Ian Parnell

Ian Parnell has put climbing at the heart of his life for over thirty-five years. From a misguided start attempting routes without a rope with his sister at Symonds Yat, Ian’s fascination with exploration has led him to establish new routeson the coastal cliffs of South West England and winter ascents across Scotland, including the first winter ascent of Sioux Wall on Ben Nevis. A renowned alpinist, his first ascents in the high Himalaya include the coveted South-West ridge of Annapurna III with Kenton Cool and John Varco in 2003. His wider climbing career has been equally diverse and includes the organisation of a Climbing World Championships, filming Sir Ranulph Fiennes on the North Face of the Eiger for ITN News and editing Climb magazine. These days he enjoys classic routes closer to his home in Sheffield, and taking his two daughters scrambling in the Peak District.