Owen Connolly

Mini Bio

I grew up in Glasgow, but virtually every weekend was spent getting out of the city and plunging myself into nature. My parents like to remind me that I was the one who insisted we go to a new west coast island for our summer holidays rather than a beach resort in Spain. So, it was no surprise to anyone when I chose to study Zoology and Environmental Chemistry at university. I am most definitely one of those people who will tell you an amazing fact about nature, even if you don’t want to hear it.

I have spent the past few decades wearing many hats (and helmets). I’ve now led people through canyons, up a via Ferrata, down rapids, and over mountains. I have been able to align my passions with my profession, and I know how fortunate I am that every day on the job doesn’t feel like work.

Favourite Place to Play

Right now, rock climbing on pretty much any crag in Scotland. But my favourite activity changes every year. Ask me again in the Spring and my answer will have changed.

Not a lot of People Know This

I was interviewed on BBC radio whilst guiding on a Via Ferrata in the snow. My interviewer discovered quickly that the boom mic he was planning on holding wouldn’t be feasible (he ended up stuffing it inside the front of his jacket).