I grew up in Northern Scotland where I felt a natural affinity with adventure sport. I had quite a traditional ‘apprenticeship’ in that it started with the hills: snowboarding, fell running and carrying my mountain bike up local Munros. This developed into scrambling and when I went to Uni, summer trad climbing became the focus. Naturally this segued into winter climbing too. We all learned a lot during those formative years. I enjoyed the social aspects of climbing and got some experience of responsibility with the uni club, so I thought I could make it my job too. 

My professional career began in climbing walls and with local schools kids. I wanted to specialise in climbing  and on the advice of a few more experienced friends,  moved to North Wales to work on the Plas y Brenin ‘AI’ scheme. Fast forward a few years and I’ve ‘settled down’ in North Wales. I’m now a part time member of the the instructional team at Plas y Brenin, specialising in climbing and mountain sports. I work year round on most of the skills courses and a few of the qualification ones too. 

I am a Winter Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor and trainee Development Coach and am qualified and insured to deliver all aspects of climbing and mountaineering on offer in the UK. I’m keen on bouldering, trad, sport and mountaineering in summer and winter and continue to find these activities immersive and rewarding. I’ve managed to sample a lot of the classic climbs our islands have to offer  and made a few first ascents along the way. In a normal year I’ll climb consistently at E5, F7c, f7B, VI and a grade or two higher if I’m going well and conditions are right. Being active helps me to maintain currency, so my professional delivery is up to date and rooted in the context of a wide base of experience. 

Peter Herd, 2024