Sir Chris is an outstanding mountaineer with a host of innovative new routes and first ascents of peaks in the greater ranges to his credit. He led the expeditions that made the first ascents of the South Face of Annapurna and the South West Face of Everest. He realised a dream in 1985 when he reached the summit of Everest.

The author of 17 books on mountaineering, he has also worked as an adventure journalist and photographer, climbing the highest active volcano in the world in Ecuador and reporting the first ever descent of the Blue Nile. He has taken part in and presented many award-winning films for television including the epic live broadcast of the Old Man of Hoy in 1967, to which he returned on his 80th birthday!

He has lived in the Lake District for over 40 years, where every year he invites Students' Union officers to lunch. He also thoroughly enjoys climbing with students from the Lancaster University Climbing Club.

In 2011 a new climbing wall was unveiled at the University's new Sports Centre that was designed with input from Sir Chris.

In 2014 Sir Chris abseiled down Bowland Tower for charity, as part of the University's 50th anniversary celebrations.