From zero to Kilimanjaro and beyond

One woman’s journey from a city girl to an aspiring mountaineer

Exactly 1 year ago today, on 13 August 2022, I climbed my FIRST EVER mountain. That was Snowdon in Wales. At 1085 metres, it doesn’t sound impressive, but it is the highest mountain in Wales, and one of the three highest in the UK.

To those who have never climbed a mountain, it’s a tremendous achievement. As it was for me last year.

Since then I’ve climbed Mount Toubkal (4167m, highest mountain in North Africa) and Kilimanjaro (5895m, the highest mountain in Africa and one of the 7 summits). And right now, I’m preparing to climb Mera Peak in Nepal next month. If I am successful, it will be my first 6000+ metre peak, and my first foray into a little bit of technical mountaineering.

I don’t say this to brag, but to highlight what’s possible when we allow ourselves to overcome our limiting beliefs, and say yes to opportunities that come our way. If you had asked those who have known me for a long time, including my family, I would have been the last person anyone would have nominated to climb a mountain. Until my 30s, I was completely indoorsy and practically a couch potato. It was a multi-year, inconsistent journey even from being a gym person to becoming a hiker.