Hello!
Here's a bit more about me!
Social media links below ❤️
My Story
Born in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, in 1970 there was little indication that I would end up being raised in Ardnamurchan in the West Highlands of Scotland. However, early photos suggest I was already developing an aptitude for rocks! Or maybe not! 🤣
After 11 years perfecting my Yorkshire accent, I moved to Scotland, and learnt quickly how to perfect my Scottish accent, but even today, I can't hide certain words so my roots are laid bare. I am happy to say I'm proud to be from both nations!
At 12 years old I headed off to Lochaber High School in Fort William. The school was only 57 miles from my home in Achnaha at the end of the Ardnamurchan peninsular, but most of those miles were on a winding single track road, followed by a ferry crossing, so in reality the journey to school took over 3 hours. Needless to say, we boarded at the High School Monday to Friday. I'm sure the Monday morning journey contributed greatly to my car sickness today.
Elegantly applying the famous knee holds on one of the sacred standing stones at Aylesbury! Age 7
It was whilst at Lochaber High School I developed my love of the mountains and glens. The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme gave me the escape I needed into the hills away from the confinements of the school hostel. Soon I was climbing routes on the Ben (Ben Nevis) and adventuring further afield to explore and walk.
Castle Ridge on Ben Nevis, a good introduction to scrambling, rock climbing and rope work. Age 15
Practicing on a rocky outcrop above Glenfinnan.
Aged 14
Scrambling up the West Ridge of Sgurr nan Gillean
in the Cuillin on Skye. Age 17
Admiring the view down to Glen Nevis. Aged 18
Before long my direction led me to my forever home in Stirling. I went to University in 1988 and never left. Stirling has definitely become my home town over the past 36 years and it is an ideal location for forays into the Highlands. Now I had a new climbing partner, my lovely husband Bill, and after our first climb together on the Aonach Eagach in Glencoe, we went on to complete many munros together.
Bill and I at the summit of Creag Meagaidh
My love of nature stems from the wilderness and my degree in Biology was the right choice for me. Unfortunately a career as a teacher was not to be, and I spent 20 years working in various Financial Institutions. Frustrated, I left finance in 2014 and worked in fundraising at the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, I still am passionate about bumblebees!
For the past 3 years I have worked as a self employed wood turner in our workshop in our back garden. This allows me to climb more often, and when I want to, and I can also spend more quality time with Bill. Whereas Bill no longer climbs the munros, his heart is with me when I climb and he follows my endeavours closely on Strava.
My best friend, biggest supporter and my motivation xxx
85th birthday on the Isle of Gigha