Mountain Instructors Certificate
The MIC is the highest qualification for the instruction of
mountaineering, both summer and winter, in the United Kingdom.
The summer part of this award, the MIA, is a pre-requirement
of the MIC. In my work at Plas
y Brenin, I not only hold these qualifications, but train
and assess others to this high standard. As head of the MIA
department, I oversee the development and training of other
staff to do the same.
All of these qualifications are based on a depth and breadth of experience.
This experience is based on a passion for climbing, mountaineering, and
skiing - all over the world. The thrill of sharing adventure and
discovery is extended in my work, from a beginners first steps, to helping
the most experienced instructors share the magic. Along the way
I have been lucky enough to participate, and been thoroughly assessed, in
the following disciplines:
Rock Climbing
With the Llanberis pass on the drive home, rock climbing can be a daily
event, or as often as I like. These days I mostly enjoy rock climbing for
the places you get to and the company you share it with.
I prefer to take my climbing with a healthy dose of adventure, so I'm
happiest on the sea cliffs and mountain crags.
It's good training for the wilder places of the world, from the North face
of the Piz Badile, to the North tower of Paine, and back home to the Lleyn
peninsula!
Snow and Ice climbing
With the winter comes the snow and ice. Waterfalls frozen in time, sculpted
by the weather, for as long as they last. From short and technical valley
icefalls, to long couloirs and faces in the mountains - this is a season
for adventure and exploration.
There is good ice to be climbed all over the Alps, but when Scotland is
good, it's as good as anywhere in the world. You have to travel a long way
to improve upon the wilderness and solitude of the North West Highlands.
Good quality snow ice, beautiful summits, and just enough daylight to make
it down for a pint. The mixed climbing here is truly special. Without the
fixed protection of it's foreign equivalent, the routes have a quality of
line, and variety of climbing, that's hard to beat!
