Climber, alpinist, skier, IFMGA mountain guide. Read Mike’s story, then watch his film below.

I moved to Fort William in Scotland, arriving in March of 1995, one of the best seasons for spring ice climbing on Ben Nevis. I was keen to get stuck in. Point Five Gully seemed to be the obvious target and not having found any climbing partners was not going to hold me back. So my third ice climb was Point Five Gully, solo. 

Further afield in the Alps I continued to climb solo, including a memorable ascent of Les Droites North Face. Being sat on top on my own with all of the Alps laid out in the sunshine below was a brilliant moment. Missing the last train down from Montenvers was not so good.

Many years later I am still finding plenty of inspiration in Scotland. It’s a tough playground but all the more rewarding for that. Winter climbing here is such a great mix of physical and mental challenge demanding the full range of mountaineering skills as well as climbing technique. 

Mike operates Fort William-based Abacus Mountaineering, providing skills training and mountain guiding in Scotland and the Alps.