• Freelance writer
• Author
• Photographer

Editors: Please see my 'writing' and 'photography' pages to see how I can help you.

I live in Cumbria, on the edge of the beautiful Lake District National Park. The scenery here is truly inspiring. I adore the place. Whenever possible, I use my writing and photography as an excuse to get outdoors and admire the views. Cunning eh?

Mountains and wild places have a magnetic attraction for me; I need to be near to them. I was an avid 'mountain bagger' in my younger and fitter days but now I prefer inspiration to perspiration!

I have a keen interest in natural history and you will often see me with a pair of binoculars or studying a wildlife guidebook. Local history and folklore also fascinate me. Fortunately my location allows me to indulge in these interests too.

I have travelled extensively. Highlights include: climbing Mera Peak - a 21,500 ft mountain in the Himalayas, spending a couple of weeks in the Borneo rainforest, back-packing through Costa Rica, watching wildlife in Africa, camping in the Canadian wilderness, dog-sledding in France….actually, too many to mention here.

I created, set up and ran my own outdoor training and leisure company – Hill-tribe. (I had previously trained as a Mountain Leader.) We ran map and compass, GPS and trekking courses. We also escorted people on guided walks throughout the Lake District.

I spent over 25 years working in various management roles for the UK’s largest pub companies and breweries.


Ten more fascinating(?) facts:

1) I need strong, good quality coffee to function properly.

2) I ate live worms and woodlice on a survival course.

3) My favourite beer is Snecklifter (strong cask ale brewed in the Lake District).

4) My favourite film is Jaws.

5) I was Blackburn Junior Canal Fishing Champion.

6) My favourite food is sweet and sour chicken.

7) I was bitten by a vole I was trying to rescue.

8) My favourite city is Kathmandu.

9) My tent was destroyed in a gale whilst camping in the mountains.

10) I stood next to Robbie Williams in Heathrow Airport.

...strange but true.

email: mark@mark-s-elliott.co.uk

                              phone:  07964 887 338