RICHARD ELLIS
MOUNTAIN LEADER
Richards life has revolved around the great outdoors from a very early age. His passion for the mountains shines through to anyone who as the preasure to spend time with him, espeically if in the mountains at the time.
Richard was born in Consett, a small town in County Durham, and spent much of his childhood exploring the Derwent Valley and North Pennines with friends.
After school, he enlisted in the Royal Marines where he served for ten years. On leaving, Richard went on to teach English as a foreign language in Indonesia, Colombia, Syria and China. Then returning to the North East UK in 2007 to further his education, gaining a BA in History and an MA in medieval History from Durham University, and have completed the first year of a BSc in Mathematics with the open University. He now splits his time between running his own outdoor business – Alpha Mountain Adventures – and as Operations Manager for the Walk and Talk Trust.
He enjoy's scrambling, climbing and Alpine mountaineering. He has progressed from guided climbs – Dent Blanche, Matterhorn & Eiger – to climbing independently with friends – Pigne d’Arolla, Mont Blanc Du Tacul & Mont Blanc.
We asked Richard a few questions;
1. What do you love most about being a Mountain Leader?
For me, it’s all about the clients, and their journey. Seeing their sense of achievement after reaching a peak, learning to navigate or conquering their fears on a scramble, and progressing to bigger, more challenging endeavours is what makes it all worthwhile. It’s pure gold.
2. How do you keep your clients motivated?
I find that most people who book with me arrive motivated, but it’s important to make the day fun, as well as challenging. To be honest, I’ve never given much thought as to how motivated they are, but they keep coming back, so I guess whatever I’m doing is working!
3. Why work with Be Fearsome?
I’ve known Tom since meeting on the Mountain Leader Training Course in 2018. Since then we’ve worked on several projects, as well as climbing together in The Lakes. I’d always be happy to work with Tom, as I know the trips and courses will be carefully considered and run professionally.
4. What qualifications do you have?
Mountain Leader Award
Alpine Mountaineering Level 1 &2
First Aid
5. Anything else we should know about you?
I also have a dog called Archie, a border terrier, and I like solving puzzles. Oh and I'm soon to set off on a 1000km trek with the aim of raising as much money as possible to buy pairs of walking boots for school children and adults across Northern England.
