My background
I’m Chris, a former School teacher with a PGCE in Outdoor Education. I'm a qualified Mountaineering & Climbing Instructor (MCI) and Winter Mountain Leader, currently working towards my WinterMCI. with a great passion for the outdoors and have been passing on knowledge to others for the last 30 years, leading and participating in Youth Expeditions all over the world. I'm an ex-member of a Lake District Mountain Rescue Team, also volunteer with Derbyshire ACF with their Adventure Training team, having previously served with the 4th Battalion The Parachute Regiment. I'm also a keen Trail and Mountain Ultrarunner and have completed a number of 100+ mile races including the UTMB (2018). Full Winter Spine (2023) and WInter Spine Challenger North (2024). From January 2025 onwards, will be a Spine Safety Team Leader on the Cross Fell plateau area.
I also have an academic backround as a Biology Doctorate and can discuss and explain the human physiology underpinning performance.
I've been inspired by others to take on new challenges and hope to inspire you. I'm a strong advocate of experiential learning and have honed effective teaching methods. By tailoring each session to maximise your skill acquisition, I aim to build your confidence and ability to carry out your own adventures safely. I'm approachable and an experienced instructor who can tailor mountaineering activities to your needs.
I’m used to working with people of all age groups, including 8-18yr olds and those in their twilight years too. I believe that it is never too late to learn a new skill. I started running ultramarathons at 50 and have been on an interesting journey of self-discovery through progressive challenge.
I’m experienced, safe and reliable in my instructing and I always try to be flexible, travelling to and from venues across the UK.
What Mountain Training England say
"Chris had a lovely manner with the candidate’s. He had a fun approach which put candidates at ease. He delivered all elements of the syllabus in bite size chunks so the candidates never felt overwhelmed by too much information. He also delivered the syllabus as the opportunities arose but in a logical order. This was a really well delivered course by a very experienced teacher who knows how to ensure his candidates received a top class experience."