Your questions to Sir Chris Bonington

By LFTO Features Team

Features

26 September 2011 10:43

In Trail’s online survey you overwhelmingly voted to interview legendary mountaineer Sir Chris Bonington. We put a selection of your questions to the man himself which you can see some of in the November 2011 issue – out on Wednesday 28th September. But to whet your appetite, here are a few that we couldn’t fit into the magazine…

How do you keep yourself mentally focused when things get tough?
David Emsley, Kenilworth
The thing is that it’s the things getting tough that keep you mentally focused – otherwise you can’t survive. You just live in that moment and accept what happens, make yourself as comfortable as possible and work out what to do next.

Small or big expedition: which is best?
Nick Andrews-Faulkner, West Sussex
The smaller the better. If there’s just two of you life is much more simple and straightforward.

What socks do you wear: wool or synthetic?
Paul Zepler, Southampton
I have to be honest my feet don’t get very cold as new boots are so good. I do have an old pair of Berghaus socks that I often wear: they are synthetic and they’ve lasted forever. I don’t think Berghaus make them any more, but they are supposed to be again soon. They’re just not as important thanks to modern plastic boots. 

What advice do you have for an overweight middle-aged male living in flat East Anglia?
Marcus Sibley, Ipswich
If you’re overweight then I would suggest being more careful over what you eat and drink – it’s something I have experience with myself nowadays! From where you are the Peak District is not that far away so you should try to go there for walking when you can; but really just getting out there is key. Running is the best thing for losing weight and keeping fit though – not necessarily fast either, jogging will help.

What’s been your best adventure?
Martin Eccles, Cheltenham
Climbing Shivling by the west summit in 1983, definitely. It was the best thing ever.

What’s your favourite place in Britain?
Joan Workman, Croydon
In Britain it has to be my home in the Lake District.

See the full interview with Sir Chris Bonington in the November issue of Trail out Wednesday, September 28th!