Hiking

Originally from Birmingham, I studied at Coventry University, becoming a software engineer then an avid (thru-)hiker and a - part-time - amateur radio operator going by the callsigns M7ETJ, 2E0IUY and M0KXG. I’m currently working as a Senior Software Engineer at Couchbase leading a team working on their DBaaS offering with a primary focus on the Backup/Restore functionality. I enjoy challenge (thru-)hiking, having done most of the notable three peaks challenges and completing a walk from Land’s End to John o’ Groats in 2025; I’m currently working through the Wainwrights with an eye on the PCT in 2026. ...

Introduction Well 2025 is off to an excellent start! I kicked off the new year with a sunrise walk up Snowdon via the Pyg Track, after a cozy night at the Pen y Pass hostel. The Plan I’d planned for the first day of the year, however, the weather wasn’t on my side so the second was a safer option. The Execution Thankfully, the forecasts were accurate and it was a beautiful day for it; crisp, clear and chilly enough to make every breath feel fresh. ...

What better way to send off 2024, than to trudge through a muddy, foggy Surrey bagging three hills in under 12 hours with my sister. It was a challenging one, clocking in a 36km and taking just over 9 hours to complete; I believe we paced ourselves well though. It wasn’t exactly a sunny stroll through the park, with zero visibility thanks to persistent fog; it was cold, muddy and slippery underfoot. ...

A meticulously crafted itinerary, pre-determined destinations, planned breaks, that’s not for me, while some people strive to hike with structure and predictability, I find joy in the unexpected; the “unplanned chaos”. I still go prepared, my bag is always packed with the essentials: extra layers, water-proofs, water filter, personal locator beacon and a first aid. The preparation is still key, it’s about being ready for the unexpected, so you can embrace it when it arrives. ...