As owner of MountainXperience, it’s not surprising that Simon is the person you’ll see most often. He summits Snowdon 60-70 times a year and, according to his Strava stats, climbs over 100,000m annually (that’s more than 11 Everests!)
Simon’s love of the outdoors began when he joined the Cubs aged eight. Now, a few years older, he loves nothing more than spending time in the mountains and sharing that enjoyment with others. He’s an experienced mountaineer and outdoor instructor and has climbed mountains on four continents.
You’ll regularly find Simon on Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) on routes ranging from the beginner-friendly Llanberis Path to the awesome Crib Goch ridge. He also teaches outdoor navigation, hill and mountain skills and outdoor first aid in the Peak District and Snowdonia.
As well as mountaineering, Simon is a keen paddler and holds coaching and leadership qualifications in a variety of paddlesports. His first book ‘How To Climb A Mountain’, published by Pesda Press, is available to buy at www.howtoclimbamountain.uk.
Simon gives up what little free time he has to volunteer with the Snowdon warden team chatting to walkers and giving them advice. He’s also a Mountain Training Association mentor helping new mountain leaders on their path to becoming qualified.
Simon’s outdoor qualifications and CPD
- Summer Mountain Leader
- Rock Climbing Instructor
- Climbing Wall Instructor (+ abseil module)
- Outdoor First Aid Instructor
- British Canoeing Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Paddlesport
- British Canoeing 4 Star Touring Leader
- British Canoeing Foundation Safety and Rescue Training
- British Canoeing Whitewater Safety & Rescue
It’s essential that all outdoor professionals maintain regular CPD (continued professional development) to ensure they stay up-to-date within the industry. Here’s a selection of recent outdoor courses Simon has attended.
- Snowdon for Mountain Leaders
- Leading on Crib Goch for Mountain Leaders
- Managing hazards and emergency procedures in the mountains
- Leading the north ridge of Tryfan: A workshop for mountain leaders
- Teaching navigation and GPS
- Effective training and fair assessment: Access
- Effective training and fair assessment: Environment
- What makes a good Bronze & Silver NNAS course?
- Cognitive Navigation
- Teaching Core Winter Skills
- Winter Navigation Skills
- Avalanche Awareness Training
- ‘Be Avalanche Aware’ awareness training
- Sunguarding: Sun and heat protection for sports and outdoor recreation
- Met Office Mountain Weather
- A Day with the Mountain Weather Information Service
- Welsh Language and Landscape Workshop
- Mentor training skills
- How to create an inclusive, welcoming environment for all learners
- Making your courses inclusive and accessible
- Gender Identity and Sexuality Awareness Training for Adventure Education
- Techniques for teaching and assessing navigation
- Training and assessing access & environment
- Promoting diversity and inclusion on courses
What have MountainXperience clients said about Simon?
Simon was an awesome guide who helped us to the top of Snowdon. We throughly enjoyed the hike, especially when the Sun decided to come out and we could see the mountains on our descend. It was an early start however it was worth it as we missed the crowds at the summit!
MegMac17 via Tripadvisor
Simon had a wonderful way of making each member of our family of four feel great.
Catherine via Airbnb Experiences
Simon was an absolutely amazing guide and would highly recommend. Really knew his stuff and took the time to get to know the whole group and work with everyone at their pace.
Chloe_G via Viator
We had a wonderful day with Simon. We enjoyed a lot walking and talking with him. All the family was very proud when we reached the summit. Simon was encouraging with the kids especially with the youngest ones (10 and 12). We warmly recommend.
Stephania via Airbnb Experiences
(These are just a handful of the genuine testimonials about Simon that we’ve received from happy customers this season. Thanks Simon for making MountainXperience the number one outdoor provider on Tripadvisor.)
Simon’s mountain photo gallery
