Mini Bio

During a career in the chemical industry I always had “the outdoors” as a place to get away to. Originally via hillwalking, until I was introduced to climbing that led to trips to Scotland, the Alps and the Himalaya.

This was cut short by a job in south England, so I got on my bike and explored the Chilterns. Back north now, I’ll ride anywhere on anything, and have been lucky enough lately to be guiding in Scotland and Northern England!

Favourite rides are social pace, off the beaten track, with either a hidden gem café in my sights, or failing that an al fresco bacon butty and posh coffee when the mini stove comes out of the backpack!

Friends have occasionally accused me of being too familiar with the hike-a-bike, and the odd river crossing: they always love the adventure though.

Place to Play

Living in the North Pennines, between the Durham Coalfield and the High Pennines gives easy access to Weardale, Teesdale, and (should I fancy a longer day out) the Yorkshire Dales. The North Pennines are great cycling country – like the Yorkshire Dales, but without the visitors – shhh, don’t tell anyone. Big rolling hills cut by large rivers, with moorland as far as the eye can see. Coming north, I absolutely adore the Highlands, especially the under appreciated east.

Not a lot of people know this

Having an “interesting” surname, I do come from a long line of plumbers. However, I haven’t (yet) been able to connect the family tree to the famous Thomas Crapper of Victorian toilet innovations!