitchell
My journey in climbing began at The Mile Climbing Wall during the early nineties. In 1995, I left London and relocated to Bristol to study at a university. Here, I found my second home at Undercover Rock and joined the University of the West of England (UWE) Climbing Club. In 1996, I completed my SPSA training and took on the role of Equipment and Safety Officer for the UWE climbing club. I organised and led climbing trips across the UK, Spain, and France, instructing and guiding novice climbers along the way.
After graduating from UWE in 1999 and passing my SPSA assessment, I started a full-time role at UCR as a Duty Manager and Instructor. A year later, I was promoted to the position of Senior Instructor. Over the next nine years, under the stewardship of Guy Jarvis, I honed my skills as a full-time instructor, delivering a diverse range of courses, from taster sessions, charity abseils, beginner & lead courses, Sport climbing courses and the early days of NICAS and performance squads.
In 2009, The Climbing Academy opened its first wall, The Mothership. I left UCR and became the Youth Development Officer at The Mothership. I was responsible for delivering a youth bouldering programme and creating the TCA Youth Performance Squad. The squad competed all over the UK, winning national comps and having three members selected to the GB Climbing team. Though competition was a big focus for the squad, we also ran climbing trips to the Peak, Dartmoor, and South/North Wales.
In 2015, The Mothership became a NICAS Bouldering Primary Centre and I gained the Development Coach qual. In 2016, TCA bought UCR I was promoted to the TCA Chief Instructor, overseeing instructed course development, instructor inductions, training and moderations, wall safety and accident investigation across three TCA climbing walls. TCA has continued to expand, and we now operate five climbing walls: The Mothership, The Church, The Newsroom, The Propstore, and The Arc.
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, Eryri and the Lake Dsitrict.
My main passion is ultra distance fell running, but 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, Rock Climbing 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 :
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 an office. I'm also a skier, which 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. From around 2020, I started to take my mountain adventures more seriously by developing my scrambling & climbing skills, in particular visiting Scotland (e.g. Tower Ridge, Nevis, 2021) and Wales (e.g. Tryfan, 2021). Over several trips to Skye, I've summitted all the Munro summits on the Cuillins, including moderate grade scrambling on the Inaccessible Pinnacle (2022), Sgurr nan Gillean (2021) and Clach Glas (2023) with the help of a guide / instructor. After some Scottish winter mountaineering training weekends and investment in new gear (i.e. ice axe, crampons, B2 boots), I summitted Mont Blanc (4800m) on my second attempt on a 6 day course in June 2023: probably my toughest sustained physical challenge. My goal now is to develop the personal knowledge, resilience and skills needed to safely explore high wilderness areas across the UK, Europe and Nepal. I have registered for my Mountain Leader training week in August 2024 and look forward to meeting (& being inspired by) other like minded mountain enthusiasts.
My Mountain Training Story :
Mark Richards
I started my mountain leader story when I booked my training course in January 2021 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 collect 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 next two winters accumulating enough winter QMDs to be accepted on the WML scheme; 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 :
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 :
Matthew Rees
I've been a Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor (MCI) since 2006. Based in the wonderful Wye Valley, I'm an active personal climber and enjoy all sorts of climbing - whether it's pushing my onsight envelope, redpointing a sports route,adventurous climbing on committing sea cliffs or new routing on my local crags. The pleasure is in the process as much as the result.
There's equally big satisfaction in helping people achieve the things they thought were beyond them. That's why I love instructing and guiding people, both around my local crags and further afield.
Whether you'd like an introduction to outdoor sport climbing, need guiding on some classic multipitch trad or want to learn to lead - get in touch to find out how I can help you achieve your climbing goals.
My Mountain Training Story :
Will Murray
I am an avid climber, mountain biker and skier with a devoted passion for teaching and coaching, in both academic and outdoor fields. I transitioned from a full-time teaching career 7 years ago into the professional outdoor world, after seeing first-hand the impact outdoor learning can have on students. The fundamental building block for all my professional practice, either inside the classroom or on the hillside, is the relationships I can foster with people from diverse backgrounds. Moreover, I’m a fervent believer in expanding access to the outdoors for underrepresented communities through these relationships.
I work out of Glasgow , where I have easy access to both The Highlands and The Lakes, which provide the majority of my freelance opportunities. I hold a range of awards in the outdoor profession which open up a broad spectrum of work which I thoroughly enjoy.
My Mountain Training Story :
Angela Tarlton
Since passing my MLT in the late 90s, I've enjoyed leading groups in the hills and mountains in the UK abroad; from one day trips in Snowdonia, the Lake District, the Peak District and Gibraltar to multi-day trips in Cyprus. I love introducing and enabling people to enjoy the outdoors and the hills.
I'm working towards becoming a DofE Accredited Expedition Supervisor/Assessor and am available for freelance ML work.
My Mountain Training Story :
Jay Taylor
Hi, I'm Jay.
A long-time climber currently based in Manchester.
Dabbled with most things over the years (trad, sport, boulder, comps, multipitch, etc) to one degree or another, but mainly just stick to trad and bouldering these days.
Usually somewhere in the Peak/Chew/Lancs area
I've also spent the past 5 years working in climbing centers in Manchester. Regularly getting involved in route setting, in-house inductions and occasionally assisting instructed sessions.
Teaching people, sharing knowledge (generally talking anything climbing), setting beginners off on their way - are the bits I've found most enjoyable since starting work in the industry, so taking groups/individuals outdoors and further expanding on that post RCI assessment is something i'm very keen to do.
My Mountain Training Story :
Robert Mcgrady
I've always loved being in the outdoors! As a child I was always off exploring with my bike or going fishing, I guess it never left me. 15 years ago I gave up the 9-5 job, I needed to do something that actually mattered. Not just to me, but to others. At the time, a close friend had just got me into climbing indoors and we were going weekly. At about the same time he got accepted into an instructor role, at Kingswood, and convinced me to also apply.
I got the job!!
I had one of the best years of my life, teaching students how to; climb, abseil, go caving, ride quad bikes, the lot! It was this experience that cemented my love for the outdoors and made me realise my calling. I then spend a fantastic 3 years with one of the best outdoor companies I've ever had the pleasure of coming across; The Bushcraft company. During which time, my skills and knowledge progressed as well as my climbing. As soon as I passed my CWA, I started getting as many instructional and route setting hours as possible, working at Rockstar, Swindon. I then decided to get some life experience by doing a solo tour of Europe and seeing how the climbing walls on the continent operate. After that I was ready to get to instructing! I got a position at Redpoint, Bristol as an instructor and route setter. Once I attained my CWDI and RCI, I started freelancing and running my own courses and have done so now since Sept 2018 under my business; Up & Under Adventures. I am also now the external head instructor for Bloc Climbing in Bristol (since March 2023). Responsible for training, assessing and moderating their staff, as well as reviewing and writing new activity risk assessments, rescue procedures and operations standards.
Continued development is something I still prioritise to this day, gaining experience for my next qualifications. But most importantly, is to enjoy every moment and inspire others to explore the outdoors and the associated recreational sports.
My Mountain Training Story :
Dan Miller
I am an Outdoor Instructor and Business Owner, operating an Activity Centre and the Harrogate Climbing Centre.
My Mountain Training Story :
Hugh Thornbery
NB UKC log import has set all routes climbed for which I have no date recorded at 1/1/20.
I started climbing and mountaineering in 1969 aged 14 whilst a pupil at Denstone College a school on the edge of the Peak District. As I progressed I began to introduce and instruct younger pupils and gained real satisfaction in doing so. My interest in climbing led to a two year job at the YHA Services climbing shop in Birmingham where a chance encounter led me to start leading young offenders in outdoor activities for Wolverhampton Social Services. in I gained exemption from the training and log book period for the Mountain Leader Summer award and successfully completed my assessment at the Towers OPC in 1989. A year later I gained the Wolverhampton Council multi pitch leaders qualification again at the Towers. I continued to lead rock climbing and day and multi day mountain walking expeditions for young people until the mid '90's.
I was an active climber and mountaineer from 1969 until c2000. I climbed regularly in the UK in summer and winter conditions, and in my early 20's had four alpine seasons in the Swiss Alps and Dolomites, expeditions to Acrtic Norway and the Kishtwar Himalaya, sport climbing in Spain, France and Mallorca and multi pitch routes in Yosemite. I climbed regularly at E2/E3 into my 40's, onsighting many classic routes at that grade.
I started climbing again in 2016 introducing my stepdaughter to the sport and have introduced her and my wife to outdoor climbing mostly on the West Cork and Swanage sea cliffs. This experience combined with my semi-retirement has led to my gaining the Rock Climbing Instructor Award and pursuing the Rock Climbing Development Instructor Award. Since gaining the RCI Award I’ve delivered hundreds of hours of indoor and outdoor sessions across multiple sites. I'm passionate about continuing to introduce people of all ages to the activities that have been such a big part of my life.
My Mountain Training Story :
Kerry Wykes
I’ve been in the hills, mountains and moorlands since I fell in love during a trip to Yorkshire in the early 90’s and found myself at the top of Ingleborough by accident! I climbed Mount Toubkal with a group following a non-tourist path, my first experience of altitude, and also visit the Rio Chillar in Spain every year to find new areas, views and a different outlook.
Friends started to ask me to take them along, it snowballed, my planning got better, my navigation improved and my understanding of people and hazards became a necessity. When the company I worked for put me reluctantly in charge of Charity Challenges I knew I needed to take my training to the next level. Navigation courses, first aid, HML & ML training here I come.
The mountains are my escape, weekends have been filled with wild camping, exploring new locations and challenging my fear of heights with going upwards, onwards, over, under and around… so many mountains, so little time!
My Mountain Training Story :
Simon Turner
I’ve hill and mountain walked, including at high altitude, and climbed throughout the UK, and internationally in the Alps, Pyrenees, Asia (Sri Lanka), East Africa (Tanzania, 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 :
Scott Mcneish
Scott has a career in Outdoor Delivery and Adventure Training. Scott spent several years skiing and mountaineering in Canada before returning to Scotland and joining the Instructor Development Scheme at Glenmore Lodge. He later joined the Royal Air Force as a Physical & Adventurous Training Instructor specialising in adventurous outdoor and resilience programmes Head of Training at RRC Grantown-on Spey responsible for the management and safe delivery of a broad range of NGB, expedition and training programmes in UK and overseas.
Scott holds a BA (Hons) in Outdoor Leadership Studies and completed the MIC and Joint Service Mountain Guide Award with remits to instruct and guide on glacial alpine terrain. A keen Scottish winter climber Scott has also led expeditions to the Himalaya, Greenland, Canada, Spain, Norway, Sweden and many Alpine areas. A coaching all-rounder Scott is expert skier and canoeist having completed his International Ski Instructors (ISIA) licence and Advanced Leadership Awards. Scott is currently employed the Guide co-ordinator at Wilderness Scotland, a member of the Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team and also undertakes part time outdoor freelance, TV and film safety work.
My Mountain Training Story :
Rhys Davies
Sam grew up in North Wales immersed in the mountains of Eryri National Park (Snowdonia). He developed a love for climbing that crystallised during his first trip to Chamonix. Since then, he has worked as an Exploration Geologist in Australia, and now lives in Scotland.
My Mountain Training Story :
Tom Lawfield
Founder of Summit Guides, based in Snowdonia.
Small group Climbing & Mountaineering Courses in the UK & Expeditions Worldwide
www.summitguides.com
My Mountain Training Story :
Carl Blower
I’m an RAF veteran and Retired Police Officer. I’m currently employed as a part time Outreach Youth Mentor.
I have completed 2 marathons, love the outdoors and regularly hike. My best achievement is completing Everest Base Camp and the Gokyo Lakes circular in 22.
I have just returned from the DDay 80 expedition of hiking the 5 beaches in 4 days - 150km.
My Mountain Training Story :
Christopher Arnell
Hi I’m Chris, an ML who spends most my time in and around Eryri. Qualified as an ML in 2024 but have been walking the hills for many years
My Mountain Training Story :
Tim Oates
I am a winter mountaineering and climbing instructor operating in North wales scotland and abroad
My Mountain Training Story :
Robert Pearson
Bobby Pearson, Head of Outdoor Education at Embley School
Mountain Leader
Rock Climbing Instructor
My Mountain Training Story :
Dan Murdoch
Qualified Member, Hill & Moorland Leader and Rock Climbing Instructor.
I am a 40 year old lover of the great outdoors. I enjoy fell and trail running and walking, mountain biking, swimming, climbing and SUP.
My wife and I are passing on these passions to our two sons.
I am now an On Call Firefighter in Lynton on Exmoor, where we regularly deal with fires on open moorland requiring local topographical knowledge and map reading.
I am keen to start organising walking and trail running groups.
I hold an English Athletics Qualification as an Assistant Coach.
I have been a very active member of the South West Trail and Fell Running scene over the last 10 years, competing in Off road Marathon and Ultra distance events across the country. I have been lucky enough to place on the podium in trail events on Exmoor, Dartmoor, Brecon Beacons, Snowdonia and the Lake District - many self navigated. I have completed 2 OMM events, in Scotland and the Black Mountains, and also finished 7th at the 2019 edition of the Dragons Back Race.
I have also worked as part of the Hill Team at The Great Lakeland 3 Day event organised by Shane Ohly of Ourea Events. I was part of the team responsible for placing and retrieving the Race Control points, as well as setting up radio repeaters across the event area.
More recently, I spend some time volunteering with Dan Brice at Channel Events (Taunton) where I have been responsible for course marking and clearing, as well as event setup and marshalling.
My Mountain Training Story :
Cavell Burchell
Ivan, a close friend of my father drowned rescuing 2 boys whose homemade raft sank. It was early spring, the water was cold, bystanders rushed to help the boys as Ivan supported them, but after recovering the 2nd boy they ‘forgot’ Ivan. Cold & exhausted he was unable to get himself out, sank beneath the surface and drowned.
Dad became aware of a local lifesaving club & in Ivan’s memory took me along. It was May 1970. I was not yet 12. The Club was speed training, preparing for a competition, I hated it. But once the event had happened ‘normal’ lifesaving training resumed & things improved. Bronze Medallion at 13, by 15 a beach lifeguard cadet with West Kent Lifeguards & at 16 a lifeguard. I maintained my voluntary lifeguard activities for over 30 years, was employed on pool side as a summer job for 4 years whilst at University and as a secondary job for many more years.
I became involved at Branch level & qualified/was appointed to the highest roles in lifesaving, pool & beach lifeguarding and boat-handling training 1000’s to pass qualifications & to become TAs in their own right. I have designed, introduced & revised award & qualification programmes, reviewed & recommended changes to the governance structure of RLSS UK, sat as a UK Trustee for nearly 17 years chairing various committees and mentoring others in similar roles. I even once entered the lifesaving qualifiers going on to win an event at the National Lifesaving Championships.
I remain as passionate about lifesaving as I was when I first became involved. I sit as a Board Member for the RLSS (Commonwealth), am President’s Ambassador (South East) & Kent Branch Treasurer. I am also a member of the Board of the International Lifesaving Federation of Europe.
Making a difference, enjoying life-long friendships, having a sense of purpose are all things that lifesaving has given me & I will try to continue to contribute to the work of the RLSS in whatever way I can and for so long as I am able.
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!
www.heightclubscotland.co.uk
My Mountain Training Story :
Dave Talbot
I am a highly qualified and experienced event organiser, mountain guide and safety professional. I am the director of Dave Talbot Ltd - https://davetalbot.net/
I have a wide and varied breadth and depth of experience gained over the past 22 years and use it to work as a technical advisor for large organisations. To date my events have made over £7 million for charities around the UK and Europe.
I have worked for the BBC, Touching the Void, The Royal British Legion, Channel 4, Boots, Suzuki, PWC, Hyundai, Jaguar/Land Rover and others, creating brand events, building events in remote locations, mountain guiding around the world, filming and performing safety work. I have been featured in the BBC ‘Coast’ series several times climbing new routes for the cameras and presenting on different shows. In 2014 I ran the event that launched the Geneva Motor Show for Jaguar/Land Rover, this combined all of my skills from logistics to health and safety and creativity. In 2015 I was sponsored by Suzuki to ride from the UK to Slovenia on motorbikes and take a BBC presenter up the north face of Triglav and self film the whole project. More recently, I’ve just been sponsored by Montane to make a film about climbing Mt Kenya and speed climbing Kilimanjaro.
More information on my filming safety work and projects can be found here - https://davetalbot.net/tv-and-film-safety/
Details on my creative production and content work can be found here - https://davetalbot.net/adventurecontent/
My Mountain Training Story :
Marcus Risdell
Growing up in the flatlands of the Lincolnshire Fens, it was a childhood involvement in D of E and the Scouts that introduced me to adventures in the mountains. However life would lead me away from the hills and my career took me to London. In 2007 I signed up to a charity trek to Kilimanjaro and the snows on the equator were a revelation: my training took me back to the hills and I found myself increasingly finding escape to the hills and mountains on multi-day backpacks in all seasons. This quickly turned into an addiction, and led me to the Alps, then expeditions to Mongolia, Mexican volcanos, Bolivia and Argentina, culminating in two first ascent expeditions to the Puna de Atacama, one successful. Somewhere along this journey I discovered that climbing with others can be fun too and I joined the Rockhoppers Mountaineering Club in London, serving on its Committee, even becoming its President! I am now also a member of the Moray Mountaineering Club.
Throughout my life I have suffered from mental health issues; anxiety and depression. The realisation that my time in the mountains allowed me to manage these issues led me into the Mountain Leader Scheme, and a change in career. Hopefully as a Mountain Leader I can not only manage my own well-being, but help others along a similar path.
I am studying for a PGCert in Outdoor and Adventure Therapeutic Practice at the University of the Highlands & Islands. I am a volunteer ranger with the Cairngorms National Park.
My Mountain Training Story :
Andrew Macintyre
I offer training, coaching and guiding in all aspects of summer climbing and mountaineering in North Wales, the Lake District as well as on the Isle of Skye over the early Summer season. I also offer technical advice to climbing walls and providers of outdoor adventurous activities. I am a registered practitioner with the Institute for Outdoor Learning (RPIOL) and hold teaching and health and safety qualifications as well as range of outdoor qualifications. My passion lies with supporting people to become independent in the mountains and on the crags and allow people to get active and enjoy the magic of the outdoors.
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 my outlook on life. 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 :
David Walker
I came late to the world of outdoor qualifications despite having spent a lifetime hiking across the UK and Europe. Based in North Wales, on the edge of Eryri, learning (slowly) Welsh am passionate and enthusiastic about the outdoors, leading groups out to have a great time, some adventure and hopefully even learn a bit more about this amazing area. I'm a trustee of the Snowdonia Society and OVMRO 333 Supporter's committee member. Trained for and and then passed my Summer ML within 3 months - I'm now working on IML and WML looking to go for RCI in time.
My Mountain Training Story :
Chas Ward
ML with International expedition experience; Advanced Expedition First Aid, Mental Health First Aid. Qualified, Insured & DBS on Update
I enjoy sharing my passion for wilderness; in particular, sub-alpine & palearctic ecology; geology, flora & foraging, archaeology & weather / meteorology / climate.
Inclusive. Experience of supporting Adults with mental health & leading CYP with SEND. I work best supporting those with challenges or challenging the fit.
I walked in Yorkshire, the Lakes & N.Wales & climbed with Scouts; was a Reservist: British Military Pentathlon & Mountain Running Team. After a serious accident, 1990 I went on to climb the Eiger W-face; studied Geology & climb: Grit E6, Slate E5, Limestone F7b+, Winter IV.
I believe:
Interest in the world around us inspires wonder, generates a sense of place & improves well-being. It helps young people who thrive better outside classrooms. Learning outcomes are improved; shared values develop. Outdoor activities are key to building individual, group and team confidence. Challenge brings stretching experience in fun & engaging ways.
Currently:
Mountain Leader: Global Adventure Challenges
Mountain Safety Team (MST): Ultra-Trail Snowdonia & Snowdon Skyraces 21-4, APEX Running & UTMB
Route-marking: Salomon Skyline Scotland 22, Skyrun Eryri '23-24
Duke of Edinburgh Assessor: Sam Sykes Ltd
Instructor: Gorge, Hike, Climb, Orienteering - Lost Earth Adventures
Archery, High & Low Ropes, Problem Solving - Whitehough OEC
Expeditions
British Exploring Society Scottish Highlands, Spring '22;
Hartz Scottish Explorers Parts 1 & 2 Scottish Highlands '22; Formally Commended; Nominated for BES' Leader of the Year Award; John Muir Explorer Award x2
Arctic Norway 1994, Assistant Leader & Photographer - BSES
Indian Himalaya 1998 Adventure & Science co-Leader - BSES
UK Mountain Marathon runner
Climbing France & Spain, Thailand
Hiking Canaries, Spain & France where I have a base in the Herault
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: @nathstares to discuss a plan for your hill or mountain goals. I live with my family in North Yorkshire.
My Mountain Training Story :
James Anstee
Ex RAF Helicopter Aircrew
HM Coastguard Winchman and under training Paramedic
MCI & Business owner - Pinnacle Mountaineering in the NW of Scotland.
My Mountain Training Story :
Simon Heath
My passion for outdoor activities started as a teenager in the RAF Air Cadets, which took me through the DoE Award Scheme Bronze, Silver and all sections of Gold with the exception of the expeditions, which I I later completed through my local authority youth group. I returned to the RAF Air Cadets as an instructor and am currently active organising DofE expeditions at sector/county level. I aim to continue my qualification pathway with ML Training, HML (short term) and ML longer term. I have a broad foundation across terrain, both in the UK and Ireland and overseas. Of the National Trails, I have walked short sections of The SW Coast Path, The North and South Downs Ways, Thames Path, Ridgeway, Offa's Dyke, Norfolk Coast Path and The Pennine Way. As well as trekking, I've enjoyed occasional river, lake and sea kayaking, rock climbing and whitewater rafting.
My Mountain Training Story :
James Wren
Recently becoming a Veteran after 8 years in the Royal Navy, outdoor pursuits has always been passion of mine, these include indoor climbing, kayaking, walking, paddleboarding and canoeing. Being in the Royal Navy has afforded me opportunities to partake in my passions from walking up Dartmoor, Brecon Beacons and Scotland, to leading a team paddling in Canadian Canoes 92km in two days from Inverness to Fort William. Raising money for charity. I have sought opportunities to gain additional qualifications in these areas to further my knowledge and enjoyment. Since gaining my outdoor qualifications I am a great advocate of outdoor practical learning, believing that children and adults can gain valuable life lessons outside of the classroom.
I have a keen interest in working with children and young adults and enjoy developing their potential. I am a member of staff at the local Sea Cadets in Plymouth. Starting at 9 years old though to 18, our aim is to give our cadets the best start in life, giving them valuable skills to navigate through life’s challenges. As a member of staff for 10 years I have mentored and taught a variety of children, across a range of nautical subjects primarily, incorporating a fun and approachable philosophy towards learning. I enjoy getting the cadets out of the classroom taking them kayaking/canoeing with my Paddlesports Leader qualification or training for the Ten tors.
My Mountain Training Story :
Danny Griffith
Firstly, I would say that all courses I run are student centred. It’s your course! It’s not about me. The venue, equipment and course content are all planned in order to facilitate the best learning environment for you. The reason I run these courses is the pleasure I get in teaching people new skills and watching them become self sufficient. I have a full understanding of different learning styles and the best coaching techniques for each. It’s my belief that if a student doesn’t understand or isn’t able to master a skill, it’s the fault of the coach!
I have been actively involved in the outdoors since a young age and have been working full time as a freelance instructor since 2000. During this time I have worked for a number of different companies and have had the pleasure of working with a huge number of different instructors. All of these have contributed to the wealth of experience, knowledge and skills I have acquired.
I hold the highest UK summer mountaineering qualification MCI (Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor), MLW (Mountain Leader Winter) and MIAS L3 (Mountain bike Instructor Award Scheme Level 3), DCA (Development Coach Award) amongst many others. I am a Mountain Training approved provider of Climbing Wall Instructor, Rock Climbing Instructor, Indoor Climbing Assistant, Climbing Wall Development Instructor, Foundation Coach, Development Coach. So I am coaching the next generation of instructors / coaches.
I regularly take part in CPD (Continual Professional Development) courses to keep myself up to date with best practice. For example the BMC FUNdamentals and SAIS latest avalanche courses. I frequently work with other top level instructors and leading outdoor centres all over the country, which means I don’t always work in isolation and keep myself fresh.
My Mountain Training Story :
Emma Harrison
I own and run the award-winning The Star Bunkhouse, Bwlch on the western edge of the Black Mountains overlooking the Brecon Beacons. I am a Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park, Mountain & Moorland, Dark Skies & Fforest Fawr Geopark Ambassador. I am an Uplands Volunteer for the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority helping with tasks such as footpath maintenance, peat restoration, dry stone walling and other environmental projects. I also volunteer on an irregular basis for Stump Up For Trees: a community-based charity focused on woodland creation and enhancing biodiversity.
I use my Mountain Leader award (along with MTA's CPD programme) to be the best guide I can be when taking bunkhouse guests on guided walks. If time allows, I occasionally freelance as a guide or marshal (past clients include Black Mountain Activities, Explorers Connect, Might Contain Nuts, Mountain & River Activities, Treads & Trails, Welsh Mountain Walks & Wild Trails Wales), and lead walks on a voluntary basis for charity groups (e.g. Welsh Women Walking, Forces Wives Challenge) and walking festivals - Crickhowell and Talgarth.
I help organise an annual challenge called 'Bwlch With Altitude', and I am very proud to have the opportunity to be filmed for BBC1 Wales, leading Derek Brockway, presenter of 'Weatherman Walking', on a guided walk in the Black Mountains (Series 10, Episode 2).
I would probably be described as a quietly competent, softly spoken & gentle mountain guide. I particularly enjoy working with adult groups who love the outdoors but don't have the skills or confidence to go off the beaten track by themselves.
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.
I took Mountain Training’s Hill & Moorland Leader training during summer 2022, with a view to assessment as soon as possible as soon as my health permits.
2023/2024 have been largely wiped out by being diagnosed with and treated for Hodgkin Lymphoma. But I have my sights set on a full recovery and leading Goode Walks forward in the future.
My Mountain Training Story :
Alistair Jardine
Alistair Jardine, Facility Supervisor / ATC Coordinator, South Ayrshire Council Ayrshire (South West Scotland)
ATP: Rescue And First-aid Training
“I was appointed as a TA in June 2000, as a Mentor in September 2005 and then as a NTA in December 2006. I started my career in Leisure in the early ‘80s through the local Lifesaving Club. I have delivered courses all over Central Scotland from TA course to PXB Updates. I recently attended the RLSS UK Headquarters where I qualified as a National Pool Supervisor Qualification Tutor; I enjoyed the opportunity to see the Headquarters and to meet all the staff in person. I am currently Chairman of the Citadel Lifesaving Club and assist the Scottish region promoting water safety activities.â€
Currently RLSS Associate Auditor working for RLSS Compliance,
As well are facilitating RLSS Course on behalf of RLSS Training at Headquarters.
My Mountain Training Story :
Adrian Williams
A keen mountaineer at heart, now instructing and coaching for Joint Service Mountain Training Centre at the Northern Ireland Wing.
My Mountain Training Story :
Ambrose Flynn
Instructor based in Wicklow, primarily working on the East coast of Ireland. HikeandClimb offers a wide breadth of rock climbing courses/experiences, mountaineering skills courses, NGB training/assessments and much more.
My personal interest is mountain running and sports climbing, but I'm keen on both trad/bouldering also.
The HIkeandClimb mission statement is to provide a safe environment where folks can follow their curiosity and create new experienced.
https://hikeandclimb.ie/