Welcome to Richard Cole’s Outdoor Adventures!
I’m Richard, a seasoned explorer and mountain enthusiast, based at the eastern edges of the breathtaking terrain of the Peak District National Park. The call of the great outdoors has been irresistible to me since as a child going on school expeditions to the outer Hebrides – a journey that led to my becoming a Mountain Leader and earning a Single Pitch Award, (now called Rock Climbing Instructor Award). Additionally, I have completed Winter Mountain Leader training. As a qualified member of the Mountain Training Association, I feel that my credentials are a testament to my dedication to developing my understanding of this very rewarding space. Feel free to check out my credentials here.
Over the past decade, my two adorable children and I have embarked on innumerable adventures, from wild and cycle camping to international treks. We hold dear memories of our 14-day trek through the Langtang and Helembu trails in Nepal, a part of an extensive family expedition. My fulfillment comes not only from the journey itself but also from introducing the younger generation to the inexhaustible thrills that nature bestows.
Beyond family trips, my adventures are diverse. Whether it’s exploring the Scottish mountains in winter, scrambling over sections of the Skye Cullin Ridge, hiking in Austria, exploring the South West Coast path, fell running, or scrambling in the Peak District National Park, I am forever learning, pushing boundaries, and leading. From my university days teaching rock climbing to children at the local climbing wall, supporting fellow university members with outdoor climbing trips, leading walks and scrambles on trips to the mountains, to my recent introduction of climbers from the Sheffield Mountaineering Meetup group to belaying lead climbers safely – my experiences are broad and enriching. Lately, I have been leading scrambles for two notable mountaineering clubs including Fell and Rock Climbing Club, and have also become a walk leader for the UK section of the Austrian Alpine Club.
Professional development is key to staying sharp, so I invest in continual training. Recent CPDs include Met Office Mountain Weather, Contour Masterclass, Movement Masterclass, and Avalanche Avoidance Training Day. I am also proud to be part of the Chris Ensoll Mountain Mentor community, a space for learning, sharing, and growing together.
My goals for the forthcoming year are adventurous and rigorous: improving my winter climbing skills, adding more Quality Mountain Days for my Winter Mountain Leader training, undertaking Summer International Mountain Leader Training, venturing out in an open canoe, and participating in ultra-lightweight multi-day trail running trips both locally and internationally.
In this blog, I share highlights and learnings from my outdoor escapades, from the Eastern Edges of the Peak District to the magnificent mountains of Nepal. Each post is a snippet of my journey. I invite you to join me as I navigate the roads less travelled and savour the profound joy of being in nature.
If you are looking for collaboration or seeking guidance to get more out of your outdoor experiences, or if you’re interested in learning mountaineering or expedition skills, please get in touch. I am passionate about sharing my knowledge and experience and would be thrilled to help you embark on your own adventure.
So, strap on your shoes, and let’s hit the trails!
Check out my latest adventures here:
- Tides, Trails, and the Eden Project: A Journey from Falmouth to Plymouth Along the South West Coast Path
- Rediscovering Childhood: A Journey Through Hampshire, Wiltshire, and Dorset Inspired by Enid Blyton
- The Birdwatcher’s Yorkshire Three Peaks: A Weekend of Wildlife at Yorkshire’s Nature Reserves
- Coniston Scramble: A Weekend of Sun, Rock, and Good Company
- Retracing Footsteps: A Weekend Scramble on Tryfan’s North Ridge