Sir Chris Bonington back on Old Man of Hoy
(Picture: Berghaus)
Now aged 80, mountaineering legend Sir Chris Bonington has returned to Orkney, to again climb the Old Man of Hoy.
The attempt of the world famous 450 foot sea-stack is to mark Sir Chris’s 80th birthday, and to raise awareness and funds to fight Motor Neurone Disease, which claimed the life of his wife, Wendy, earlier this year.
He began his climb today, Wednesday, as part of a team which includes Leo Houlding, who climbed the Old Man as a child, almost 25 years ago.
Along with Rusty Baillie and Tom Patey, Sir Chris made the first ascent of the Old Man of Hoy in 1966.
Sir Chris and Mr Patey returned the following year and were part of the famous three night long live TV outside broadcast, The Great Climb.
Sir Chris and Mr Houlding have climbed together many times before and are fellow members of the Berghaus team of athletes.
During over 60 years of adventure, Sir Chris has undertaken and led 19 Himalayan expeditions, including four to Everest, he has also made numerous first ascents around the world.
Before they started their climb, Sir Chris and Mr Houlding used social media network Twitter to share their thoughts.
Sir Chris said: “I’m apprehensive having reached the age of 80 and having had all too little climbing in recent months because of my wife’s illness.”