The Mountain Inquisition
Meet top mountain biker Danny MacAskill
Scafell Pike, Snowdon or Ben Nevis? Ben Nevis. What’s the highest mountain you’ve climbed? Kilimanjaro (5895m) with my bike. Who’s your mountaineering hero?
Martyn Ashton [former British and World Champion mountain bike trials and stunt rider]. What do you love most about mountains? Most of all, the descent. Sending it downhill on the bike gives me a buzz. On top of that – the views on the way up and the satisfaction of reaching the summit. Most memorable day in the outdoors?
Standing on the summit of the Inaccessible Pinnacle on the Isle of Skye, while filming The Ridge in the summer of 2014. The mist whispering over the top of the mountains created an incredible view of an island I call home. Funniest thing you’ve seen on a hill?
Watching some of my friends going over the handlebars into bogs on the Isle of Skye is always a laugh. You’re in a pub. What’s on the menu?
A full fresh seafood platter. What was the last book you read?
My own [see right], to be honest. If I am not riding my bike, I am usually sleeping. Favourite hill snack?
Jelly babies. Worst thing you’ve ever eaten? Raw prawns.
When naked was outdoors?the last time you were Last weekend! Favourite animal? Red squirrel. Weirdest place you’ve slept?
A sketchy tree house we built as kids on the Isle of Skye. Best pair of walking boots you’ve owned? Five Ten Camp Four GTX. Wild camp or posh hotel? Wild camping, but van life is the thing for me. Strangest person you’ve bumped into on a hill? Prince Charles. Who’s your most famous friend?
Hans Rey [a pioneering bike freerider. Freeriding means anywhere, anyhow]. How much is a pint of tea at Pete’s Eats?
A fiver. [Not quite - it‘s £1.70!] What’s your next big challenge? That would be telling… Your ultimate mountain day in three words… Patagonia with friends.
Danny MacAskill is a top mountain bike street trials rider whose films have gained over 200 million views on YouTube. In one of his most famous films, he takes his bike along the Isle of Skye’s Cuillin Ridge, lifting it to the top of the Inaccessible Pinnacle. His book At the Edge: Riding for
My Life is out now, £14.99 (Viking).
Weirdest place you’ve slept? A sketchy tree house we built as kids