BIOGRAPHY As a passionate enthusiast for wilderness I have spent much of my life exploring wild places. Long distance hikes are my particular delight and I have completed many of these adventures. Many years ago I set out to communicate my feelings about nature and the joy it brings me through writing and photography. I am the author of sixteen books, most illustrated with my photographs, and have co-authored and contributed to several more. I have also written and illustrated hundreds of articles for magazines, web sites and newspapers. Since 1991 I have been the Equipment Editor of TGO magazine, contributing monthly features on gear and techniques as well as occasional pieces on my walks and other outdoor topics. I also write for other magazines, give illustrated talks and lead ski tours. I was awarded the Outdoor Writers' Guild Award for Excellence for The Backpacker's Handbook in 1993 and again in 1996 and 1997 for the features Snow Place Like Home, on building snow shelters, and Below the Face of the Earth, on the Grand Canyon, both of which appeared in TGO magazine. I am a member of the Society of Authors, Outdoor Writers' and Photographers' Guild and Writers and Photographers Unlimited. I am also privileged to be Vice-President of the Backpacker's Club and, from June 17 2007,  President of the Mountaineering Council of Scotland.