If you aren't lucky enough to have passed through Hathersage lately, you may not have had the chance to meet our motley crew. We think they're an amazing bunch of people, and this is where you can find out why.
Between them, Outside's staff have enough home grown expertise to cover bouldering, trad rock climbing, sport climbing, ice climbing, mountaineering, hill walking, trekking expeditions and running up (and down) fells and mountains, plus all forms of camping from the car to the bivvy ledge.
They have some amazing stories to tell, and along the way they've also thoroughly tested the best climbing, walking and camping equipment so that you can read their honest opinions right here.
I was brought up in east London on a diet of football but after qualifying as a teacher escaped to South Wales to manage an outdoor centre. Married to Jane (who also works part time for Outside at our Head Office) since 1987 and we have lived in Matlock for 22 years. I love wild camping, our campervan, books and the cafe's raspberry & coconut crumble tray-bakes. Continue reading
I’ve been climbing short things with equal enthusiasm and ineptitude for nearly twenty years.
A few of those spent working as an indoor climbing instructor resulted in a brief period of relative fitness, improved technique and the acquisition of a smattering of climbing jargon. Continue reading
After a Scottish and Alpine apprenticeship, Tom Richardson began climbing in the Himalaya in 1979. Since that time he has climbed extensively around the world and has been on twice as many trips to the Greater Ranges as his age. This includes 7 expeditions to 8000m peaks across the Himalaya and Karakoram, both leading commercial groups and climbing with friends.
Even with my Dad being so keen on climbing, I wasn't bothered as a youth. However something changed when I was about 22, and since then climbing has basically ruled my life and thoughts. I would love to say I'm also into lots of other outdoor activities but in reality, when I'm doing them I just wish I was climbing. I feel extremely lucky to be psyched for all styles of climbing so it never gets dull. Continue reading
Efficiency. Accuracy. Commitment. These are all words that John struggles to spell – it’s the double letters that confuse him. The kickboxing Manager of the Hathersage store, he combines rugged good looks and a cheerful “can-do” attitude with a penchant for lying through his teeth in online bios. Continue reading
