Sir Chris Bonington

SIR CHRIS BONINGTON CVO, CBE, DL, is one of the founder members of the Mountain Heritage Trust and a previous Chair of the Trust and Chancellor of Lancaster University. He started climbing in Britain in 1951 making his mark with important new routes in the Avon Gorge, Snowdonia, and the Scottish Highlands. He progressed to the Alps with the first ascent of the Central Pillar of Freney and the first British ascent of the North Wall of the Eiger before focusing on the Himalaya. He has made many other first ascents including those of Annapurna II, Nuptse and the Ogre. In 1970 he led the expedition that made the first ascent of the South Face of Annapurna and in 1975 he was leader of the famous British ascent of the South West face of Everest. The years spent climbing have given him direct experience of Britain’s post war mountain activities and fostered a deep understanding and respect for our mountain heritage. He has been President of the British Mountaineering Council and The Alpine Club.

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