The Seven Summits are the highest mountains on each of the Seven Continents.
Geordie decided to set his sights on this ambitious venture when he was 17 and had no climbing experience.
The Seven Summits consists of:
– South America: Aconcagua (6,962m/22,841ft) – Summited 13 Feb 2008
– Africa: Kilimanjaro (5,895m/19,341ft) – Summited 5 May 2008
– Europe: Elbrus (5,642m/18,510ft) – Summited 18 August 2008
– North America: Denali (6,190m/20,310ft) – Summited 8 July 2009
– Antarctica: Vinson Massif (4,892m/16,050ft) – Summited 27 December 2010
– Australasia/Oceania: Carstensz Pyramid (4,884m/16,024ft) – Summited 6 March 2011
– Asia: Everest (8,848m/29,029ft) – Summited 26 May 2011
Everest 2011
My memory of leaving Everest Base Camp in 2010 was subdued. I remember taking a final glance at the North Face and wondering whether I would be back to give it another shot. It remained unfinished business.
Carstensz Pyramid
In September 2010 I flew to Jakarta and successfully climbed Carstensz Pyramid in Indonesia – the 6th of my 7 Summits.
Vinson Massif
Antarctica has always held a special place amongst Brits due to historic tales of success, failure and courage. Just being there on the ice was the realisation of a dream.
Everest 2010
I read once that true commitment is following through with something long after the mood it was said in has passed. After paying the £1,000 deposit I was committed to an Everest attempt in 2010.
Denali
Having completed my first year at University, I successfully climbed the highest mountain in North America, one characterised by its extreme weather and physical exertion, and stood on the summit on 7 July 2009.
Kilimanjaro
My memory of leaving Everest Base Camp in 2010 was subdued. I remember taking a final glance at the North Face and wondering whether I would be back to give it another shot. It remained unfinished business.
Elbrus
I was alarmed to get a phone call from the expedition organisers the day before we departed ensuring me that the expedition would still be going ahead. I asked why and was told to look at the news.
Aconcagua
I lied on my application form to attempt Aconcagua. It is the highest mountain outside the Himalayas and some previous high altitude experience was a pre-requisite – it is a logical step up from Kilimanjaro but at just under 7000m is an undertaking that should not be underestimated.