About Neil Ward

I grew up in Pembrokshire, Wales's most south westerly point, the perfect backdrop to learn rockclimbing and sailing...
I've always loved the outdoors and discovered a taste for adventure at a very young age, sailing to Ireland at the age of 16.
I went on to university in Cornwall, where I could further my outdoor pursuits.
For the last 12 years I've lived in the heart of the Alps.. in 'Les Contamines Montjoie' which is the closest village to Mont Blanc (highest mountain in western Europe at 4810 metres)
This amazing location means I have a world of adventures on my doorstep. Over the years I have been exploring every summit of the Mont Blanc range. Many solo and winter summits.. it's perfect training for my Himalayan expeditions.

2009-2010

This is the most amazing year for me ...
Started off with a trip to Tibet in September 09, where I joined forces with someone I am proud to call a friend, Andrew Lock. He is Australia's most experienced mountaineer having climbed all 14 of the world's 8.000 metre peaks (13 of which without supplementary oxygen).
We climbed Shishapangma 8.027 metres, the only 8.000 metre peak entirely in Tibet. We had a failed attempt together in 2007. This time we chose a variant on the INAKI route (North side) and climbed without the aid of supplementary oxygen or Sherpas.
We were the only ones to make the true summit in 2009.

Just returned from our summit push! Andrew and I are happy to be warm and dry after a night out exposed at over 7,600 metres..

When we arrived in Barbados after our trans Atlantic row, my lovely Louise was waiting for me. We married on Valentine's weekend on the beach. The rowers formed a guard of honour. It was incredibly moving - all that had happened the previous month, then to marry. Amazing!
We were brought together by our love of mountains.