If you’re a reader on my blogs, you’ve probably realised that I love Norway. I’ve been going there for over 30 years and have climbed, skied, walked and kayaked all over the country. I’ve studied the Viking’s, its WW2 history, geography and geology.
Read More »Norway 2024 – The Whole of the Moon…
Heres an article I wrote for the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, about my recent trip to Alaska…
Read More »Scotch Malt Whisky Society – Unfiltered
Imagine braving minus 60°C temperatures and 60-mile-an-hour crosswinds on North America’s highest peak. In this gripping episode, we sit down with seasoned mountaineer Nigel Vardy, who recounts his harrowing survival story on Denali. From his childhood passion for the outdoors, nurtured by his parents, to facing life-threatening challenges, Nigel takes us through the critical decisions that led to his survival and the severe frostbite that forever changed his life. His story is not just about survival but about sheer resilience and the human spirit’s capacity to endure.
Read More »Man: A Quest to Find Meaning Podcast
Heres a BBC Radio Derby interview, recorded when I returned home from Alaska. In the picture, I’m speaking to the wonderful Daryl Miller.
Read More »Post Alaska BBC Radio Derby Interview…
Recently Steve and I were featured on the Real Survival Stories Podcast. We tell the story where, in 1999, we almost perished on Denali. Click here to go to the Podcast
Read More »Real Survival Stories Podcast – Cut off in a Frozen Wilderness…
Upon my return from Alaska, I was featured again on BBC East Midlands Today. Heres the clip..!
Read More »BBC East Midlands Today Interview…
Before I headed to Alaska, I was interviewed by BBC East Midlands Today. Heres the clip..!
Read More »On BBC East Midlands Today…
I was interviewed by Andy Twigge on BBC Radio Derby about my coming return to Alaska. The interview has been loaded onto BBC Sounds, and if you’d like to listen, click on this link.
Read More »BBC Radio Derby Interview…
To celebrate the 60th anniversary of Buxton Mountain Rescue Team, Wincle Brewery have produced – ‘Frostbitten’ – a golden, dry hopped english ale. Every pint sold will raise funds for the team, so there’s no excuse to enjoy a bevvy..!
Read More »Frostbitten – Wincle Brewery Supporting Buxton Mountain Rescue Team
The last time I donned snow shoes, was on the Kahiltna Glacier in Alaska, and we all know how that ended..! Twenty five years later, I clipped them onto my boots in the Swedish town of Abisko, and began a ten day trip down the Kungsleden.
Read More »Blow, Northern Wind – Kungsleden 2024
When planning a Highland Mountaineering trip, we all hope for snow – buckets of the damn stuff. It would be nice if the avalanche risk were low, the pack hard and consolidated, and the sun shining. Now let’s get back to the real world…
Read More »A Hazy Shade of Winter – The (almost) Twelfth Frostbite Report…
For many, the dark nights of January bring dismay and boredom. Christmas is over and the weather is cold and damp. For some of us however, winter brings great excitement at the prospect of ice, snow, and for the really energetic – ultra running.
Read More »Gimme Shelter – The Spine Race 2024
The last year seems to have passed by in a flash. Perhaps it’s because I’m getting older, or because there was a great deal going on..? Whatever the reason, it’s been one heck of a ride.
Read More »2023 – Moving on Up…
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…
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..?
The isles of Harris and Lewis are famous for ancient stones, deep peat and tweed. They also have stunning coastlines which can be explored only one way – from the seat of a Kayak.
Read More »Roll With It – Hebrides 2023…
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…
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…
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…