Who Needs A Mountain Guide? #4 John Martin, Treasury Manager and Family Outdoor Enthusiast

WRITTEN by ANNE ENSOLL & JOHN MARTIN

In this series we’re talking to some of our clients, to find out the reasons behind the decision to hire a Mountain Guide. You can catch up with the previous posts here:
Who Needs A Mountain Guide? #1 Wendy Dodds, Athlete and Mountaineer
Who Needs A Mountain Guide? #2 Tricia Gill, Teacher and Skier
Who Needs A Mountain Guide? #3 Rob Holden, Exploration Geologist and Outdoor Enthusiast

John Martin is a Treasury Manager who loves to get out in the mountains whenever he can, either on his own or with his family.

John with son Max on their winter mountaineering course in Glencoe

Do you have any memories of adventures in the outdoors as a child or teenager?

Growing up on an estate in East London my “outdoor” adventures were limited to the local park, climbing horse chestnut trees in the hunt for the biggest conker. It wasn’t until my teenage years that I got to see mountains up close. I wasn’t particularly interested in climbing , hiking or skiing until, by chance, I happened to find myself in a tiny village outside Salzburg. I was instantly smitten. 

What do you remember about your outdoor adventures when you started doing them independently?

The thing I remember most was the sense of peace and tranquility. I ended up leaving my job in the city to pursue a new adventure in Austria. This then led to further global adventures, one of the highlights being a trip to the Southern island of New Zealand where I did a trail called the “Walk of the Glaciers.“ Totally ill prepared, it opened my eyes to the natural beauty of the world and also the challenges it faces.

John out and about in the Lake District

When did you first think about hiring a Mountain Guide?

I was adamant that along with traditional learning, I would endeavour to make sure that my children would also have an outdoor education. As they grew they quickly outgrew my skill set so it seemed a natural choice to hire a guide/teacher. We have enjoyed many adventures as a family with guides playing a huge part in our learning and enjoyment. 

Will you be hiring a Mountain Guide again?

Yes, without a doubt. I’m keen to absorb as much knowledge as I can and guides offer it willingly. But more importantly they really do know how to have fun! 

John belaying for his sons during two days of guiding in August 2018