I’ve been climbing for just over 8 years, and in that time I’ve learned two things: Mountains are always colder than they look, and no matter how much you plan, something will go wrong!

I enjoy all types of climbing, but I’m especially drawn to high-altitude expeditions (because nothing says fun like coughing at 6,000 metres), Scottish winter climbing (because getting battered by gale force winds, 3 hour walk-ins and the hot aches builds character), and trad climbing (because placing gear on a run-out lead is cheaper than therapy!)

I’ve been fortunate enough to climb in some incredible places, including Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Norway, Switzerland, Morocco, Alaska and Peru, which has mostly confirmed that snow is white everywhere, weather is never quite as forecast, and there is a good chance that airlines will lose your baggage.

When I'm not climbing, I spend my time plotting the next adventure, exaggerating the last one and reassuring myself that everything will go to plan next time....probably.

As Chairman, my goal is simple: Keep the club heading uphill, pretend we’re organised, and make sure we have enough stories to make non-climbers question our sanity!

Favourite place to climb: Anywhere that involves carrying 25kg of kit up a snowy slope with thin air.

Climbing style: Plucky!

Favourite piece of kit: Mountain Equipment K7 jacket.

I joined the CMC in 2023, having returned to the sport after a 30+ year absence period.

The club is a pretty good bunch, encompassing a wide range of interests and capabilities. That said, all are made welcome and encouraged to the local indoor walls, club trips and of course, to the pub where tails become taller as the alcohol levels rise!

I am a keen Alpinist and rock climber at home and in the hills (in all terrain and weather) and particularly enjoy the type II fun. I’m now back into Winter climbing and Alpine mountaineering, but seeking a second-time-round to avoid the unplanned bivis in the Mont Blanc massif!

Favourite area: North Wales - Having lived, worked, climbed, walked and cycled in the area; even the occasional lap of the 14 peaks and Karrimor International Mountain Marathon (Not too shabby for a boy from Essex!).

Favourite climb: Too old to remember… But I have some fond memories of Nose Direct (Dinas Mot) and Overhanging Bastion (Castle Rock of Triermain).

Favourite hill food: Whatever the Alpine Hut Warden is cooking when I’m in residence! But on the hillside, anything with peanut butter and jam is a good start.

I've been climbing for about 15 years, bouldering, sport and trad. I love the community, adventure, access to the outdoors and the challenge that climbing brings.

Over the years, climbing has taken over my life, and I've spent time as an instructor, managing a climbing wall and running a women's climbing group. I'm passionate about making climbing more inclusive and helping people to discover the sport in a fun and supportive way.

Having moved back to Essex recently, joining the CMC has been a great way to get involved with the local climbing scene. There's a real mix of experience in the group, so it's great to have the opportunity to both teach newer climbers and learn from others too.

Favourite place to climb: Anywhere with a good view and a good crew.

Favourite piece of kit: Currently the Ohmega as it's shiny and new!

Favourite hill food: Protein bars and too much coffee.

Future goals: Pushing myself to climb some bigger routes in more adventurous places.

I discovered my love for climbing when a quick Google search one afternoon led me to taking a leap and joining the club in 2024 (having absolutely no climbing experience beforehand) and wholeheartedly, it’s the best decision I’ve ever made.

I’m slowly but positively feeling more and more confident in my abilities, and I’m delighted with how much I’ve learned so far from the club and its outstanding members I’ve gotten to know and climb with.

I’m incredibly optimistic about what’s to come, and it’s definitely become an addiction. The opportunities the club has provided for me to not only improve my knowledge and technique tremendously, but genuinely learn about such a huge variety of aspects within climbing have been amazing.

Favourite area: Still have much to explore, but so far, Chamonix.

Favourite piece of kit: Petzl Neox

Favourite hill food: Mug Shot pasta in the winter, a nice cheese sandwich (preferably Gouda!) in the summer.

Future goals: Become confident to lead a first trad route outdoors.

I’ve always had a love for the outdoors, but never really branched out far beyond hiking. With that in mind, I decided to see what all the fuss was about and joined the CMC in late 2022, and I’ve not looked back! It has allowed me to go to some amazing places and meet even better people.

Since joining the club, my climbing has come on massively, both indoors and out, and with the support of the club and its members, I’ve learnt how to Trad and Sport climb. Going forward, I’d love to tackle some higher peaks and more challenging climbs further afield.

Having benefitted from the generosity of the club, I’m looking forward to carrying this forward and organising some great trips with Barry this year!

Favourite Area: The Alps, followed by the Peak District (grit is life)

Favourite Hill Food: Tangfastics

Future Goals: Tackling some higher peaks and improving my confidence on lead

I have always had a love for the mountains since skiing from a young age. They are peaceful and surreal, but exciting and dangerous at the same time.

So about 8 years ago, trying to find a way to get rid of the beer gut (and didn’t fancy the monotony of the gym), I drove past The Lock Harlow and a lightbulb instantly went on; something physically and mentally challenging and exciting and fun at the same time, I phoned them the next day booked onto their learn to climb course, best decision I’ve ever made.

After meeting some CMC members there, I joined the club. It has been amazing ever since- not only the trips and friends I have experienced and gained, but to see the club grow from its modest membership to the strength it is now.

I have arranged a few trips here and abroad and feel it’s time to give something back to the club, so I put myself forward for the meets officer role, and I’m looking forward to arranging more amazing club trips. Any ideas for memorable locations are always welcomed just throw me a message or see me at the wall/pub.

Favourite area: Morocco Anti Atlas/Lake District

Favourite route: Dream of White Horses

Favourite piece of kit: DMM offset nuts

Favourite Hill food: Whatever I can grab in the morning.

I have always been keen for adventure and a physical test. I joined the CMC in 2021 after completing The Three Peaks and realising how much I loved the mountains, but was completely clueless as how to progress.

Thanks to the dedication and generosity of the CMC members, I like to think I've made some progress and have had the privilege of being given the opportunity to climb sport, trad and winter at home and abroad. I’ve even had a crack at altitude in the form of Mont Blanc and Toubkal.

I am looking forward to the year ahead and the potential it holds, and hope to be able to give something back to the club that has been so good to me.

Favourite area: North Wales/Spain.

Favourite hill food: Homemade banana bread.

Future plans: I would love to be able to test myself by increasing the altitude I have already achieved.