Thanks for visiting James Thacker Mountaineering - the instructional and guiding services provided by James Thacker.
This small 'company' is a simple enterprise with just me planning and delivering your mountain, moorland or climbing experience. From time to time you may well find my colleagues joining me for larger groups, all of whom share my passion for climbing and mountaineering. All of these people will be Mountaineering Instructors or IFMGA Mountain Guides.
I should tell you a little about myself... I am a Mountain Instructor (MIC) and Aspirant Mountain Guide and have been working professionally in the mountains for over 10 years. Following a brief spell as a Civil Servant, I worked for many years at Derbyshire's Local Education Authority Centre: White Hall OEC. A significant amount of my experience has been introducing new people to climbing, which I still enjoy today.
Inevitably, as a small operator I have also worked freelance for other providers of mountaineering activities including: Plas Y Brenin, Westcoast Mountain Guides, Derby and Liverpool John Moores Universities.
More recently my instructional and guiding work, has been biased towards creating flexible and tailored programmes from as little as a day through to a couple of weeks. I hope that this sets me apart from many other guides and instructors. After all, it's great to be on that ice route first in the morning, or indeed have the flexibility to finish early if you want - it may well be your holiday time.
Finally, being suitably qualified is important, but really only half of the picture. I have been an active walker and climber since I was around 14 years old and still have a passion for all these activities myself. I am very lucky that this passion is also my profession. I certainly hope that when out on the hill with me, you will not only have a great day out, but will receive high quality guidance that is based on broad and real experience.
Some personal highlights include:
- Climbing Gritstone E5 on sight - the scary 'Science Friction' E5 6a, Froggatt Edge
- Soloing E6 (headpoint) - the protectionless 'Benign Lives' E6 6b, Froggatt Edge
- Scottish Winter first ascents in Lochaber and the North West Highlands
- First ascents in Greenland's Lemon Mountains up to TD+
- Ascents of: North Face of the Eiger (1938 Route) ED1, North Face of the Petit Dru TD, North Face of Les Droites (Voie Ginat) ED1.
- Attempt on the North Face of Phari Lapcha in Nepal's Khumbu region.
- 3rd Ascent of 'Snotty's Gully' Dawa Peak, ED1.
WHAT'S Different about JTM?:
James Thacker: As a small enterprise, the person you chat to on the phone will also be the person planning and delivering your mountain adventure.
Time: I know that for many of you time is precious. Days can be planned flexibly to make the most of prevailing conditions and your time.
Mountains: With mountains of experience, it's always possible to make the most of instruction or guiding despite the challenges of the UK weather. To do so I am more than happy to travel to other venues if required.
When learning "the ropes" I believe firmly in simple effective techniques that are taught in context. Usually, that means getting plenty of routes done whether in summer or winter.
All other Instructors or Guides hold professional qualifcations or awards i.e. IFMGA Mountain Guide, Mountain Instructors Award or Mountain Instructors Certificate.
All technical equipment can be provided at no additional charge. Includes: harnesses, helmets, rockboots, climbing equipment, axes, crampons.