For the best in Mountain Adventure, Environment and Culture
Alpinist and author Andy Cave left school at 16 with no qualifications, and following family tradition starting work as miner at Grimethorpe pit, Barnsley. The work was brutal, and yet he claims it gave him an invaluable insight.
At 17 he discovered rock climbing and was instantly hooked. He dreamed of climbing the world’s hardest routes, though many laughed at his ambition. Just three years later, he succeeded on the north face of the Eiger. After four years as a miner Andy quit his job so he could dedicate himself to climbing and has never looked back, climbing hard routes on rock and ice, in the UK and far abroad in the greater ranges. His story has been read by tens of thousands in his two award winning books, Learning to Breathe and Thin White Line. He has appeared on radio and TV, as both presenter and subject, and has inspired many with his journey of an ordinary boy growing up to achieve remarkable things.
In association with Lowe Alpine.
