About Us
Ben Hester
I am a qualified Mountaineering & Climbing Instructor (MCI), the highest UK qualification for the guiding and instruction of all aspects of rock climbing and mountaineering in non winter conditions. I am also a member of the Association of Mountaineering Instructors (AMI). With this comes a huge amount of personal and professional experience.
I started ROCK & A HIGH PLACE to spend my time being a part of people's rock climbing development, introducing more people to mountaineering and inspiring people with out of the ordinary experiences in the hills.
Following my undergraduate degree in Outdoor Leadership, the Lakes became my home, staying for the Cumbrian crags and mountains that are home to endless adventures and some of the the UK’s best climbing.
10 years later I have worked all over the Lakes and the country, on the hills, rock and water delivering outdoor courses to a wide variety of people. I have climbed all over the UK, the French and Swiss Alps, in both summer and winter conditions, and have also been a part of Coniston mountain rescue team for the past 6 years.
We use a small but dedicated group of outdoor professionals and Mountaineering Instructors that are picked for their professionalism, experience and enthusiasm to share their passion for the mountains with you. We think they are the absolute best at what they do.
Every instructor is qualified, insured and first aid trained, so you know you'll have an unbelievable experience in friendly, knowledgable and safe hands.