Blog
Men on Show Podcast…
Recently I was interviewed by Andrew Pain for his ‘Men on Show’ Podcast. Andrew is a down-to-earth motivational speaker on a mission to create decisive and resilient communities, break down stigmas and stereotyping, and inspire gender unity. He combines lived experience as a domestic abuse survivor, with 20 years of leadership and HR experience.
Read More »Men on Show Podcast…Does life end at 50..?
Years ago, it was said that life began at 40. Through healthcare, diets, and the like, it now (apparently) begins later. I’m not sure what number has been picked, but a recent visit to my GP made me think.
Read More »Does life end at 50..?Running up that Hill…
I adore the music of Kate Bush. Recently her 1985 hit found new life due to the Netflix series Stranger Things. My dad also enjoyed her music and to me, he was always ‘the man with the child in his eyes’.
Read More »Running up that Hill…2022 – On the Road Again…
By the end of 2021 I was exhausted. COVID had caught me over the Christmas period as the loss of my Mum began to take its toll. I hoped 2022 would give me time to rest and reflect. I certainly reflected, but spent much of the year on the road, on the sea and on the mountain..!
Read More »2022 – On the Road Again…The Kendal Mountain Festival 2022 – Good to be Back…
I’m a planner – I like to plan and prepare for my expeditions, speaking gigs and even my shopping. The 2022 Kendal Mountain Festival was on its way, so I watched my films, prepared my weekend diary and trying my best to help the environment, I booked trains from Derbyshire to the Lakes.
Read More »The Kendal Mountain Festival 2022 – Good to be Back…Calling Occupants…
The internet and e-mail, Messenger, Instagram, Twitter, Linked-In etc etc, have all increased the ability to contact one another, but are we listening..?
Read More »Calling Occupants…Fashion…
The phrase ‘Climate Emergency’ has brought forth a plethora of marketing opportunities and the internet is filled with people banging on about their ‘Green Credentials’. Whether you are a ‘Greenwasher’ or not, we can take simple steps to reduce our impact on the planet; the kit we use and the clothes we wear can have an enormous affect.
Read More »Fashion…Whisky and Glaciers…
My recent trips to Norway and Greenland were accompanied with a few bottles of fine malt from the Scotch Malt Whisky Society. I’ve always enjoyed a dram and find the open skies, fresh air and glacial ice a great accompaniment.
I’ve written and article for the society which is now on their website…
Read More »Whisky and Glaciers…Home by the Sea…
Training is vital to successful expedition work. I’ve always believed in ‘Serving Your Apprenticeship’ and have recently returned from a week Sea Kayaking in the Norwegian Fjords.
A chance meeting when working on a P&O cruise ship has taken me down a whole new avenue of traveling and expeditions. I’ve paddled canoes and kayaks on and off for years, but never thought I’d be preparing for a trip to the fjords of Greenland this year.
Lead by Example – The Eleventh Frostbite Report…
Two winter seasons had been missed due to the ‘C’ Word and it was time to return. Rather than plan a week in one area, my friend Dean and I were going for a flexible approach, armed with guidebooks, gear and his well kitted plastering van.
Read More »Lead by Example – The Eleventh Frostbite Report…Across the Border…
The world is opening up to international travel again, but we live in a new world of Passes, Paperwork and QR Codes. Whilst it’s easy to complain about such things, should we not embrace them..?
2021 – Close to You…
After the lockdowns and restrictions of 2020, we all hoped for a much brighter 2021. I wonder if we got what we wished for..?
Read More »2021 – Close to You…Making Plans for Nigel…
COVID and the present fuel debacle should have taught society a simple lesson – Plan Ahead and Be Prepared.
Governments have to prepare Contingencies, as do business and industry, but they don’t have to be huge affairs – we can plan too.
Read More »Making Plans for Nigel…70 People for 70 Years…
The Peak District National Park is celebrating 70 years since its designation and has selected 70 people from the past, present and those looking to the future to represent them.
Read More »70 People for 70 Years…Random Access Memories…
If COVID has taught us anything, it is the desire to get outside and enjoy the outdoors. Though this is a wonderful privilege, it comes at a cost and an onus, and its repercussions will be felt for generations. It is easy to use occurrences such as the Kinder Trespass of 1932 as a justification for greater land access, yet over the past 18 months I have been able to witness another mass trespass across these beautiful isles.
Read More »Random Access Memories…Raising the Bar…
Since the dawn of time, the older generations have guided and inspired the younger. Children have always looked up to their parents, guardians, teachers and role models and lived by the examples they set. Whether these exemplars are in the family, in education, sport, exploration, business or politics, we have never failed to follow them. This is why we, as elders, need to set the example and our generation holds a huge responsibility for future children. What we do or say can have far reaching effects. Let me explain…
Read More »Raising the Bar…Ambassador for the Martin Moran Foundation…
I’m delighted to be an Ambassador for the Martin Moran Foundation.
‘Nigel is an accomplished mountaineer, author and motivational speaker and a dear friend/climbing partner to Martin, here’s Nigel’s story in his own words:
Read More »Ambassador for the Martin Moran Foundation…Play Your Cards Right…
I’m frequently told that I need to ‘Play the Disabled Card’ (apparently because everyone else does), but do we really need to go endlessly on about how hard life can be, or just get on with it..? How do we even define Disability..?
There are many ways to define a Disability in law, but this one makes sense to me – ‘A physical or mental condition that limits a person’s movements, senses, or activities’. What I would allow as a caveat is choice. The choice to be disabled or enabled. Let me explain…
Read More »Play Your Cards Right…Peak District National Park 70th Birthday..!
I’ve always believed in fresh air and exercise for both physical and mental health. The Peak District has always been on my doorstep and I’ve been a regular visitor for all of my 52 years. The picture above was taken about 1976 in the Winnats Pass with my big Sister Amanda and my Nannars Dog Sally..!
Read More »Peak District National Park 70th Birthday..!