Leader Profiles

Steve Bell

Place of Birth: London
Date of Birth: 24/05/59
Leadership/guiding qualifications: BMG (IFMGA)
Mountaineering background: Worldwide since 1975
Notable ascents/First ascents: Numerous Alpine grands courses, new routes in Alaska, about 30 first ascents in the UK.
Leadership/instructional background: British Antarctic Survey, Royal Marines Officer. Steve was the first Briton to guide clients to the summit of an 8,000m peak (Broad Peak, 1991) and Everest (1993).
Jagged Globe Expeditions: All seven summits. Stok Kangri, Changtse, Himachal Pradesh, Broad Peak, Himalchuli West, Kangshung to Rongbuk, South Georgia Traverse, Antarctic Climber, Shishapangma, Ama Dablam.
Leader reports:

Ama Dablam (2008), Antarctic Climber (2001), South Georgia Traverse (2001).

Expedition Leader: Khumbu Climber, Antarctic Climber

Simon Lowe

Place of Birth: Mansfield, Nottinghamshire
Date of Birth: 29/09/60
Leadership/guiding qualifications: MIA
Mountaineering background: Extensive climbing in the Canadian Rockies and Cordillera Blanca. Expeditions to Kirat Chuli - Nepal (1985), Cordillera Real - Bolivia (1986), Saser Kangri - Indian Karakoram (1987), Everest West Ridge (1988 and 1992), Everest North Ridge (1996)
Leadership/instructional background: See below.
Jagged Globe Expeditions: Mera and traverse of the Mingbo La , Stok Kangri, Kilimanjaro, Everest, Khumbu Climber, Island Peak, Huascaran, Bolivian Climber, Aconcagua, Vinson.

David Hamilton

Place of Birth: Glasgow, UK
Date of Birth: 05/03/61
Leadership/guiding qualifications: David has led high altitude expeditions to the Himalayas every year since 1987.
Mountaineering background: A full time mountaineer since 1988, David has led more than 50 groups in the Alps, Caucasus, Africa, South America, Karakoram, China, Nepal, Tibet, Greenland and Antarctica. He has led 16 expeditions to peaks over 7,500m, including nine 8,000m expeditions. David has summited Everest twice and from both sides of the mountain as a leader on Jagged Globe's 2003 and 2005 expeditions. He will be leading our 2008 expedition.
Jagged Globe Expeditions: Gasherbrum II (1998, 1999 and 2001), Everest (1999), Broad Peak (2000), Spantik (2000, 2001 and 2005), Muztag Ata (2002, 2003, 2006 and 2007), Everest (2003), Vinson Massif (2003 & 2005), Last Degree to South Pole (2003), Shishapangma (2004), Ecuador Volcanoes (2004), Everest North Ridge (2005), Cathedral Peak (2006), Hunza recce (2007), K2 Base Camp (2007), Everest (2008).
Other interests: David is a keen ski mountaineer and enjoys leading ski expeditions to high peaks and remote locations worldwide. His recent projects have included ski expeditions in Russia, China, Pakistan, Iran and Turkey.
Leader reports:

Everest South Col (2008), Muztag Ata (2007), K2 Base Camp & Ghondokoro La (2007), Cathedral Peak (2006), Everest North Ridge (2005), Ecuador Volcanoes (2005), Shishapangma (2004), Vinson (2004), The South Pole - The Last Degree (2004), Muztag Ata (2003), Gasherbrum II (2001).

Robert Anderson

Place of Birth: Colorado, USA
Date of Birth: 23/05/58
Leadership/guiding qualifications:
Mountaineering background: Robert began mountain climbing in his native state of Colorado, USA. He attended Outward Bound at 16 and within two years had made some of the longer technical rock climbs in North America, including four ascents of the Diamond in Colorado and El Capitan and Half Dome in California's Yosemite Valley. In 1977 he moved to Norway, making more than 50 new climbs in the Trollryggen area of the Romsdal Valley. While studying at the University of London he completed a solo winter ascent of the Matterhorn. He also made a solo ascent of 22,200-foot Huascaren in the Peruvian Andes. In 1985 he joined 20 members of an American Expedition to climb on the West Ridge Direct on Mount Everest. He returned to Mount Everest in 1988, as part of a four-man team that succeeded in a new route on the 12,000 foot Kangshung Face. In 1991, Anderson set out on a solo quest of the Seven Summits. Overall, Robert has been to Everest on nine occasions, most recently as leader of our Everest Golden Jubilee expedition, where he reached the summit with Sibusiso Vilane, the first Black African to climb the mountain.
Notable ascents/First ascents: Leader of Venables' successful 1998 Everest Kangshung face expedition.
Jagged Globe Expeditions: Shishapangma (1999), Cho Oyu (2000), Vinson (2003), Everest (2003), Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit (2007).
Other interests: Robert is a published writer and author of 'Seven Summits Solo'.
Leader reports:

Annapurna Circuit (2007), Vinson (2003), Cho Oyu (2000).

Javier Herrera

Place of Birth: Ecuador
Date of Birth: 04/08/69
Leadership/guiding qualifications: Instructor of the Ecuadorian Association of Mountain Guides
Mountaineering background: Interestingly, it wasn't until 1993 that Javier began his mountaineering career. Throughout the 1980s, he was a top road cyclist, representing his country and becoming the Pan American Road Racing Champion of 1989. From an ascent of Huascaran in Peru in 1993, Javier has developed his professional career. He has led many expeditions in Ecuador as well as to the highest peaks in Bolivia and Argentina. In 2000, he was the assistant leader on a Jagged Globe expedition to Cho Oyu and in 2001, he led a Mera and a Mera and Island Peak expedition, as well as assisting David Hamilton on Gasherbrum II. In 2002, Javier was assistant leader on Baruntse. More recently, Javier has led treks for us in Nepal, as well as continuing to lead Ecuador Volcanoes and Antisana expeditions. His wife, Helma, runs a Children's Foundation to help Children in need in Nepal and Ecuador: www.daniellechildrensfund.org
Notable ascents/First ascents: First Ecuadorian to lead an expedition to an 8,000m peak.
Jagged Globe Expeditions: Head Ecuadorian guide on Jagged Globe's Ecuador Volcanoes and Cotopaxi expeditions. Cho Oyu (2000), Mera & Island Peak (2001), Mardi Himal (2001), Gasherbrum II (2001), Huascaran (2001), Mera Peak (2001 & 2002), Baruntse (2002), Antisana (2003 and 2005), Everest Base Camp (2007).
Other interests: Javier is committed to developing his professional mountaineering qualifications and has completed courses in the European Alps.
Leader reports:

Antisana (2006), Huascaran (2001), Mera Peak (2001).

Expedition Leader: Khumbu Climber

Adele Pennington

Place of Birth: UK
Date of Birth: 29/03/66
Leadership/guiding qualifications: MIC
Leadership/Instructional background: Adele has been mountaineering since 1990 and has been a popular instructor and expedition leader for Jagged Globe and Adventureworks since 2001. In August 2004, she joined us full-time.
Jagged Globe Expeditions: Kilimanjaro (2001), Mera Peak (2002), Bolivian Climber (2002), Langtang Climber (2003), Kilimanjaro (2003), Cotopaxi (2004), Lhakpa Ri (2004), Khumbu Climber (2004), Ama Dablam (2004), Huascaran (2005), Vinson (2005), Shishapangma and Cho Oyu (2007), Everest (2008).
Notable ascents/First ascents: Winter ascent of Ama Dablam, new routes and first ascents of 3 summits in Bolivia Qimsa Cruz, ascent of Denali (West Buttress), Mount Cook and Everest.
Other interests: Music and singing.

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Neal Short

Place of Birth: Liverpool
Date of Birth: 11/02/70
Leadership/guiding qualifications: ML
Leadership/Instructional background: Neal has been leading expeditions for Jagged Globe since 2001 and is consistently one of our most successful and popular leaders. He has a very strong personal climbing background, including solos of the Polish Glacier route on Aconcagua and the standard route on Ama Dablam. He has climbed the West Rib on Denali, the Bonatti Pillar on the Dru, the North face of the Droites and the North face of the Cima Grande. Neal operates at grade E5 on rock, Scottish VI and A3. Neal was a leader on our highly successful 2005 Everest North Ridge expedition, which put 14 members on the summit.
Jagged Globe Expeditions: Bolivian Climber (2001), Kilimanjaro (2003 and 2006), Mera Peak (2004), Khumbu Climber (2004), Khan Tengri (2004), Everest (2005), Altai Climber (2005), Carstensz Pyramid (2006), Ama Dablam (2006), Kilimanjaro (2006), Cho Oyu (2007), Vinson (2007).
Leader reports:

Vinson (2008), Cho Oyu (2007), Ama Dablam (2006), Carstensz Pyramid (2006), Khumbu Climber (2004).

Expedition Leader: Vinson, Antisana, Alpamayo, Huascaran

John Eames

Place of Birth: Lille, France
Date of Birth: 06/06/52
Leadership/guiding qualifications: ML (Winter), Nordic National Ski Instructor, British Association of Snowsport Instructors (BASI) Telemark Ski Teacher with International Ski Instructors Association (ISIA) accreditation. John works as a trainer for BASI in the Telemark skiing discipline.
Mountaineering background: John has been climbing since 1970 and Alpine and Nordic skiing since 1978. He has extensive experience of Telemark and Nordic ski touring throughout Scotland, various areas of Norway and the French Alps.
Leadership/instructional background: John has instructed skiing since 1988 and led groups on mountaineering expeditions since 1989. He and his partner, Bonny Masson, run The Telemark Ski Company.
Jagged Globe Expeditions: Elbrus (1997), Mustag Ata (1999), Bolivian Climber (2000), Spiti Reconnaissance (2001), Altai Climber (2004), Lhakpa Ri (2004), Cho Oyu (2005), Spantik (2006), Cathedral Peak (2006), Nubra Summits (2007).
Leader reports:

Nubra Summits (2007), Spantik (2006), Bolivian Climber (2000).

Bonny Masson

Place of Birth: Victoria, Hong Kong
Date of Birth: 11/10/48
Leadership/guiding qualifications: Nordic Ski Teacher, BASI Telemark Ski Teacher with ISIA accreditation.
Mountaineering background: Bonny has been climbing since 1970 in Britain, Europe, USA, Pakistan, Sikkim, Ladakh and Nepal. She became famous as one of the top female British rock climbers in the late 1970's and early 1980's with first female ascents of many difficult routes.
Leadership/instructional background: Bonny has been leading groups in the Greater Ranges since 1991 and free-heel skiing since 1992. She spends the winter teaching telemark skiing in Italy and runs The Telemark Ski Company with her partner, John Eames.
Jagged Globe Expeditions: Stok Kangri (2000), Spiti Reconnaissance (2001), Everest Base Camp Trek (2003), Altai Climber (2004), Stok Kangri (2005), Lhakpa Ri (2005), K2 Base Camp Trek (2006), Nubra Summits (2007).
Other interests: Food and wine!
Leader reports:

Everest Base Camp Trek (2007), Nubra Summits (2007), K2 Base Camp & Ghondokoro La (2006), Stok Kangri (2005), Stok Kangri (2000).

Ed Chard

Place of Birth: Keynsham, Bristol
Date of Birth: 20/03/68
Leadership/guiding qualifications: MIC
Leadership/Instructional background: Ed Has been an Outdoor Instructor since 1993 and has led over 15 expeditions in Asia, Africa, South America, North America and Europe. He is also a regular instructor on our Scottish Winter Courses. "Ed Chard is a legend. Approachable, good commmunication and teaching skills, very unruffled temperament no matter what. Ed has the personality ideally suited to expedition leadership. Everybody liked him." JR - Alpamayo 2002.
Jagged Globe Expeditions: Mera Peak (2001 and 2005), Alpamayo (2002 & 2003), Huascaran (2002), Khumbu Climber (2002), Khumbu Climber (2004), Mera and Island Peak (2005), Stok Kangri (2005), Mera Peak (2006).
Other interests: Running, swimming, paddlesport, surfing.
Leader reports:

Mera Peak (2006), Stok Kangri (2005), Mera Peak (2001).

Ian Barker

Date of Birth: 12/03/58
Leadership/guiding qualifications: MIC
Leadership/Instructional background: Ian has been working in the Outdoor Pursuits/Development Training industry for over 25 years. He is a qualified Mountaineering Instructor (MIC) and his past professional work includes a year-long stint at the British Antarctic Survey. Ian is now a freelance instructor and works regularly as an overseas expedition leader, with experience leading groups on mountaineering expeditions to Nepal, Tanzania, Ecuador, Mexico, Bolivia and Argentina. His own personal climbing has taken him as far afield as India, Afghanistan, Peru, Chile and Spitsbergen. Ian is also a ski instructor and canoeing instructor.
Jagged Globe Expeditions: Aconcagua, Kilimanjaro, Mera Peak, The North Col of Everest, Lhakpa Ri, Altai Climber, Vinson.
Leader reports:

Mexican Volcanoes (2007), Vinson (2007), Altai Climber (2006).

Expedition Leader: Everest Base Camp & Island Peak

Mungo Ross

Place of Birth: Port Glasgow, Scotland
Date of Birth: 27/08/51
Leadership/guiding qualifications: MIC
Mountaineering background: Mungo has been mountaineering since 1960s in Greenland, Europe, Asia and South America.
Leadership/instructional background: Mungo has been instructing freelance since 1972 and has led many groups in the Greater Ranges.
Jagged Globe Expeditions: Khumbu Climber (1999 and twice in 2000), Huascaran (1999), Kilimanjaro (1999, 2000, 2005) Ecuador Volcanoes (2000 and 2001), Aconcagua (2000), Rolwaling Summits (2001), Stok Kangri (2001), Mera & Island Peak (2002), Khan Tengri (2002), The Western Cwm (2003), Bolivian Climber (2003 and 2006), Ecuador Volcanoes (2003), Muztag Ata (2005), Mera Peak (2005), K2 Base Camp (2007), Cathedral Peak (2007).
Leader reports:

Stok Kangri (2008), Mera Peak (2007), Cathedral Peak (2007), K2 Base Camp & Ghondokoro La (2007), Mera & Island Peak (2006), Bolivian Climber (2006), Bolivian Climber (2006), Mera Peak (2005), Ecuador Volcanoes (2004), Bolivian Climber (2003), Bolivian Climber (2003), Mera & Island Peak (2002), Stok Kangri (2002), Ecuador Volcanoes (2002), Khumbu Climber (2000), Ecuador Volcanoes (2000).

Expedition Leader: Mera Peak, Ecuador Volcanoes, Mexican Volcanoes

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Andy Chapman

Date of Birth: 15/02/68
Leadership/guiding qualifications: MIC
Mountaineering background: Andy Chapman has been working in the outdoors since 1989 and has led Jagged Globe expeditions since 1998, when he was an assistant on our first Tien Shan Climber expedition. He returned two years later to summit on Marble Wall and Khan Tengri (6,995m). Andy then spent 2 1/2 years in Antarctica as a Field General Assistant for the British Antarctic Survey (BAS). After two winters on the base, he decided it was time to return back to the UK and since then has been a regular instructor on our Scottish Winter Courses and Rock Courses, as well as leading expeditions each year. Andy is a determined climber, who has led some very successful trips in the last few years. In 2008, he will be leading our Muztag Ata expedition.
Jagged Globe Expeditions: Aconcagua (2000, 2004), Stok Kangri (1999), Mera Peak (1999), Mera and Island Peak (2000), Tien Shan Climber (1998), Tien Shan Climber (2000), Lhakpa Ri (2004), Ecuador Volcanoes (2004), Vinson Massif (2004), Kilimanjaro (2005 and 2007), Mera and Island Peak (2005), Mera Peak (2006), The North Col of Everest (2006), Alpamayo (2007), Huascaran (2007).

Leader reports:

Alpamayo (2008), Aconcagua (2008), Huascaran (2007), Mera & Island Peak (2005), Mera & Island Peak (2000).

John Armstrong

Place of Birth: UK
Date of Birth: 20/03/57
Leadership/guiding qualifications: MIC
Leadership/Instructional background: John has been leading Jagged Globe expeditions since 1998.
Jagged Globe Expeditions: Karakoram Alpinist (1998), Mera and Island Peak (1998), Muztag Ata (2000), Mera and Island Peak (2000), Bolivian Climber (2002, 2003 and 2006), Mera and Island Peak (2002), Rolwaling Summits (2003), Kilimanjaro (2004), Altai Climber (2005), Everest Base Camp (2006), Aconcagua (2006).
Leader reports:

Bolivian Climber (2003), Bolivian Climber (2003), Mera & Island Peak (2002), Mera & Island Peak (2000), Muztag Ata (2000).

Expedition Leader: Mera Peak, Aconcagua

Caroline Ogden

Place of Birth: Anglesey, North Wales, UK
Date of Birth: 07/07/68
Leadership/guiding qualifications: UIAGM Mountain and Ski Guide since 2002. Caroline qualified as Guide in New Zealand. She is now a member of the British Mountain Guides Association. She also holds NZ instructor association qualifications in Rock Climbing and Mountaineering.
Leadership/Instructional background: Caroline has been mountaineering since the late 80's and her university days in Christchurch NZ. She worked initially as an Outdoor Education Instructor, firstly at the "Sir Edmund Hillary Outdoor Pursuits Centre of NZ" and more recently at "Plas Y Brenin" (The National Mountain Centre for England and Wales). She now works primarily as a Mountain and Ski Guide in Europe, NZ and the Greater Ranges. She is a regular guide on the Jagged Globe Alpine Courses.
Jagged Globe Expeditions: Kilimanjaro (2006). Guide on Jagged Globe Alpine Courses since 2003.
Notable ascents/First ascents: Early/Second ascents of some difficult mountain routes in NZ (Sth Face, Mt Sealy, Stauchon Face, Mt Dilemna, Central Couloir, Douglas Peak)
Other interests: Caroline is a super enthusiastic rock climber. She is equally happy on traditional English run out naturally-protected routes as climbing bolt-protected tufas in the south of France! She also enjoys the occasional glass of wine! Expedition Leader: Ama Dablam, Mera & Island Peak

Ron Holt

Place of Birth: Liverpool
Date of Birth: 28/12/53
Leadership/guiding qualifications: ML (Winter)
Mountaineering background: 25+ years mountaineering experience in UK and Alps. Reached summit ridge of Pik Lenin in 1998 and summitted Shishapangma with Robert Anderson and Paul Morrow in 1999. 15+ years experience with DofE / Orienteering.
Jagged Globe Expeditions: Stok Kangri (2001), Ecuador Volcanoes (2002), Kilimanjaro (2003 back-to-back expeditions), Aconcagua (2003/4), Cho Oyu (2004), Kilimanjaro (2006).
Other interests: Fell running / Orienteering / Cycling
Leader reports:

Ecuador Volcanoes (2001), Stok Kangri (2000).

Lydia Bradey

Place of Birth: Christchurch, New Zealand
Date of Birth: 9/10/61
Mountaineering background: Lydia began climbing in 1976 with an ascent of Aspiring, Tititea. She made ascents of Zurbriggan's Ridge and the East Ridge, with a full Grand Traverse on Aoraki, Mt Cook, just after her 18th birthday. During the next summer, Lydia made the first female ascent of the Balfour Face on Tasman. In 1981 she left New Zealand for Alaska, attempting the American Direct on the South Face of McKinley/Denali. In the early '80s in Yosemite Valley, California, USA, Lydia made ascents of 10 'Big Walls', taking 4-10 days, including a second ascent of Sunkist (A5+) and making 7 first female ascents of some of the hardest aid climbs in the Valley at that time. In 1984, Lydia took part in a British Expedition attempting first ascent of South Face of Cho-Oyu, 8,201m, and attempting the first female ascent of the mountain. The expedition reached 8,000m, retreating from a large band of rotten rock. The BBC made a documentary of the climb. In 1985 Lydia rock climbed in Australia and returned to New Zealand climbing in almost every National Park in the South Island, including making the second female ascent, and possibly a new route on the Balfour Face of Tasman. In the 1986 pre-monsoon season Lydia and friends made a small trekking-climbing trip to peaks around 18,000ft, in the Himachal Pradesh region, India. In the 1986 post-monsoon season, Lydia joined a British expedition to attempt the first ascent of the highest mountain in Bhutan, Ghankar Punsum, 7,555m, reaching 7,200m. Storms forced military evacuation of the region, and a documentary was made of the climb and featured in the Banff Mountain Film Festival. The mountain remains unclimbed. 1987 India, Uttar Pradesh. Lydia was part of a small expedition with Jon Muir (Australia) to attempt first traverse of Kedarnath Dome, Kedarnath Peak and another third un-named mountain. Storms and avalanches curtailed ascent of the latter two mountains, with only Kedarnath Dome summited at approximately 6,775m. Kedarnath Peak was descended in a storm, "the biggest epic" of Lydia's life. In 1987 Lydia, two Australasians and two Basques climbed Gasherbrum II 8,035m, alpine style, in three and a half days, in very deep snow. They initially attempted Gasherbrum I, 8,048m, but extreme avalanche conditions forced most of expedition to retreat. Lydia became the first Australasian woman to climb one of the world's fourteen 8,000m mountains. In 1988, Lydia joined three other New Zealanders on an expedition to climb both K2, 8,611m via the Abruzzi Spur, Pakistan, and SW Ridge of Everest, 8,848m. A high point of 7,300m on K2 reached within ten days of arrival, a further five trips to 6,800m and 7,300m, and the summit attempt were thwarted by bad weather. The team went immediately on to Everest. 1988 Nepal: Lydia reached the summit of Everest via the SW ridge, alone, and without bottled O2. Lydia is the first woman in the world to climb Everest without oxygen. To date, she remains the only New Zealander to climb Everest without oxygen. Lydia began working as a mountain guide at the end of 2000. Over 2001 - 2005, Lydia organised and guided four climbing and adventure trips to Outer Mongolia, to climb Mt Khuiten 4,350m, and other 4,000m mountains. Lydia successfully guided Cho-Oyu 8201m, in 2004 and 2006. Immediately after Cho-Oyu, Lydia and Dean Staples attempted Cholatse 6,440m, in the Khumbu. In 2005 Lydia went on to Kathmandu, Nepal to meet the Queen of Nepal, and the Crown Prince and Princess at a three day celebration of Women On Everest Commemoration ceremony, where her ascent of Everest was officially recognised. Lydia successfully guided Aconcagua 6,759m, Argentina, in Jan-Feb 2006, and Alpamayo 5,964m, and on Huascaran almost 7,000m, both high and classic peaks in Peru in July and August 2006, for Jagged Globe. 2007 France: Lydia and Dean Staples spent two months skiing, ski touring and climbing in France and Italy. Nepal: Guided Lobuche East (to 5,900m) for Jagged Globe (UK). 2007 Pakistan: Lydia and Pat Deavoll made an expedition to make the first ascent of Beka Brakkai Chhok (6,940m), reaching 5,900m. They made the first ascent of another unclimbed peak they called Wahine Shar (58,00m) with two Italian climbers.
Leader reports:

Everest Base Camp Trek (2007), Huascaran (2006), Alpamayo (2006).

Stuart McNeil

Date of Birth: 25/02/57
Leadership/guiding qualifications: Winter ML and EML
Mountaineering background: With a career which started in the European Alps over 20 years ago, Stuart has led expeditions for Jagged Globe since 1995, including K2 Base Camp and Ghondokoro La, Mera and Island peak, Rolwaling Summits, Langtang Climber, The North Col of Everest, Aconcagua, Elbrus and Kilimanjaro. He was the support group leader for the 1st British Mount Everest Medical Expedition in 1994. He also instructs Cross country Skiing in Norway and is a Qualified Remote Emergency Care Instructor.
Leader reports:

Altai Climber (2008), Stok Kangri (2006), Aconcagua (2002).

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Joe Gittins

Place of Birth: Liverpool, UK
Date of Birth: 07/06/67
Leadership/guiding qualifications: MIA
Mountaineering background: Joe has been a freelance mountaineering instructor for the past ten years or so and normally leads two expeditions per year for Jagged Globe. He left academia to spend six seasons as a 'ski bum' prior to becoming a professional mountaineer. As well as leading Jagged Globe groups, Joe has also organised his own expeditions to the Langtang Valley in Nepal and Alaska.
Jagged Globe Expeditions: Aconcagua, Kilimanjaro, Ecuador Volcanoes, Bolivian Climber, The North Col of Everest, Mera Peak, Altai Climber.
Other interests: Caving, mountain biking, skiing, ski mountaineering, telling jokes and eating ice cream.
Leader reports:

Khumbu Climber (2006), Altai Climber (2006), Ecuador Volcanoes (2002).

Mic Rofe

Place of Birth: Sydney, Australia
Date of Birth: 19/06/78
Mountaineering background: Since starting climbing in 1991, Mic has climbed extensively in Australia, as well as New Zealand, Scotland, the Himalayas and South America.
Notable ascents:Supported 15 year old Australian Young Adventurer, Christopher Harris on an attempt to climb Denali (2005) and ascent of Aconcagua (2006).
Leadership/instructional background: Full-time climbing and canyoning instructor since 2003 based in the Blue Mountains, Australia.
Jagged Globe Expeditions: Altai Climber (2004), Ama Dablam Leaders' Training Expedition (2004), Huascaran (2005), Lhakpa Ri (2006), Mera & Island Peak (2006), Lhakpa Ri and The North Col (2007), Bolivian Climber (2007), Mera and Island Peak (2008).
Other interests: Caving, mountain biking, skiing, ski mountaineering, telling jokes and eating ice cream.
Leader reports:

Huascaran (2008), Mera & Island Peak (2008), Bolivian Climber (2008), Khumbu Climber (2008), Bolivian Climber (2007), Lhakpa Ri & The North Col (2007), Mera & Island Peak (2006).

Dave Walsh

Place of Birth: Chester, UK
Date of Birth: 17/05/44
Leadership/guiding qualifications: BMG (IFMGA)
Mountaineering background: Dave has been Alpine mountaineering since 1963 and Himalayan climbing since 1975.
Notable ascents/First ascents:First British ascent of Cho Oyu (1988), first British ascent of Nanga Parbat (1991).
Leadership/instructional background: Dave was an outdoor education instructor from 1972-1978. He then worked for Plas Y Brenin for 11 years as the Chief Instructor. He directs our Scottish Winter Courses and Rock Climbing and Scrambling Courses.
Jagged Globe Expeditions: Aconcagua, Bolivian Climber, Carstensz Pyramid, Vinson Massif, Mt Kenya, Kilimanjaro, Everest, Rolwaling Summits, Ecuador Volcanoes (2000), The North Col of Everest (2001), Baruntse (2002), Kilimanjaro (2005), Rwenzori Mountains (2006), Altai Climber (2007).
Other interests: Rock climbing, mountain biking, fell running and ski mountaineering.
Leader reports:

Alpamayo (2008), Altai Climber (2007), Ecuador Volcanoes (2001).

Expedition Leader: Antisana

Alun Richardson

Place of Birth: Cardiff, Wales
Date of Birth: 06/01/57
Leadership/guiding qualifications: BMG (IFMGA)
Mountaineering background: 20+ years mountaineering in the Tien Shan, Pamirs, Alaska, Alps, South America, Himal Pradesh and Nepal.
Notable ascents/First ascents: Alun made the first ascent of Karscheryevskya (7,105m) in the Pamirs and has climbed all but one of the North Faces in the Alps.
Leadership/instructional background: Alun has been instructing climbing for over 20 years at outdoor centres and has worked freelance for the last 10 years.
Jagged Globe Expeditions: Ecuador Volcanoes (1997), Tien Shan Climber (1998), Aconcagua (2000), Mera Peak (2000), Spiti Climber (2003), Alpamayo (2004), Rwenzori Mountains (2005), Kilimanjaro (2006), Everest Base Camp Trek (2006), Greenland Explorer (2007).
Other interests: Alun is a keen photographer and writer.
Leader reports:

Greenland Explorer (2007), Mera Peak (2000).

Tim Blakemore

Place of Birth:
Date of Birth:27/07/71
Leadership/guiding qualifications: MIC
Leadership/instructional background: Tim has been climbing since his teens, embracing all facets of mountainering. He has a varied background, including working with the British Antarctic Survey and many seasons guiding in Glencoe, Ben Nevis and on the Isle of Skye. Tim has made first ascents in Antarctica, Ben Nevis (in winter), Glencoe (in summer and winter) and at home in Northumberland. Notable ascents include a one day winter ascent of the north face of Les Droites (ED3), Lost Arrow Spire (Yosemite)(A2 5.9), Shiva Lingham and Frenesie (WI6, Argentiere Icefalls) and many scottish winter routes inc solo ascents (Royal Pardon VI 6).
Jagged Globe Expeditions: Ecuador (2002) and Kilimanjaro (2003/04), Rwenzori Mountains (2006).
Leader reports:

Mexican Volcanoes (2007), Rwenzori Mountains (2006), Ecuador Volcanoes (2002).

Chris Groves

Place of Birth: Harrogate, England
Date of Birth: 29/05/67
Leadership/guiding qualifications: MIA/ML (Winter)
Mountaineering/leadership background: Chris is a qualified teacher and deputy manager of an outdoor centre in the Peak District. He has over 10 years' experience of working with both adults and young people in an overseas mountain environment. Chris has led expeditions to Kilimanjaro, Mont Kenya, Ecuador (Cotopaxi), Alaska, Northern India, Nepal and Tibet. His own personal mountaineering has taken him as far as Kyrgyzstan, where he has summited Pik Lenin (7,134m).
Jagged Globe Expeditions: Mera Peak (2005), Aconcagua (2005), Mera and Island Peak (2007).
Other interests: Chris is also a keen rock climber and a kayak/canoe coach. He enjoys 'messing around' with computers and has also been known to go caving.
Leader reports:

Aconcagua (2008), Mera & Island Peak (2007), Khumbu Climber (2006), Aconcagua (2006), Mera Peak (2005).

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Gaspar Navarrete

Place of Birth: Ecuador
Mountaineering background: Gaspar is a very talented climber and one of the Instructors of ASEGUIM (Ecuadorian Association of Mountain Guides). He has assisted in several Jagged Globe Expeditions including Cotopaxi, Ecuador Volcanos and Antisana. Has climbed intensivly in the Andes of Peru and Bolivia, where he has led previous expeditions. Gaspar has followed a training course given by the ENSA (National School of Guides) in Chamonix, in the Alps and has done several classic Alpine climbs, including the Matterhorn. He completed his Wilderness First Responder (outdoor medical training qualification) given by SOLO from the US
Jagged Globe Expeditions: Cotopaxi, Ecuador Volcanoes, Antisana
Other interests: Gaspar is an environmental activist.
Leader report:

Antisana (2007).

Jaime Avila

Place of Birth: Ecuador
Mountaineering background: Jaime Avila has successfully guided expeditions in every country of the Andes, including ascents of Aconcagua via the Polish Glacier route, several expeditions in Bolivia, successful ascents of Alpamayo and Huscaran in Peru and several other lesser known peaks in the Andes, as well many expeditions in Ecuador. In 2003 he was the assistant leader of a professionally led expedition to Denali in Alaska and after that he managed to develop his career further afield out of the Americas. In 2004 he led a successful expedition to Ama Dablam and to Island Peak, in the heart of the Himalayas. A qualified guide and native Ecuadorian, Jaime is fluent in Spanish, English and German.
Jagged Globe Expeditions: Ecuador Volcanoes
Other interests: Mountain biking.

Paul Donovan

Place of Birth: Mynyddislwyn, South Wales
Date of Birth: 24/12/63
Leadership/guiding qualifications: International Mountain Leader (IML); Winter Mountain Leader; BCU Level 4 Kayak & Surf Coach & Level 3 Sea Coach
Leadership/instructional background: Paul is a qualified Teacher, Lecturer & Outdoor Activity Coach with over 20 years experience of working in the outdoor environment throughout the world. He has led expeditions to many parts of the world, including Eastern & Western Europe, Morocco, Tanzania, Nepal & Pamirs and has led for Jagged Globe since 2002.
Jagged Globe Expeditions: Kilimanjaro (2003, 2004, 2005), Everest Base Camp (2005), Lhakpa Ri and The North Col (2007), Aconcagua (2006 and 2007).
Other interests: A keen Skier, Runner, Cyclist, Swimmer & Canoeist. A member of the British Association of International Mountain Leaders (BAIML) and acts as their Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Officer. Adventureworks Regional Coordinator for Wales. Part-Time Inspector for the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority (AALA).
Leader reports:

Lhakpa Ri & The North Col (2007), Aconcagua (2007), Mera Peak (2006), Everest, Gokyo & the Cho La (2006), Aconcagua (2006), Everest, Gokyo & the Cho La (2005), Everest Base Camp Trek (2005).

Expedition Leader: Mera Peak, Aconcagua

Hannah Burrows Smith

Place of Birth: Inverness, Scotland
Date of Birth: 12/09/74
Leadership/guiding qualifications: MIC and BMG (IFMGA) trainee
Mountaineering background: Hannah has extensive rock, ice and alpine experience in the UK and the Alps, with highlights being ascents of the North Face of the Matterhorn and the Dru. In Scotland, she has been involved in first ascents on Ben Nevis and new routes at E2.
Leadership/instructional background: Hannah has been working as a freelance mountaineering instructor since 2000, mostly operating in the Scottish Highlands. She gained the MIC qualification in winter 2002. Guiding and instructional work has typically been according to the season, with climbing and mountaineering in the Cairngorms, Lochaber and Glencoe, Skye and the far North, in summer and winter conditions. Over the past 5 years she has been a trek leader for trips to Nepal, Mt Kenya/Kilimanjaro and Ladakh.
Jagged Globe Expeditions: Stok Kangri (2007).
Other interests: Hannah skies regularly, both off piste and touring.
Leader report:

Stok Kangri (2007).

Steve Findlay

Place of Birth: Bristol
Date of Birth: 26/08/54
Mountaineering background: Steve has been a prominent figure in British climbing for over 20 years and was famously a member of the 'Clean Hand Gang' - a group of rock climbers who refused to use to chalk (magnesium carbonate), when it first became available in the late 1970's. Despite not having the edge given by climbing without sweaty palms, Steve still managed to lead some of the hardest routes in the country at the time. He has also been a trek and expedition leader for as many years, and has led eight expeditions for Jagged Globe. Steve is well-known for his laidback and relaxed attitude, an approach which past team members have appreciated when trekking and expeditioning with Steve in the Himalayas and Greater Ranges. In 2006, he is a leader on our Spring Annapurna Sanctuary and Annapurna CircuitTreks and on a Kilimanjaro Rongai Route Trek in February.
Jagged Globe Expeditions: Aconcagua, Elbrus, Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya (1996), Mera Peak (1996), Khan Tengri (1997), Shishapangma (2002), Langtang Climber (2004), Annapurna Circuit (2006), Kilimanjaro (2007).
Leader report:

Annapurna Circuit (2006).

Deborah Laugharne

Date of Birth: 04/08/69
Leadership/guiding qualifications: MIA
Mountaineering background: Debbie has been climbing since 1986 and began high altitude mountaineering in 1993. During this time she has spent much time climbing in Bolivia and North Peru.
Leadership/Instructional background: Debbie has been working in the outdoor industry since 1989. She has led many mountaineering expeditions since 1995, to Morocco, Venezuela, Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru, Borneo, Nepal and India. She has Advanced Wilderness Medical training and much experience of altitude related illness. Debbie is currently supporting Adventureworks with the role of Regional Coordinator and leading expeditions regularly for both Jagged Globe and Adventureworks.
Jagged Globe Expeditions: Bolivian Climber (2001), Huascaran (2002 and 2003), Rowaling Summits (2004), Khumbu Climber (2005)
Other interests: Photography, music and surfing.
Leader reports:

Khumbu Climber (2005), Huascaran (2002).

Rob Jarvis

Place of Birth: Nottingham
Date of Birth: 30/06/74
Leadership/guiding qualifications: MIC / IFMGA Trainee guide
Mountaineering background: First ascents in the Hindu Kush, Antarctica, Scottish Highlands and on Welsh Rock. Rock and Ice climbed extensively throughout the UK since 1993. Favourite areas include Mingulay and Pabbay, Cloggy, Pembroke, Ben Nevis and Torridon.
Leadership/Instructional background: Rob spent 11 winter seasons climbing and guiding in the Scottish Highlands, mainly on Ben Nevis, and has led numerous international expeditions. He has worked for a variety of providers of guiding and outdoor education including Glenmore Lodge, Plas-y-Brenin, The British Antarctic Survey and Outward Bound. More recently, after an 18 month stint 'down South' guiding scientists around Antarctica, Rob is living in the French Alps and re-acquainting himself with the pleasures and pains of alpinism!
Expeditions: Pakistani Hindu Kush and Karakorum, Indian and Nepalese Himalaya, Kyrgyz Tien Shan, Antarctic Peninsula, Argentinean Andes, Moroccan Atlas, Colorado Rockies.Mustag Ata (2006), Mera Peak (2007).
Other interests: Ski touring, photography and eclectic musical tastes!
Leader reports:

Mera Peak (2007), Muztag Ata (2006).

Greg Coe

Place of Birth: Rinteln, Germany
Date of Birth: 30/05/72
Leadership/guiding qualifications: ML Winter
Leadership/Instructional background: Greg started his outdoor career in 1995 working in Outdoor Centres. He has been leading trips abroad since 1997 and doing this full-time now since 2002. Greg has led expeditions, mostly to South America, but also jungle trekking in Central America and Borneo.
Expeditions: Ecuador Volcanoes (2003 and 2004), Mera Peak (2003), Mera and Island Peak (2004), Aconcagua (2005 and 2006), Mera and Island Peak (2007)
Other interests: Sailing, skiing and poetry.
Leader reports:

Nubra Summits (2008), Mera Peak (2007), Aconcagua (2006), Aconcagua (2006).

Marty Beare

Place of Birth: Balleymoney, Northern Ireland
Date of Birth: 21/12/54
Leadership/guiding qualifications: NZMGA (IFMGA)
Mountaineering background: A couple of decades of classic ascents in New Zealand, Canada, Alaska and Europe.
Notable ascents/first ascents:First ascents LH Balfour Face Mt Tasman (NZ), and Pk 11520 (Alaska); 2nd ascent Deprivation (Mt Hunter Alaska).
Leadership/instructional background: Marty began his outdoor instruction career in NZ in 1980. He has worked as a mountain guide in NZ, Canada, and more recently with Jagged Globe in Europe. Marty is the Chief Guide for Aspiring Guides Mountaineering, our New Zealand-based partners.
Expeditions: Alaska (2003); Elbrus (2004); Garhwal Himalaya (Janukuth attempt, 2004); Garwhal Himalaya (Changabang attempt, 2007).
Other interests: alt. country music, rock climbing, naturalistic decision-making, cheap wine.
Expedition Asst Leader: Ama Dablam

Tim Bird

Date of Birth: 06/07/65
Leadership/guiding qualifications: MIC
Leadership/instructional background: Tim successfully directed our Scottish Winter Courses for five seasons before handing over the baton to Dave Walsh. He has been a regular expedition leader since 1995.
Jagged Globe Expeditions: Elbrus (1995), Mera Peak (1995, 2001), Stok Kangri (1996), Aconcagua (1996), Mera and Island Peak (1997), Gasherbrum II (1998), Khumbu Climber (1999), Tien Shan Climber (1999), Vinson Massif (1999), Everest (2000), Kilimanjaro (2006).
Leader report:

Mera Peak (2001).

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