An extended show this week as I journey to North Wales, to Eryri (formerly Snowdonia) to speak, hike and climb with photographer, teacher, mentor, wild camper and outward-bound survival skills trainer, Andy Fisher. We talk about the majesty of the largest national park in Wales with its nine mountain ranges. We chat about family, survival, mental health, bush skills, human endeavour and meet an unexpected mountaineering guest from the other side of the world. I also face an 'adventure first' and you're invited to join me as I learn about the importance of self-challenge.

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REFERENCES AND GALLERIES FROM TODAY’S SHOW

AFRICA ‘24 EXPEDITION AND PHOTOWALK RETREAT.
Moel Siabod, the mountain, WIKI facts used within the show today.
Andy Fisher’s portrait work.
Dan Winters’ portrait photography (and photographic systems).
Black Crag on Instagram, with his YouTube channel below.
Glyn Dewis teaches grading skills to photographers.
Osprey 38 litres hiking bag.
Parkour Generations, founded by Dan Edwardes.
Food for Free by Richard Mabey - living off the land.
Built to Move by Kelly and Julia Starrett.
The Wilderness Survival Guide by Joe O’ Leary.
John ‘Lofty’ Wiseman, former SAS and now survival expert.
Deep Survival: Who Lives, Who Dies, and Why is a 2003 survival guide by Laurence Gonzales.
Romney’s Kendal Mint Cake!
Visiting Snowdonia, Kipa Sherpa’s company Outward Adventure Treks and Expeditions of Nepal.
Biophilia, is the hypothesis that connects us with nature.
LOWA Boots, my choice for a while now for walking and hiking (and it seems light climbing now too). The particular boot I sport is the Renegade.
Unashamed plug for the BEST PIZZA ON THE PLANET (and I really mean that) Hangin’ Pizzeria, Station Approach, Betws-y-Coed, Conwy LL24 0AE.

ADDITIONAL HIKING GEMS FROM ANDY

“Two is one, and one is none,” applied to carrying a spare of essential items.
“By the time your mouth is dry, your body is already fairly dehydrated.”
“Walking poles can absorb 35% of the impact your knees would otherwise experience when descending steeply.”
“The secret to staying in shape is having friends that are younger and fitter!”
“Pain is an invitation to change.”
“Any task that looks insurmountable, it’s because you set your sights on the outcome which could be a long way away, so shrink your focus to the six feet in front of you. The six-foot bubble.”