In 1988 Stephen Venables became the first Briton to climb Everest without supplementary oxygen.  His groundbreaking ascent, by a new route up the gigantic East Face, was the highlight of a career spanning five decades and seven continents.  His talk will include early adventures in Scotland and the Alps, famous routes like the North Face of the Eiger, first ascents in the Himalaya and Andes and recent yacht-based expeditions to the wildlife paradise of South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula.

Stephen is the award-winning author of twelve books and an accomplished photographer.  He has appeared in several television documentaries and in the IMAX film Shackleton’s Antarctic Adventure.  He is a past president of the South Georgia Association and the Alpine Club.

Find out more about Stephen on his website.

After a blizzard, Salvesen range, South Georgia

Better than oxygen on Everest?

Starbuck Peak first ascent, South Georgia

Ice Climbing, Antarctica, ©JohnHollot

Mingulay, Outer Hebrides, Scotland

Mt Vögel, Salvesen Range, South Georgia