Chris Townsend
Outdoors writer and photographer Chris Townsend has been announced as the first ‘hill-walking ambassador’ at the British Mountaineering Council (BMC). Chris Townsend – who is renowned for his long distance walks as well as his widely respected gear reviews and books – walked more than 15,000 miles on 12 huge epic walks. He is also the author of 15 books as well as being the writer/photographer for Walkhighlands’ own guides to the Southern Upland Way and the Annandale Way.
More recently Chris was the star of the ‘Cairngorms in Winter’ documentary film shot by Terry Abraham, which featured at the Kendal Mountain Film festival.
The BMC ambassador scheme aims to provide role models that will inspire and engage new hill walkers, climbers and mountaineers. Chris is the first hill walker to become an ambassador.
Chris said: “Having been a member and supporter of the BMC for over 30 years I am honoured to be the BMC’s first hill walking ambassador.
“In this role I hope to promote hill walking and inspire and inform hill walkers and show them why the BMC is important. The BMC’s work on access and conservation is essential for the future of hill walking and should be supported by all hill walkers.”
Previously Chris served as the President of the Mountaineering Council of Scotland from 2007 to 2011.
Carey Davies, BMC Hill Walking Development Officer, commented: “We are thrilled to have Chris as our new hill walking ambassador. His walks and his accompanying books and articles have been a great source of guidance to many getting into the outdoors.
“Chris started out his walking life doing things many ‘ordinary’ folk have done – spending weekends in the Lake District and walking the Pennine Way. He shows it is within the ability of all us to get out there and experience the life-changing power of mountains and wild places.”
Chris has his own blog at http://www.christownsendoutdoors.com/