Leaders
At Mountain and Glen we ensure that all our leaders are of the highest calibre in every aspect of their work, especially their inter-personal skills. They understand that many who take to the hills with us will be experiencing a mountainous environment for the first time and will ensure that the pace of the group and the route taken is comfortable for the whole group.
Meet Our Leaders
James Coughlan (AKA Jim)
Not only formed the company but likes to lead from the front too! He is an ex- Royal Marine Commando NCO who has led troops literally all over the world. As well as extensive military training in leadership, navigation, survival and mountaineering, he has also undergone many civilian training courses, including Mountain Leader, winter mountaineering and Emergency First Aid training. He has recently graduated from the Open University with an Honours degree in Social Science and Politics.
James has planned and executed adventurous expeditions in the UK and abroad for the Royal Navy, and is also involved in the planning and delivery of UK and arctic survival courses on behalf of numerous charities.
A keen outdoorsman, enjoys far too many activities to list here but they include caving, climbing, mountain biking, kayaking, snow sports, bushcraft and of course hillwalking!
With a keen sense of humour, boundless energy and more war stories than Uncle Albert, James is sure to keep you amused over a pint or two after a hard day on the hill!
"For me, a good day in the mountains is good for the soul. Whether in sunshine or rain, the high places of Britain have a unique atmosphere that is without comparison. I look forward to sharing these places with you"
Steve Ogden (AKA Oggie)
Steve is our Support Team Manager but also acts as survival instructor and leader when he has time! As our resident expert on routes in the Lake District and the Welsh mountains, Steve is a regular on the Three Peaks Challenge and has recently worked with many corporate participants prior to, and during this Challenge.
Steve is a dedicated and knowledgeable leader who brings his infectious enthusiasm to the team, coupled with a strong sense of fun!
Keith Miller
Keith is our Mountain Safety Co-ordinator.
He has been an active hill-walker and mountaineer for over 36 years and is an International Mountain Leader. He has literally climbed all over the world and has completed all the Scottish Munros (78 were ascended in winter conditions).
During 2007, Keith completed the Three Peaks Challenge on six occasions, which equates to over two ascents of Mount Everest!
A keen environmentalist, Keith is a former John Muir Trust Senior Conservationist and has carried out many plant and vegetation surveys for English Nature. During winter months he provides valuable survey information for the Scottish Avalanche Information Service.
Gary Hodgson
Gary is an extremely experienced mountaineer and as our resident Winter Mountain Leader, runs all of our Winter Skills courses. He previously worked for the Scottish Youth Hostel Association before embarking on his current career six years ago.
Living in the Highlands, at the base of Ben Lawers, Gary knows the mountains like the back of his hand. He has not only completed a full round of all Scotland's 284 Munros, but is now only around twenty short of doing it a second time! He has also climbed all 220 Corbetts!
His leisure interests include cycling, swimming, conservation and environmental issues, photography and reading.
Freelance Leaders
During busy periods we sometimes use freelance staff to lead our adventures. All these staff have been recommended to us or have worked with us in the past.
We only employ leaders of the highest standards, with skills in a wide range of disciplines and all work to the Mountain and Glen ethos.
