Alistair Kirk 109994
Membership Mountain Training Association
Membership Type Qualified Member
Membership Number 109994
Renewal Date 18/05/2026
Phone 07802816132
I completed my SPA & ML(w) training along with several other military courses.
I have ran several mountain foundation courses in Wales & the Lake District.
My aspiration is to work towards my IML (s) & MIA within the next 5 years and also gain coaching/mentoring qualifications.
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Mountain Leader | 17/09/2014 |
Like many I started my passion for the 'big outdoors' through the Army. I did a military course in 2001 that hooked me until present day on being in the mountains. Since then I have completed through the military my ML training in Scotland at Ballachullish, JSMEL (ML summer) in North wales, rock climbing proficiency and rock leader training in Cyprus, my rock climbing supervisors refresher course in Bavaria and Alpine mountaineering foundation course in the Swiss Alps, summiting a number of 4000m plus peaks.
I have taken part in a number of overseas expeditions with the military. In 2004 I spent three weeks in Kenya and Tanzania climbing Mt Kenya and Mt Kilimanjaro respectively, summiting both. I have also co-led a expedition in 2014 to the GR20, 2015 to Everest base camp and 2017 on the Monte Rosa circuit in the Italian Alps. I have also planned and ran a number of smaller unit level UK based adventurous training activities.
I wish to continue using the military system to gain further experience and work towards my Level 3 coaching and mentoring BTEC award, working up towards completing my MCI before leaving the forces (circa 2028) and setting up as a freelance instructor.
I love being in the outdoors and want to be in a fortunate position where by I can influence people from all walks of life and backgrounds and introduce them to a fantastic environment in a safe manner.
Alistair has been professional, diligent and keen to learn in all activities (Alpine mountaineering and scrambling) that I have been involved in from a training and assessing capacity.
Activity
- Hill walking
- Rock climbing
- Winter walking
- Other
Relationship
- Colleague
- Trainer / assessor
Al is a very experienced hill walker and developing rock climber who has strong leadership and organisational abilities. Always enthusiastic and up for a challenge Al is working hard to expand his logbook. No stranger to the management of risk in his day job Al has the inherent skills necessary to safely lead people in the mountains and to pass on his considerable store of knowledge.
Activity
- Hill walking
- Indoor climbing
- Rock climbing
Relationship
- Colleague
Alistair was a candidate on a recent SPA training course I held. He proved himself to be a very good instructor and an excellent climber. I have no hesitation in endorsing Alistair.
Activity
- Rock climbing
Relationship
- Trainer / assessor
I first met Al on an expedition to Mount Kenya and Kilimanjaro where he was an excellent, pro-active member of the team, who contributed daily in support of his peers, often under difficult circumstances. I had the good fortune to meet Al again, nearly 10 years later where he was a student on an SPA training course. His conduct on the course was exemplary, always willing to learn, consider alternatives and to contribute with useful and relevant content. Al will make a fine candidate for SPA assessment in the very near future and an excellent instructor beyond it, drawing upon a depth of both knowledge and character.
Activity
- Hill walking
- Rock climbing
Relationship
- Friend / partner
- Trainer / assessor
Alistair attended a Winter ML training in January 2015 at JSMTC Ballachulish (Glencoe). Despite the very challenging weather conditions, he was enthusiastic throughout and keen to refresh old skills / learn new ones. Alistair has considerable experience in the hills, and this was apparent during the course as he was comfortable / confident on the hill. He is now looking to gain further winter QMD's so that he can progress to assessment.
Activity
- Winter walking
Relationship
- Trainer / assessor
Al is a professional, easy going and extremely knowledgable leader. He strives to impart his knowledge and experience through enthusiasm and a distinct passion for Winter Mountaineering. We spent several weeks in a variety of areas of Scotland winter mountaineering.
Activity
- Winter walking
- Winter climbing
Relationship
- Colleague
I have known Alistair in a variety of capacities for a considerably amount of time. He has been a colleague participating in outdoor activities. Alistair is extremely organised, efficient, and competent and has an excellent rapport with people of all ages. His verbal communication skills are excellent. In summary, I highly recommend Alistair; he would be an asset to any outdoor organisation.
Activity
- Winter walking
- Winter climbing
Relationship
- Colleague
