John started climbing in the early 80,s whilst under the mountaineering influence of a keen outdoor family. Today his enthusiasm comes from other traditional influences, namely books, banter and beer. He is the proud owner of a comfortable armchair and impressive mountaineering library. " My greatest read has been Conquistadors of the useless by Lionel Terray - The greatest Alpine Guide to lead a rope. After that, it's "Swallows and Amazons".
He has been an instructor since leaving school with a six year sabbatical as a Countryside Ranger managing moorland and reservoir habitats for wildlife conservation and informal recreation. Therefore, many of John's days out in the mountains can be spent perusing not only climbing guides, but wildlife guidebooks as well.
In his youth he regularly on sighted routes up to E5, and it has to be said: often fell off them as well. " My mates now call me the VS warrior, probably because I prefer long routes that require a fair amount of speed to get off them before dark. I can still run it out on E3s and clip my way up the odd 7a- Honest.". Sea cliffs are a magnet for him, despite his limited swimming ability. His quest is now for big Scottish routes in remote locations; " I eat loads of marmite which keeps the midges at bay."
John has climbed in the States, Canada, Africa and all over Europe. His big passion is the European Alps: "They're my spiritual home!" After several winter alpine seasons he likes nothing better than a couple of sharp tools and a dozen screws with a willing partner to swing leads with. "Mixed climbing is so much fun!"
In his spare time John manages an outdoor centre, holds the MIA award and is going for his MIC. "I get a real kick out of sharing my passion and enthusiasm for climbing with other people. Enabling them to climb harder, faster and safer with new skills, secret tricks and greater confidence is where my life is at."
