Chris Townsend becomes the BMC’s first hill walking ambassador

Posted by Carey Davies on 04/12/2013
Chris Townsend in the Cairngorms. Photo - Terry Abraham

One of the world’s most respected experts on long-distance walking and backpacking is to become the BMC’s first hill walking ambassador.

A renowned writer, photographer and gear expert, Chris Townsend has chalked up more than 15,000 miles in the wild places of North America, Scandinavia and Scotland through a dozen huge solo walks.

Between his adventures he has authored 15 books including the Backpacker’s Handbook, now in its fourth edition, and contributed to The Great Outdoors Magazine as equipment editor for more than 20 years.

Chris also recently starred in ‘The Cairngorms in Winter’, a stunningly-shot film by Terry Abraham (Chris is interviewed about the experience of filming The Cairngorms in Winter here.)

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."

Chris was the first person to walk the 1,600-mile length of the Canadian Rockies, and has completed the 2,600-mile Pacific Crest Trail and the 3,100-mile Continental Divide Trail.  He has also climbed all of the 517 Scottish (3000'+) Munros and Tops in the first ever continuous walk (1700 miles and 575,000 feet of ascent). This summer he completed a two-month walk along the 1,200km length of the Scottish watershed.

Carey Davies, BMC Hill Walking Development Officer, said: “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."

WATCH our hill walking skills video series with Chris Townsend on BMC TV

Go to Chris Townsend's blog.


JOIN THE BMC: 5 reasons hill walkers should join the BMC

Join online today by Direct Debit and save 25% on your first year's membership.

WATCH: What does the BMC do for hill walkers?

GET THE KNOWLEDGE: BMC resources for hill walkers

 


« Back

Post a comment Print this article

This article has been read 2349 times

TAGS

Click on the tags to explore more

RELATED ARTICLES

Hill walkers: five reasons why you should join the BMC
1
Hill walkers: five reasons why you should join the BMC

Why should hill walkers join the BMC? Here are our top five reasons why BMC membership is a vital bit of kit.
Read more »

The BMC: with walkers all the way
0
The BMC: with walkers all the way

The BMC isn’t just for climbers – that’s the message behind a new push to raise awareness of the BMC’s work for hill walkers and its stance on a range of topical issues affecting hill walkers.
Read more »

Head for the hills courses
0
Head for the hills courses

Love the idea of walking in the mountains this summer but want to have the right know-how first? Join us in the heart of Snowdonia to learn the skills you need to be a confident hill walker, at a bargain price.
Read more »

Post a Comment

Posting as Anonymous Community Standards
3000 characters remaining
Submit
Your comment has been posted below, click here to view it
Comments are currently on | Turn off comments
0

There are currently no comments, why not add your own?

RELATED ARTICLES

Hill walkers: five reasons why you should join the BMC
1

Why should hill walkers join the BMC? Here are our top five reasons why BMC membership is a vital bit of kit.
Read more »

The BMC: with walkers all the way
0

The BMC isn’t just for climbers – that’s the message behind a new push to raise awareness of the BMC’s work for hill walkers and its stance on a range of topical issues affecting hill walkers.
Read more »

Head for the hills courses
0

Love the idea of walking in the mountains this summer but want to have the right know-how first? Join us in the heart of Snowdonia to learn the skills you need to be a confident hill walker, at a bargain price.
Read more »

BMC MEMBERSHIP
Join 82,000 BMC members and support British climbing, walking and mountaineering. Membership only £16.97.
Read more »
BMC SHOP
Great range of guidebooks, DVDs, books, calendars and maps.
All with discounts for members.
Read more »
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Get covered with BMC Insurance. Our five policies take you from the beach to Everest.
Read more »