I have been a hillwalker since I was a teenager when I spent weekends on Exmoor, Dartmoor and The Brecon Beacons with the Scouts. I have worked and walked all over the UK, Europe and the Middle East, including the Empty Quarter of Oman and an ascent of Jabel Shams. I now live in the South Downs National Park.
Throughout my walking life I have preferred the high ground to the lowlands and this passion continues. I have taught hill navigation, mountain craft and survival techniques.
Other outdoor pursuits have included caving, potholing, rock climbing, mountaineering, kayaking, camping and running. However, these days I am content with walking and hiking.
I am not a streamline, super fit mountain goat, far from it – I carry a few more Kg than I would wish and suffer from arthritis, chronic back pain and badly damaged knee cartilages. I am also a Stroke survivor. On top of all that, I also suffer all the ailments associated with a misspent youth, partaking in extreme sports, or having fun as it was called in those days!
I have been an Ordnance Survey GetOutside Champion for the past 4 years and a Ramblers Ambassador. My passion lies in giving back the outdoor fraternity what I have taken out over the years and encouraging the Over 60’s to start or continue walking in the great outdoors.
Remember – It is better to be on the hill than over the hill