James Dyer
Expedition Leader
With a career spanning over 20 years, James has participated in and led multiple expeditions all over the globe, with a range of clients from school groups to private individuals, TV crews and scientists. His expeditions have covered all environments, from the highest mountains of the Andes, Alps and Africa, to the frozen Arctic in Greenland and Svalbard. His recent trip being a 1600km solo cycling expedition through Europe, following the trail of 3rd Century General Hannibal and his elephants.
From 2011- 2016 he was the Operation Manager at the British Exploring Society, developing, designing and delivering educational youth development expeditions to remote and wilderness environments. He continues to work with the Society as an Adviser and has worked as Chief Leader on the Society’s 2016 and 2017 Peruvian Amazon expeditions.
He currently runs expeditions, training courses, outdoor learning and leadership programmes for adults, young people, people with disabilities and expedition leaders. He has won awards for his educational expeditions, and works with a wide range of clients from schools to businesses to develop, educate and inspire.
James is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, and a Leading Practitioner in the Institute for Outdoor Learning.
Interview
What was your first adventure?
I grew up in South London, so there were not many opportunities to go on adventures. My earliest memory of adventure was camping with cub scouts, it was a liberating experience that I still believe added to my interest in adventuring.
What has been your most memorable adventure?
Every trip is memorable in some way, I enjoy every moment of what I do. I have used adventures and expeditions to achieve ambitions and dreams both personally as well as professionally so I value all the adventures I undertake.
What item of travel kit you can't do without?
I am a big hammock fan, particularly in jungles, but I also can’t do without a good book!
What three bits of advice would you give to people who are keen on adventures, trekking and climbing?
- Find opportunities to get out and do it, there are amazing mountains on our doorsteps!
- Read about the greats (Willhans/ Bonnington/ Messner/ Steck/ Hunt) learn at their feet!
- Be honest and true- there are no old/ bold mountaineers- take it step by step- the mountain will always be there!
What is the best thing about your job?
I get to live my dream! I dreamt about being an adventurer since I was 5, it’s not totally like my dream but its close!! (More paperwork than I thought!). I love helping people succeed, to live their dreams, to achieve more and learn more than they ever thought. I love the planning and designing as much as I enjoy the actual doing on expedition.
Why did you choose to work for 360?
Because they are authentic and honest in their love and approach to expeditions and mountaineering.