Seven Steps from Snowdon to Everest: A hill walker's journey to the top of the world
Seven Steps from Snowdon to Everest: A hill walker's journey to the top of the world book cover

Seven Steps from Snowdon to Everest: A hill walker's journey to the top of the world

Paperback – January 27, 2016

Price
$11.99
Format
Paperback
Pages
409
Publisher
Mountain Footsteps Press
Publication Date
ISBN-13
978-0993413025
Dimensions
5.25 x 1.03 x 8 inches
Weight
1.03 pounds

Description

For five years Mark Horrell has written what has been described as one of the most credible Everest opinion blogs out there. He writes about trekking and mountaineering from the often silent perspective of the commercial client.For over a decade he has been exploring the world's greater mountain ranges and keeping a diary of his travels. As a writer he strives to do for mountain history what Bill Bryson did for long-distance hiking.Several of his expedition diaries are available as quick reads from the major online bookstores. His first full-length book, Seven Steps from Snowdon to Everest , about his ten-year journey from hill walker to Everest climber, was published in November 2015.His favourite mountaineering book is The Ascent of Rum Doodle by W.E. Bowman.

Features & Highlights

  • As he teetered on a narrow rock ledge a yak's bellow short of the stratosphere, with a rubber mask strapped to his face, a pair of mittens the size of a sealion's flippers, and a drop of two kilometres below him, it's fair to say Mark Horrell wasn't entirely happy with the situation he found himself in.
  • He had been an ordinary hiker who had only read books about mountaineering. When he signed up for an organised trek in Nepal with a group of elderly ladies, little did he know that ten years later he would be attempting to climb the world's highest mountain.
  • But as he travelled across the Himalayas, Andes, Alps and East Africa, following in the footsteps of the pioneers, he dreamed up a seven-point plan to gain the skills and experience which could turn a wild idea into reality.
  • Funny, incisive and heartfelt, his journey provides a refreshingly honest portrait of the joys and torments of a modern-day Everest climber.
  • Praise for Mark Horrell's other books:
  • "This account, of his attempt to climb Everest from the North side, has elevated him and his writing to a whole new level ... Every gasp of thin air, every ankle-wrenching pain, is included in Horrell's narrative." - Amazon.co.uk review,
  • The Chomolungma Diaries
  • "Mark is a very engaging writer: honest, humorous, with wonderful descriptions of the environment and captivating tales of the trails." - Amazon.com review,
  • The Chomolungma Diaries
  • "A compelling read with no smoke and mirrors, just a whole lot of truth, hard work, and humility. Great book!" - Amazon.com review,
  • The Chomolungma Diaries
  • "Breathtaking, fascinating, insightful and honest. He has a fantastic attitude towards his climbing, the most important point being, it's not getting to the top, it's living to try it again, and enjoying the amazing privilege of being able to do it in the first place." - Amazon.co.uk review,
  • Thieves, Liars and Mountaineers
  • "Dry wit and sharp observation made this an excellent read. Lovely descriptions of the mountains. Looking forward to the next one." - Amazon.co.uk review,
  • Thieves, Liars and Mountaineers
  • "Horrell is a very descriptive, self-deprecating, witty writer ... The prose is breezy and light and the story moves along briskly. Highly recommended." - Amazon.com review,
  • Thieves, Liars and Mountaineers
  • "Mark's books are beautifully written, very humorous and you feel like you are there experiencing the mountain." - Amazon.co.uk review,
  • Denali Nights
  • "As usual Mark's writing manages to be both lively and down-to-earth. Strongly recommended!" - Amazon.co.uk review,
  • Denali Nights

Customer Reviews

Rating Breakdown

★★★★★
60%
(485)
★★★★
25%
(202)
★★★
15%
(121)
★★
7%
(57)
-7%
(-56)

Most Helpful Reviews

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A Mountaineers Mountaineer

I have long been a fan of Mark's writing and this work is a culmination of his many journeys through which I have been a vicarious participant. His candor appeals to anyone that has mountain ambitions as he weaves the tale for lay climbers and seasoned veterans alike. Mark's self-effacing humor hides an unrivaled depth of historical knowledge that only a mountain geek like myself could fully appreciate. When viewing the Rongbuk, Mark notes each step on Chomolungma's flank and conveys thoughts about the potential fruition of Mallory and Irvine's efforts there. As someone who has experienced expedition life, it is evident the author can capture the essence of down time in base camp and the requisite casts of reappearing characters we feel as if are known by the end of the book.
I appreciate that Horrell eschews the pretense of alpine style and unapologetically embraces commercial mountaineering as a practical means to an end. He is a new breed of mountaineer and his voice is large in the tight knit climbing community. I look forward to hearing more of it.
2 people found this helpful
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What an Awesome Book of Adventure!

What an awesome book about adventure, travel, mountaineering, humor, history - all in one! It was a joy reading it, especially as I went through a similar journey myself before I became a mountaineer. Mark's entertaining style makes it a pleasant experience even when he talks about history! I would recommend this book to anyone who loves mountains, nature, adventure, travel etc! Many mountaineering books talk too much about bravery, danger, death, etc but this is different - Mark is very honest telling about his experience as well as not afraid to laugh at himself which is very refreshing!
2 people found this helpful
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Four Stars

Good book.
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he speaks from that point of view which simply means he is including you in on the fun. This is the third Mark Horrell book I've

As a hiker I totally identify with Mark's perspective. When he is trekking as a hiking tourist, he speaks from that point of view which simply means he is including you in on the fun. This is the third Mark Horrell book I've read and he is a great companion. You will enjoy his company as you walk along side him.
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like the earthy writing style

Have many by this author...like the earthy writing style....I also have the trade paperback, as well as the kindle version. Do wish there was an audible version on Mark's books. There are only black and white photos on this book. Other books have color photos.