The adventurer on climbing Everest the hard way, finding love again in later life, and his favourite ice axe
Born in London, Chris Bonington, 90, joined the army and became an Outward Bound instructor. In 1975, he led the first expedition to successfully climb Everest via its south-west face. Ten years later, he reached the summit himself. In 1996, he was knighted for services to mountaineering, and his many books include the memoir Ascent. He has two surviving children by his late wife and is married for the second time. He has been an ambassador for Berghaus for 40 years. He lives in Cumbria.
When were you happiest?
When I was climbing I was absolutely happy. I can use a climbing wall, but that’s not the same as real climbing.
Continue reading… The adventurer on climbing Everest the hard way, finding love again in later life, and his favourite ice axeBorn in London, Chris Bonington, 90, joined the army and became an Outward Bound instructor. In 1975, he led the first expedition to successfully climb Everest via its south-west face. Ten years later, he reached the summit himself. In 1996, he was knighted for services to mountaineering, and his many books include the memoir Ascent. He has two surviving children by his late wife and is married for the second time. He has been an ambassador for Berghaus for 40 years. He lives in Cumbria.When were you happiest?
When I was climbing I was absolutely happy. I can use a climbing wall, but that’s not the same as real climbing. Continue reading… Mountaineering, Life and style
