I’ve had a lovely time swanning around the Alps with a couple of friends trying to find mountains to skin up and ski down. The conditions were not great with the temperature being 22 degrees in Chamonix as we left. Again, I am reminded that skiing is the preserve of the few and an awful…

Life takes some strange turns from time to time and you sometimes have to roll with the punches. I thought I’d seek a little solace in some adventure and after a couple of days on a ferry (boring and nauseating) to Bilbao I set off to cycle home. An average of 100km a day on…

I used to fill my days with fun and exciting things – every spare moment I had to be doing something or be on my way to the next thing. I wasn’t stressed in the way that we think of it; but the stress took its toll eventually. Now, I can’t think of anything better…

I thought; now I’m 50 and have left the private practice where I have been for 9 years to spend time with family (and dog). So what did I do to celebrate my new freedoms? Took some photographs for the website (it’s ok, I am still available for private work). Helped out with a charity…

It was only a matter of time. With so many changes the last few years the world seems like an unsettling place. Staying safe and sane has become many people’s priority with excitement and adventure playing second fiddle to security. I’m not immune to this and have made many changes to my life to best…

In 1998 I went, with a friend to climb the Eiger. We never got there as it happened. Climbed a few other fun routes: Spitzbergen, Ohlberg slabs, that type of thing but never managed The Eiger. Over the years I said, I will climb the North Face before I’m 50. This was subsequently downgraded to;…

I’ve been coaching climbing for over 30 years and I’ve been a qualified Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor (MCI, previously MIA) for 20 years. I think about throwing in the towel more and more frequently. I’ll give it one more year……..

What finer way to celebrate the passing of the Solstice by cycling out to Stonehenge and then Avebury. 117 miles in all – and all before lunch. Average of 15mph and a few niggles but no pains I’m pretty pleased with that. Highly recommend the bit between Bath and Stonehenge then Avebury. Really nice riding…

I don’t get to compete this year – shame but I think it would be beyond me. It looked difficult. Quite a few early retirees mainly due to the heat – my nemesis. So, a pleasant day instead wandering around helping people. I’ve doled out all my water, fixed a knee, a tight calf and…

My first three consecutive days in the saddle on a fine weekend traversing Wales on the Trans Cambrian off road trail. It was tough but not too tough – being on a gravel bike helped. My buddy, Tom was less fortunate and lugged around a heavy bike with slow tyres. But jolly japes all round….