Reviewing 2012…
Where do I start? So much has happened during the past year, and I don’t want to miss anything. Good job I’m an avid diary writer…
Nigel Vardy
Nepal – 2009AD
Ama Dablam is one of the classic mountains of the Himalayas. It is technical, remote and full of mountaineering challenges. During October and November 2009 I took on the SW Ridge and pushed my climbing to the limit…
The Kendal Mountain Festival – backflips, books, slacklines and grand prizes…
Well it was that time of year again. Time to head to Kendal for the Mountain Festival and volunteer as a presenter. Volunteer you say??? Well, I may be a professional speaker, but there are times when the outdoor community comes together and works together. We all give our time for free for the good of the community, and work harder than any professionally paid staff. Working in engineering, I hear a great deal that ‘Money is the greatest motivator’. If only these people knew how wrong they were. Passion drives people, love drives people, people drive people. And it’s the people I meet at the festival who drive me…
Read More »The Kendal Mountain Festival – backflips, books, slacklines and grand prizes…
A weekend to remember…
To a Mountaineer like myself, a weekend away is nothing new. I’m often off into the hills of Britain or even Europe for a day or two’s climbing, but this weekend was different and rather special.
Frostbitten – Turning Trial into Triumph…
Here’s a short video of me speaking at the Inspired Adventure opening evening at the East India Club, London in August 2012…
Is achieving a 1st really worth it..?
In 2007 I became the first British climber to summit the tallest peaks on the worlds largest islands. ‘Whoopee doo’ I hear you say. This is exactly why I ask the question for the achievement of a 1st. Are they worth it, or just media stunts for people with nothing better to do?
India 2008 – Ladakh and back..!
Ladakh offers Trekking by the Ton and Mountaineering by the Mile. In Summer of 2008 I ventured there with good friends to climb, trek and see a little of this wonderful country…
Remember, remember, here comes a busy November…
As the nights draw in, the evening speaking season begins. I have a busy November coming up, so here’s a couple of events if you fancy coming to say hi..! (Bring beer)
Madagascar 2007 – Seventh Heaven
I boarded the plane with some trepidation as I departed for Madagascar. The final peak in my 7 x 7 challenge was my objective and if I could climb it I would set a British Record for Mountaineering…
Defining danger…
The Oxford English Dictionary defines danger as ‘the possibility of suffering harm or injury’. Well, that can mean many things…
Ethiopia 2007 – The Roof of Africa
My first venture into Africa will certainly not be my last! Ethiopia is a diverse country with challenges galore. At times it all got a bit too much, but I saw ancient cultures at close hand and came home with some wonderful images burned into my mind…
Indonesia 2006 – Sulphur, Stone & Ceremony
I returned to Sumatra to make another attempt on Gunung Kerinci, before flying to Papua to climb the hardest peak of my 7 x 7 challenge – Carstensz Pyramid. The climbing went so fast that I was left with ten days to spare, so I travelled across South Sulawesi and Central Java taking in the culture of the islands…Read More »Indonesia 2006 – Sulphur, Stone & Ceremony
Elbrus – Back in one piece (for a change)
Well, here I am, back from climbing on the North side of Elbrus in Russia and i’m still in one piece (just about!) See my… Read More »Elbrus – Back in one piece (for a change)
SE Asia 2005 – Warmer Climbs
Being back in the tropics was quite a change of climate from my last expeditions. I experienced jungle life at its best (and wettest), climbed high peaks and experienced differing cultures and customs. Volcanic activity halted one of my climbs and a boating accident almost cost me dear, but once again I have had an incredible adventure!Read More »SE Asia 2005 – Warmer Climbs
Watkins Mountains 2004 – Arctic Peaks and Appendicitis
After climbing the two highest peaks in the Arctic and two Virgin Summits I was struck down with an illness which almost brought my trip to a halt. I recovered enough to get to Iceland, but from then on I was stuck in Hospital again!Read More »Watkins Mountains 2004 – Arctic Peaks and Appendicitis
Baffin Island 2003 – Sane Mountaineering Decisions
The weather trapped us in a six day snowstorm, but we still managed to climb on this wonderful remote Island. The mountains seem to go forever, and with so many still unclimbed, this is a climbers paradise!
Named after the British explorer William Baffin – Baffin Island is one of the largest islands in the world.Read More »Baffin Island 2003 – Sane Mountaineering Decisions
Island Peak 2002 – Climbing For Cancer Research UK
Standing at 6189m above sea level, Island Peak is a daunting challenge for anyone. But when you have suffered severe frostbite the climb becomes a dangerous venture into the unknown…Read More »Island Peak 2002 – Climbing For Cancer Research UK
The Alps 2001 – Pastures New
Over two years since suffering severe frostbite I was back climbing in the mountains. I summited the Allalinhorn which stands 4027m high, climbed the 200m near vertical Chere Couloir, and scrambled over the Arete du Cosmiques….Read More »The Alps 2001 – Pastures New
Ten top tips on how not to travel…
With the 2012 London Olympics here and the world travelling to see them, I thought I’d share my experiences in international travel. I have travelled over a quarter of a million miles across the world and back during my Expeditions, and seen some pretty frightening sights – mostly in airports! So, here’s my Ten Top Tips on how not to do international travel…
Mt. McKinley 1999 – Once Bitten
Nothing could have prepared me for what the freezing cold of Alaska can do. I had just experienced the best 17 days climbing in my life, but the 18th cost me dear. Frostbite and exposure nearly killed me, but a dramatic mountain rescue saved my life, and began a journey I will never be able to forget…Read More »Mt. McKinley 1999 – Once Bitten