How did you first become involved in the outdoors?
Scouts first gave me the opportunity to try out all sorts of outdoor sports. I then raced slalom kayaks in Canterbury Canoe Club. 'Pits' Armishaw - the best school teacher you could wish for - inspired a love for the mountains.

What did you do before you were an outdoor instructor?
I have a degree in 3D design ? I was passionate about furniture design for years.

What’s the best trip you’ve ever been on?
(The trip to hospital for the birth of my son) A six month mountaineering and kayaking extravaganza around South America. I still only scratched the surface of that great continent!.

Where would you most like to go next and why?
I dream of an expedition to climb a virgin summit; ski down to the valley; and kayak a first descent to get out! Any ideas?

what is your idea of the perfect weekend?
Sea cliff climbing, sandy beaches, and a BBQ with the family and some good mates.

What 3 items do you carry outdoors that would not be without?
Some gaffer tape, my flask, and that nasty red head band that my ears love so much!

What luxury do you miss most on expeditions?
Real Ale (but only if hugs from the wife and son aren't luxuries).

What do you carry on big trips that you could do without but take anyway?
A sketch book and pencils.

What other interests do you have aside from the outdoors.
I'm always delighted by people with spine tingling talent - so I go looking for art galleries, live music and media.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever had?
Don't worry too much about making the right choices in life - just make a choice and you'll end up where you want to be eventually.

What’s the most important lesson you’ve ever learned?
To back up prussic knots - I'd be dead if I hadn't!

What is the best T-shirt you ever owned?
Ever? That's tricky - as there has been a special T-shirt for every era. The last significant one was a stripy blue and yellow number. I keep trying to throw it out. The real worry is that Phil Dowthwaite has one just the same!

What is the best Movie you’ve ever seen?
The first Star Wars movie when I was a kid ? we watched it over and over. Funny how it was all about being a Jedi at first, then all about Princess Leia later.

What is your favourite Snack?
Hummus and oat cakes ? rough ones, but you can't beat gnarly little French saucisson for an Alpine bivvy!

If you had to be a cartoon character, who would it be?
Buzz Lightyear - that jet pack would have come in handy on occasion!

Who is your hero?
There are so many, that I found this the trickiest question to single out an answer. I guess my greatest hero is Pits Armishaw - an influential school teacher. He represents all those teachers and leaders that devote their time to kindle the spark of adventure in the next generation. Their job is getting harder (and more important) all the time.