Climber Andy Kirkpatrick gives Llandudno talk

Oct 9 2008 By Michelle Coyle

Andy Kirkpatrick

UNDER the shadow of the Great Orme cliffs, Llandudno is ideally placed to host mountaineer Andy Kirkpatrick’s latest talk, When Hell Freezes Over, on October 22.

World-renowned for his perilous exploits, Andy will take his audience on a virtual tour of Patagonia.

Andy explained: "I’m hoping to give people the experience of going on a Patagonia expedition, which is basically a holiday you don’t pay for.

"I will cover everything, from funny moments to the terrifying stuff. I’m never quite sure of what I’m going to say, but there will probably be some wisecracks; it’s a bit of a stand-up show!"

Andy gives Weekly News readers a taste of what he has endured: "The worst moment I have had there was on Fitzroy, one of Patagonia’s highest mountains.

"We had done 56 pitches and were almost at the top when this massive storm came over. Four of us were trapped on a ledge in a three-man bivvy bag for 10 hours. In the morning our tent exploded and we had to down-climb. All in all, it was very exciting!

"Patagonia has become an obsession. Each time I return, I think ‘that was so grim, I’m not going back again’, but I always change my mind."

Typically, Andy’s eyes are on his next trip. "I’m going back to do some kayaking after Christmas. It’s my new passion and I think it’s scarier than climbing. You always feel like you’re not very far away from something dangerous.

"With kids, it is a bit harder now to take off on these trips: now I have people at home who don’t want me to die."

Andy’s family can at least be grateful that his latest tour is in the safety of the UK on the climbing lecture circuit.

"It will be great to get to Llandudno as the sea cliffs on the Orme are one of my favourite places to climb," said Andy. "My dad lives in Llanrwst so we’ll have to catch up.

"Making a living from being a pro-climber involves doing more and more of these talks, and they are a great way to show off," explained Andy. "The irony is that the really terrible experiences you have whilst climbing are the ones that make good stories. In a way, sharing your experiences of climbing can be just as exciting as doing a new route."