When I was little (and the world seemed far bigger), my father and I would commonly embark on long walks around mid Sussex or up on the South Downs where I grew up, often roaming and exploring off the beaten track in search of a roadless freedom. We'd find animal tracks and badger sets, make camps and build fires. I often assign these formative experiences, along with frequent scout camps, Duke of Edinburgh award expeditions and rural holidays as the reason why I enjoy walking, running, climbing, camping and the sheer potential of the outdoors and of the wilderness in general. Today, my girlfriend will testify to my restlessness if forced to stay at home without at least one walk a day!
When, in my latter school & college years, I undertook several multiday trips into the mountains of North Wales (including my Gold DofE award in 2002), I naturally fell in love and have been in awe of mountains and big hills ever since.
Throughout my adult life so far I have continued to foster my experience of living, hiking and running in wild or arduous environments. Further trips into the hills and other wild lands allowed me to develop my skills, via the military and elsewhere, in navigation, planning, expedition skills, leadership and the general enjoyment of remote environments.