ABOUT AMI
AMI is the representative Association for qualified Mountaineering Instructors. All of our Members are independent, and either run their own businesses or work for larger organisations. We list them here so you can find them easily and see what they have to offer.
Depending on the nature of the course or activity you should expect to pay upwards of £200 per day for the services of a Mountaineering Instructor. Remote areas, winter conditions, long routes and specialist experience are just some of the factors that may justify a higher daily rate.
Ratios vary greatly depending on the grade or nature of the terrain but an instructor/client ratio of 1:1 or 1:2 is typical for rock climbing, winter climbing and scrambling in mountainous environments. In some circumstances a higher ratio is possible, such as a larger group size at a lower and less remote venue. Maximum ratios for these days are determined by the instructor.
Select your instructor and contact them directly to make your enquiries.
I have worked actively as an MIC (now WMCI) since 1982 having served my apprenticeship with the Outward Bound Trust. I am an International Mountain Leader.I provide and course direct Mountain Leader Training & Assessment Courses through www.cockermouthadventures.co.uk. I have worked in the education service for over 45 years with various roles in schools and for LEAs and also teaching Physical Education and Geography. I act as technical advisor to various schools academies and outdoor centres. I also run www.ghyllscrambling.co.uk and hold an AALA License R1076 for a range of outdoor activities. I am a keen sailor skier/ski mountaineer and mountaineer.
Andy is a Full-time Instructor backed by over 30 years as a Teacher (GTCS Registered) member of Mountain Rescue Scotland (former Team Training Officer) and in his early years as a centre Instructor.
Hi, I'm a Mountaineer, climber and avid outdoor adventurer based in Scotland.
Climber, Coach & Mountaineering Instructor (WMCI)Coaching & guiding Trad | Sport | Boulder | Ice & Mixed. Based in the Peak working UK-wide & in Norway
Im a keen climber and mountaineer. Ive been a qualified MCI since 2013 and I use the skills gained through this award on a daily basis in my work. The main reason I went down the MCI route was to give me variety in my work and also to be able to work with people as they progressed.
Specialising in Adventure Sports Coaching, I hold the MIC award and my BCU Level 5 Inland Kayak award. My main emphasis is on developing skilled performances from those I work with through individualised coaching. Contact me for more information.
UKC Logbook: https://www.ukclimbing.com/logbook/showlog.php?id=147497I have been having adventures in the outdoors since being able to walk. I was fortunate to have spent much of my childhood exploring the Lake District by ticking off Wainwrights, kayaking and mountain biking. Upon leaving college, I decided to pursue my passion for the outdoors by making it my job. Since then, I have worked in Scotland and Wales, working for various outdoor pursuits providers. After a year out in 2018 to travel and climb around the world, I now live back in the Lake District working for the Outward Bound Trust on Ullswater. Here I have the freedom to use my MCI to its full potential by leading young people on expeditions up scrambles and gorges and climbing. I work among an incredibly talented and passionate group of people. I spend as much time as I can helping others develop their own mountain skills. As well as having my own adventures, I love nothing more than guiding them through or introducing them to their own. I love teaching others others to climb my first lead was done with an MCI on a rope next to me this provided a long lasting desire to teach climbing I get a huge amount of enjoyment out supporting and challenging people to learn and push themselves. In 2021, I created Lake District Mountain Pursuits to provide bespoke guiding tuition and coaching in rock climbing, mountaineering and hillwalking (lakedistrictmountainpursuits.co.uk). As far as my own adventures go, I am a bit like a dog - just happy to be out! Whether it's a chilled day cragging or having an epic in the mountains, rain or shine, easy or climbing at my limit, I love being out in the mountains. When the crags are wet, I like to spend my time kayaking and canoeing. If the rivers aren't full, then time for some mountain biking! See you out there!
My base is North Wales where I spend most of my time. I am a climber mountaineer and outdoor instructor who spends as much time as possible working and playing in the mountains.My approach is client centred I work with you to achieve your goals and ambitions. I hope that after your time working with me you feel empowered and have the knowledge to go tackle your own mountain adventures.I offer summer and winter guided walks summer and winter personal mountain skills courses summer rock climbing and year round navigation training. I also run guided hut to hut trekking in Europe. I am a full time outdoor instructor based in Bangor North Wales and. previously I worked in the Outdoor Education department of Gordonstoun School in Scotland and the Expedition department at Aiglon College in Switzerland where I specialised in delivering the outdoor education programme in the Junior School.
Adelong is a women-owned business that delivers rock climbing courses and guided climbing in the South West of England including Devon Dartmoor and Cornwall.
I grew up in care and through social services in an environment where the outdoors was not something that I think any of us knew about. However, I always had a passion for being outdoors, and as soon as I could, I left the care system and joined the Army. Since spending some time in the forces and leaving in 2012, I have always had a real love for the mountains. After spending some time away working overseas, I took a job at Jaguar LandRover, which lasted 8 hours after realising very quickly that I did not want to be stuck in an office environment where the culture, passion and ethics just did not fit in with me. It was 2 days before I left that job that I had booked on to a Hill and Mountain skills course and I guess really for me where it all kicked off after doing the course at the end I asked John cousins who were moderating the course How do I do what you lads are doing From that point forward I have been on an amazing journey 3 days after the course i moved to central Scotland where worked at Cotswolds outdoors spending 3 days in the shop and 3 days out on the mountains gaining my QMDS 12 months later I sat and passed my ML assessment. During that consolidation, I started to climb and meet some amazing people who were just as up for some big days as I was. As soon as I had done my ML assessment, I booked the MCI training. The course provided me with some great feedback, made me look at being in the mountains differently and enhanced my psyche for being in the mountains. Since then, I have been lucky to climb, walk and run all over the country and the Alps. I hope that in 2021 I will be able to sit my assessment and pass the MCI award
I am passionate about introducing people to wild places. I believe nature is the finest teacher and once someone has discovered that they are capable of more than they might have thought there is no going back. I offer Outdoor Education delivery and consultation to schools and youth organisations and personal development adventures for individuals and businesses. Based in Cornwall but I operate across the UK and internationally. Full member of AMI, Mountain Training Tutor, Member of the Outdoor Education Advisors Panel and Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society.
I live and work in Fort William in the Highlands of Scotland - at the foot of Ben Nevis! Having grown up in Germany I initially moved to Scotland to study in 2008 fell in love with the country and stayed. As one of only a few females in the UK to hold the WMCI what I enjoy most is to take people out into the mountains and help them develop their skills to become independent mountaineers and climbers - in summer or winter. I love working with people - young and old(er) - and help them develop in whatever possible. Please get in touch via email (lenabrune@hotmail.com) if you would like me to help you with your goals.
I am an IFMGA Guide and Mountaineering Instructor (WMCI) based in Kingussie, Scotland working in the UK, Chamonix and Norway. Equally passionate about alpine mountaineering in the summer months and skiing in the winter; my guiding activities are now split between Mountain Assurance Ltd and Off Piste Performance Ltd respectively. Alongside practice at the sharp end I also provided technical advice subject matter expertise and consultancy in mountaineering disciplines and the management of adventure activities. I am a Senior Consultant with Adventure Activity Associates Ltd.
Ive now been climbing for around twelve years in which time climbing has developed from a hobby into a lifestyle. In the past few years Ive made my home among the mountains in North Wales where I work as an Mountaineering Instructor. Now I work and travel to climb whether its in the UK Europe or further afield.My greatest experiences outdoors have been pushing my limit on sport climbs in the Frankenjura attempting an unclimbed big wall in Brazil and walking a very fine line on Indian Face at Cloggy.
Hi, I'm Dan a North Wales-based climber mountaineer and outdoor pursuits instructor. I have about 7 years of experience instructing and coaching climbing with a variety of ages and abilities. Climbing and the outdoors are a lifestyle choice for me and I love to share my knowledge and experience with others.I can offer coaching and instruction anywhere in the North Wales area and further afield given sufficient notice. I love both traditional and sport climbing and have climbed up to E7 and F8a. I also enjoy Alpine climbing- highlights include the Italian Ridge of the Matterhorn and the Southeast Ridge of the Zinalrothorn. Over the next 5 years, I hope to work towards my MIA (Mountain Instructor Award) as a means to introduce people to the life-changing experiences made possible through climbing and adventure.UKC Profile: http://www.ukclimbing.com/forums/profile.php?id=114420
Having been involved with Mountain Training awards since I was 19 as a Trainee they have always been held in high regard in my mind for the instructor and leader to be involved with. They have industry value and respect and content developed from experience.Ive put the work in over the years into gaining the experience that would allow me to confirm my abilities against the Single Pitch Award the Mountain Leadership Awards of both summer and winter and the Mountaineering Instructor Award and Certificates. All of these awards have given me the opportunity to work with amazing people showing them the beauty and adventure of the British Outdoors.Im now lucky enough to be able to help train the next generation and provide some of these awards to others so that they may begin or continue their careers in the Adventure Industry.
I have been mountaineering in the UK and overseas for over 30 years. I live in North Wales on the Isle of Anglesey so I can be found out on the mountains or sea-cliffs on a regular basis. My interests extend to more than just the activities in the mountains and I am happy to chat about the geology of the local area with you as we are out and about.I thoroughly enjoy introducing people of a range of ages and abilities to the mountains. Whether it is a low level walk introducing you to climbingor scrambling helping you to improve your climbing or hill skills such as navigation or achieve a personal challenge then you can be assured of a professional and friendly service. I offer a range of courses as well as private instruction so you get a specialised experience in the mountains tailored to your requirements.If the weather does not conform then I can modify your experience so that you get the maximum out of your time with me.Apart from North Wales my other favourite walking and climbing area is the Picos de Europa in Northern Spain an area of outstanding beauty exciting rock faces dramatic gorges and beautiful remote mountain villages. I will be offering a range of walking and climbing holidaysto the Picos de Europa in 2013 (the details will be available from September 2012).Qualifications:I hold the Mountain Leader Summer Award and the Mountain Leader Winter Award both awarded by Mountain Training UK and I am a trained mountaineering instructor. I also hold a current REC Mountain First Aid qualification. I hold civil liability insurance and I am a full member of the Association of Mountaineering Instructors (AMI) a full member of Mountain Training UK and the Climbers Club of Great Britain.Please contact me to discuss your requirements. My prefered contact is by email joe@mountaineeringjoe.co.uk as I am often out in the mountains.
MCI and WML based in Fort William at the foot of Ben Nevis. Please get in touch here or visit my website: www.youradventurescotland.com Instagram: your_adventure_scotlandFacebook: @Your Adventure Scotland.
I am an avid climber mountain biker and skier with a devoted passion for teaching and coaching in both academic and outdoor fields. I transitioned from a full-time teaching career 4 years ago into the professional outdoor world after seeing first-hand the impact outdoor learning can have on students. The fundamental building block for all my professional practice either inside the classroom or on the hillside is the relationships I can foster with people from diverse backgrounds. Moreover I'm a fervent believer in expanding access to the outdoors for underrepresented communities through these relationships.I work out of Glasgow where I have easy access to both The Highlands and The Lakes which provide the majority of my freelance opportunities. I hold a range of awards in the outdoor profession which open up a broad spectrum of work which I thoroughly enjoy.
I am a Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor based in the Lake District England. I own and run Lakes Adventure which specialises in climbing experiences and courses.
Mountaineering Instructor and Climbing Coach based in Edinburgh. I can offer tailored winter climbing, winter skills, rock climbing, scrambling, hillwalking and navigation training and guided days. CWA, SPA, HML, ML and WML refreshers available. Based in Edinburgh, activities and venues can be tailored to you throughout Scotland and Northern England. I have experience in offering technical advice to various volunteer and commercial organisations and can offer these services. Please feel free to contact me for more information!
www.greatormevertical.co.uk
Mountaineering instructor based in North Wales. I have climbed and walked throughout the UK the Alps Canada Norway Andes and the Himalayas - including successful ascents of Everest via the North Ridge the Matterhorn Mont Blanc and numerous others including all the Munros!
I began working in the outdoor industry in 2005 as a volunteer Instructor for Greenhill YMCA before going on to do a year as a trainee instructor in Tollymore National Outdoor Centre. After my time in Tollymore I went on to work as a freelance outdoor instructor working for a variety of providers throughout the UK and Ireland.During this time I worked my way through the mountain training awards eventually attaining the WMIC in 2014. This award allows me to work throughout the UK and Ireland in both summer and winter instructing all aspects of climbing and mountaineering.In 2014 I established Jonny Parr Climbing and now split my time between running summer climbing and mountaineering in Northern Ireland with occasional trips to Skye and winter climbing and mountaineering trips throughout the Scottish Highlands.
Im a Winter Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor qualification based in Fort William and help introduce people to the skills of walking mountaineering and climbing in summer or winter in the UK. As an IML I have also been assessed in my ability to look after walking groups overseas in areas not requiring the skills of Alpinism. I love teaching climbing and mountaineering and helping people become more independent on the crags and mountains. When not doing that i climb myself often with my family.Im actively involved Training Assessing and Mentoring future generations of Mountaineering Instructors and provide Mountain Training climbing qualifications through my own business. I give expert advice on management instruction and procedures for climbing walls and work for Mountain Training Scotland providing CPD for other trainers and assessors. Im fascinated by climbing movement and how we can help people develop it.I love exploratory mountaineering and Ive led expeditions for both adults and youth groups from Antarctica to Greenland and Bolivia to Tanzania and personal trips to places like Afghanistan and Mongolia with over 30 expeditions and 15 first ascents.Despite all this MY FIRST LOVE IS STILL HELPING PEOPLE BECOME MORE INDEPENDENT IN GOING TO THE CRAGS AND MOUNTAINS.If you fancy some time with me I can offer:INSTRUCTION- introducing or improving mountaineering or climbing skills summer or winter in ScotlandGUIDING- climbing or mountaineering on classic routes or hidden gems summer or winter in ScotlandNATIONAL GOVERNING BODY AWARDS- CWI CWDI RCI RCDI FC DC and FUNdas 1-3TECHNICAL ADVICE and STAFF TRAINING- I can offer expert advice on systems and staff training for mountain related activities and climbing walls.I prefer red wine or gin to whisky have a couple of strong black coffees a day and enjoy cooking for the family to wind down.It costs nothing to ask a question so if you want to know more then drop me a line.Al
Hi, I'm Jamie, I'm a mountaineering and climbing instructor based in Bristol. I started climbing indoors at school and then got involved with the indoor scene as an instructor. Having got to know climbing areas around Southern England as well as further afield in 2017 I took the plunge and moved to Bristol and haven't looked back since. I've been climbing for over twenty years and enjoy a wide range of different styles including trad, sport, alpine and Scottish winter. Check out my photos for some of my recent adventures.
Alan Kimber based in Fort William (semi retired). With my wife Sue and daughter Victoria we run a self-catering accommodation business for outdoor people groups and clubs. The best drying rooms in the area!
Hi Im a climbing wall manager and outdoor instructor working for places leisure in both a group support role and as manager of their Wyre forest site. I also work as a freelance mountain leader and rock climbing instructor passing on my enthusiasm for the great British outdoors
As Mountain Training Scotland Executive Officer my role is to support and implement the Mountain Training Scotland strategic plan by creating yearly operational plans with support and in-put from the MTS Board strategic partners in Scotland MTS Members and Mountain Training partners. If you have a query regarding Mountain Training and/or Mountain Training Scotland please email via info@mountain-training.orgKey tasks and responsibilities associated with implementing the strategic plan include:Mountain Training Qualification and Personal Skills Schemes DevelopmentContribute to the reviews and development of all the Mountain Training qualification and personal skills training schemes working where appropriate with other staff within Mountain Training and take particular responsibility for the provision and development of the Winter Mountain Leader scheme. Course Providers and Quality ControlSupport all MTS providers review reports moderate all Mountain Training qualification and personal skills training courses provided by MTS providers and convene relevant workshops. Where appropriate make a similar contribution to MTUK�s quality control programmeCandidate supportProvide relevant support to MTS and MTUK candidates in particular to all candidates registering for the Winter Mountain Leader scheme. Work with other MT officers to support the development of the Mountain Training Association. Decision Making Make technical decisions and advise the MTS Chair board providers and candidates on all technical matters.Secretary to the Board of MTS Organise MTS�s meetings and support the MTS Chair and Board. Manage the office and financial affairs of MTS.Representation Represent Mountain Training as appropriate at external meetings and joint projects with organisations such as the Mountaineering Councils.
Olly grew up in the Yorkshire Dales and explored the hills crags and trails extensively throughout his teenage years. He then headed to Ambleside Lake District to complete a BSc in Outdoor Studies. Throughout his time in the Lake District Olly took advantage of his location; climbing scrambling and walking all over the National Park. Olly is qualified with the Mountain Instructor Award which is the highest UK qualification for summer climbing and mountaineering. Olly also has extensive knowledge of Scotland and holds the Winter Mountain Leader award delivering winter skills and guided winter mountain walks. He has worked all over Yorkshire and the Lakes for outdoor centres schools and himself and has climbed all over the UK. Olly aims to help you reach and exceed your expectations in the outdoors. Feel free to contact him to chat through your aims and aspirations.
Mountaineering Instructor Award - MIA (AMI member)MIC trained (Feb 2017) International Mountain Leader - IML (BAIML member)Winter Mountain LeaderSPA ML and CWA qualified.Welsh SpeakerRegistered to deliver Hill and Mountain Skills NNAS and BEL schemesBCU level 2 coach 4 star sea leader and Moderate Water Endorsement (Sea) Mountain bike leader - SMBLA NARS Beach Lifeguard and ISA level 1 surf coachBASI level 2 snowboard coachMini Bus licence
I have been climbing and mountaineering for over forty years and involved as an instructor off and on for thirty five of those years. I recently retired from "working" to return to this great pleasure of mine - taking folks into our mountains. Previously I have worked in a range of outdoor settings in Scotland and Northern England from management training centres skills training private guiding outdoor centres and teaching geography both in and outwith the classroom. Over the years I have climbed throughout Britain and Western Europe with occasional forays to North America Africa and a family trekking trip to Nepal when our three children were around 12yrs old. We had twins then a third 22 months later! That was a hard expedition! I am accredited by Mountain Training Scotland to provide Mountain Skills courses and a range of Rock Climbing courses following their syllabuses. Also offer bespoke courses/experiences to suit your needs experience and aspirations to give you the skills to get out and do it yourself. Happy to travel around Scotland and Northern England to suit where and what suits you best.
I began working in the outdoor industry in 2005 as a volunteer Instructor for Greenhill YMCA before going on to do a year as a trainee instructor in Tollymore National Outdoor Centre. After my time in Tollymore I went on to work as a freelance outdoor instructor working for a variety of providers throughout the UK and Ireland.During this time I worked my way through the mountain training awards eventually attaining the WMIC in 2014. This award allows me to work throughout the UK and Ireland in both summer and winter instructing all aspects of climbing and mountaineering.In 2014 I established Jonny Parr Climbing and now split my time between running summer climbing and mountaineering in Northern Ireland with occasional trips to Skye and winter climbing and mountaineering trips throughout the Scottish Highlands.
I am a qualified and current WMCI holder and full member of AMI. Also a development coach I am a climbing wall specialist and involved in giving technical expertise and advise to over 80 facilities in the UK and overseas. I am heavily involved in all matters climbing walls including working as a technical expert to The NICAS schemes and part of the coach development team.Working with AMI as a Technical expert trainer and with Head Rush Technology as a CPD trainer. Get in touch if you have any questions or needs to do with your climbing facility. My company is recognised as one of the leading providers of climb gin wall advice and training in The UK. We also provide ICA CWI CWDI RCI and the Coaching Scheme.
Outdoor Education Youth Worker Geography Teacher Head of Outdoor Education and now a Local Education Authority Outdoor Education Adviser. My awards have been gained during my career journey to support and enhance the work that Ive been doing.Ive derived so much pleasure and enjoyment from being outdoors myself and am forever thankful to those who introduced me back when I was a snotty nosed long haired schoolboy: Day hikes; canoeing at Symonds Yat; walking trips to the Brecon Beacons; Ten Tors on Dartmoor and a week on Skye when I should have been revising for A Levels. All these experiences and those who led them are the reason I became a teacher and ultimately started collecting outdoor qualifications.My qualifications have allowed me to introduce and pass on my skills and knowledge to others. There are few things better than sharing and passing on your passion for something to others. What goes around comes around!
Climbing is a passion and being able to teach my passion to others is without doubt the best job in the world. Climbing is a way of life to be embraced and every minute of it; whether high on an alpine mountain or pumped on a sports route; should be enjoyed and savoured. If not climbing then what else is there?I started climbing at age 16 on an Army Cadet trip to South Wales. I have never looked back. My rock shoes have sought out grip on routes all over the world; my favourite place to climb being the rock climbing mecca of Red Rocks Nevada. Sports climbing is clearly fun but climbing high above your last piece of decent pro is definitely the way ahead. :)
A book changed my life. I was brought up in the Southeast of England and enjoyed being outdoors but had no experience of the mountain environment. While I was at law college in Surrey I read Chris Bonningtons book Everest the Hard Way and inspired by the story and photos booked a climbing course in Langdale and have been hooked ever since. A few years later I moved to the Lake District and have been here ever since. At the time I was working as a Solicitor but eventually came to the conclusion that it was not to be my long term career. I met friends who worked in outdoor pursuits which seemed a great way to combine my love of the mountains with a career.. My wife and I took a year out to travel in India Nepal and Thailand and before spending the French Alps. We decided I should have a career change and I set about gaining the Summer Mountain Leader Award which involved a wonderful year collecting quality mountain days..This helped me get a job at the YMCA Centre at Lakeside as Deputy Head of Mountaineering. Mountain Training were adding to the awards available and I was one of the first Rock Climbing Instructors (then the Single Pitch Supervisors Award). I went on to gain the Winter Mountain Leader Award and the Mountaineering Instructors Award (now Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor). The awards allowed me to run climbing and hillwalking courses train staff and monitor safety at the Centre. I became a provider for Mountain Training to deliver the training and assessment courses for the Rock Climbing Instructor award and worked on Summer Mountain Leader Courses.I developed an interest in teams and leadership and moved into work involving team and leadership development which is now my main focus. However I still deliver Mountain Training courses on my own account and spend as much time as I can in the hills and climbing. It is interesting the impact a book can have!
Born in the Yorkshire dales I am a Scottish based WMCI whos is passionate about helping individuals access the mountains safely and well equipped with knowledge. Wether your after navigation practice (summer or winter) scrambling( classic or unique) munro bagging cullin traverse winter climbing or long term development I am experienced. Havent spent the last 20 years involved in the outdoor industry through many threads from outdoor activity center work private schooling outdoor Ed British military AT national centers NGB training and my own business of coaching leadership and guiding. I have developed a wealth of knowledge living in the north of Scotland over the years. I am a professional coach in other disciplines which transfer brilliantly to the mountains I am approachable patience and student led.
I am a Climbing and Mountaineering Instructor (MCI) and climbing Development Coach based in Newcastle upon Tyne. With my wife Caroline, I run Adventure Training North East, a small but pro-active company offering a wide range of outdoor and adventurous activities across the UK and abroad. (See www.atne.co.uk for details). I have 35 years of climbing experience: Trad climbing and bouldering across the UK; Sport Climbing throughout Europe and the Middle East; trekking and mountaineering in Europe, Asia, South America and Africa. My real passion is teaching/coaching in the outdoors. I am an ex-teacher and will never lose the thrill of seeing people develop their skills and grow in confidence. I will always work hard to exceed your expectations. I deliver courses for Mountain Training - Climbing Wall Instructor; CWI Abseil Module; Hill Skills; Mountain Skills; Rock Skills. Each year, I work on summer Mountain Leader Training and Assessment courses.
I offer training coaching and guiding in all aspects of summer climbing and mountaineering in North Wales the Lake District as well as on the Isle of Skye over the early Summer season. I also offer technical advice to climbing walls and providers of outdoor adventurous activities. I am a registered practitioner with the Institute for Outdoor Learning (RPIOL) and hold teaching and health and safety qualifications as well as range of outdoor qualifications. My passion lies with supporting people to become independent in the mountains and on the crags and allow people to get active and enjoy the magic of the outdoors.
I began climbing whilst at school in Bristol. I distinctly remember my first day in the Avon Gorge because the Council blew up Teatime Ledge! A year later Id bought a pair of EBs a harness & a rope & was already �instructing younger pupils. The school took regular trips to Eryri so I was also introduced to the mountains early on. My third walk was across Crib Goch: I dont think Id ever been so frightened but somehow I kept calm & continued. Its hardly surprising therefore that I decided to study at Bangor University but I spent my summers instructing climbing & canoeing in the USA. Instructing led me into teaching & I was lucky because Avon LEA paid for me to do my NGB awards in climbing hill-walking & canoeing. Theyd be glad to know that their investment paid off as I continued to do this throughout 30 years of teaching whether it was preparing pupils for the infamous Ten Tors paddling the Avon & Wye abseiling down the Sea Walls or completing DoEA expeditions in Eryri & The Lake District. I pursued the MCI to take my son multi-pitch climbing safely & didnt foresee the doors it would subsequently open. When I looked for a way to escape teaching a new path presented itself as I was offered work training prospective MLs & RCIs. I really enjoy this work as I get to meet so many enthusiastic people who want to share their love of the mountains & after 40 years in the hills I have a wealth of experience to draw on to answer their questions. Being able to take folk to the more secluded areas of Eryri than they might be familiar with is also gratifying.Climbing & hill-walking teaching & instructing have been inextricably entwined in my life for over 40 years. They have taken me all over the world & made me many lifelong friends. I still bump into ex-pupils & their huge smiles tell me that my career choice was a good one for in many cases it has changed lives for the better forever. But then I knew that because its my story too.
I am a qualified Summer ML and SPA and a Geography/Science teacher. It has taken a lot of indecisiveness and time to get where I am but I am glad I pursued what is shaping up to be a fantastic career choice.I started exploring the Outdoors while at university where I joined the Mountaineering club which I eventually became the President of. After only a few climbing trips I was hooked. I didnt think there was a career in outdoor activities at that point and I had already decided I wanted to be a Teacher (like most Geography undergraduates). It wasnt until after university while working in retail that I started the process of becoming a freelancer by completing the SPA. I got a little bit of work using it but only at indoor climbing centres (can you see the irony?). I decided that the ML award was the most natural progression in to the outdoor office but living in the city wasnt conducive to obtaining it. So I moved to North Wales completed my teaching degree and booked my ML assessment passed first time and I was working with my own group the week after. This year Im leading my first overseas expedition to Jordan. It is a good profession but you have to work just as hard getting work as a freelancer as you do actually working. This is balanced by the fact I am my own boss and I decide when I work and most importantly when I do Im in the outdoors or rather Im out of the indoors!.
I strongly believe that a good outdoor instructor has more to offer than national governing qualifications. My life skills of working with young people, adults and the armed forces in challenging environments around the world mean I can bring experience and enthusiasm to any future employer or clients. I have taken a wide range of students and clients on extensive expeditions to Norway Canada Africa France and Spain. I have enjoyed this challenging work and I would look forward to working in any environment that clearly values developing people through high aspirations appropriate challenging pursuits environmental education leadership and teamwork. It is important that young people have a sense of ownership of the adventure and challenge they are undertaking. I am able to offer clients and staff the opportunity to gain leadership/coaching qualifications such as Hill and Mountain skills Award Low land Leader Training Award Climbing Wall Award (CWA) UKCC Level 1 and 2 paddle sports in order that they become leaders/coaches themselves and empower others. This would be useful when supporting outdoor education programmes; ensuring clients and staff are kept safe by following best practices.
Although I began leading formal groups in the mountains when I was eighteen it wasn t until I was teaching in my mid twenties that I became aware of the Mountain Leader Award. My training course at Fellside Centre was great fun in spite of the usual wet and windy late October weather in 1984. With Cumbria C C funding it all there were about 20 of us on the course and it made me realise I was one of the more experienced and would have a good chance of doing well at assessment.The big challenge in my summer assessment was not so much performing the tasks in the perfect June weather as getting a smile out of Blythe Wright our assessor at Glenmore Lodge. In the end he did seem to relax during the expedition and started to share a few of his experiences like working on the Eiger Sanction with Clint Eastwood.I went on to do my Winter ML soon afterwards and was relieved that the gale force conditions of my training course were not prevalent when I did my assessment.I began rock climbing in the mid-1980s when I was a languages teacher in a school in South Lakes. After quickly moving on to leading I was hooked by the excitement of being at the sharp end of the rope on a mountain crag. I went to Plas y Brenin for my MIA training in 1995 and for my Assessment in 1997 which I thankfully passed first time. I began my career as an Outdoor Instructor at an LEA centre in the Lakes in 1987 and its a pleasure and privilege to be still doing so.
I work as an Outdoor Instructor Guide and Expedition Leader in the UK and abroad. I hold the UKs highest award (WMCI) and therefore instruct and guide various individuals in both summer and winter conditions.I lead overseas expeditions instruct rock and winter climbing mountaineering and lead groups in gorges canyons coasteering and kayaking/canoeing activities. Asides from the UK other regions I have operated in are Africa Alaska Antarctica the Andes the Arctic the European Alps the Hajar Mountains and the Himalayas. Therefore I have a vast amount of experience managing people in challenging terrain including at high altitudes and in extreme cold and hot environments. I am a qualified teacher (PGCE) teaching geography to 11-18 year old students and hold two BSc degrees in Outdoor & Sport Studies and Zoology.
Aviemore based mountaineering and ski touring instructor
AMI has a rigorous child protection and vulnerable adults policy.
AMI members work to a Code of Professional Practice which ensures that all maintain the same high standards of operation.
Mountaineering and Climbing Instructors are qualified to instruct mountaineering in non-winter conditions including all aspects of rock climbing, both single and multi-pitch, plus hill walking and scrambling.
About MCI on Mountaintraining.org
The WMCI is the highest MTUKI award and Members must first hold the MCI. Winter Mountaineering and Climbing Instructors are qualified to instruct and guide in all aspects of winter climbing and mountaineering activities along with winter hill walking.
About WMCI on Mountaintraining.org