Papers of Simon Yates

Two draft and one proof copy of "The Flame of Adventure"; editorial comment from three individuals plus comments from Publisher's editor (Tony Whittame)

This collection is open for consultation. Readers are advised to contact the Mountain Heritage Trust in advance of their visit in order to make an appointment

Donated by Simon Yates

Born in Leicestershire in 1963 Simon Yates studied Biochemistry before abandoning a conventional life to pursue climbing. He first came to prominence as a mountaineer in 1985 after the first ascent of the West Face of Siula Grande in the Peruvian Andes, the ensuing epic descent described in Joe Simpson's book 'Touching the Void' and the 2003 BAFTA wining docu-drama film. Simon has made ten visits to the Pakistani Karakoram, climbing numerous peaks. These have included first ascents of Leyla Peak (6300m) and Nemeka (6400m) in Hushe, a second ascent of Lobsang 2 on the Baltoro and various 6000m peaks on the Hispar glacier. In other parts of the world, Simon has succeeded with a team making the first British ascents of Khan Tengri (6995m) in Kazakhstan and for a time concentrated on big wall climbing in Patagonia and Baffin Island - the most notable achievement, a new route on the Central Tower of Paine in Chilean Patagonia. Most recently (2001 and 2003) Simon has made two sailing and mountaineering trips to Chilean Tierra del Fuego resulting in the first ascent of Monte Ada (2100m) and the third ascent of Monte Frances (2200m).

The Flame of Adventure was short-listed for a prize in the Banff Mountain Book Festival.

Simon lives in Cumbria with his family. He works as a writer and lecturer, whilst also running his own commercial expedition company Mountain Dream