MARTIN'S BOOKS
As well as exploring the mountains, Martin loved to write about them. Several of his books have been republished since his death, sharing his stories with new readers.
Martin's autobiography, published in 2014 and reissued in 2021 with a foreword by Hazel Moran. In 1985 he left his job as an accountant. He and his wife Joy then risked their future to open a climbing school in Lochcarron, Wester Ross, among some of the world's most beautiful mountains. Higher Ground tells the highlights and the dramas of his guiding life in Scotland, the Alps, Norway and the Himalaya.
'A "must read" for anyone who has ever felt drawn to the mountains, whether in Scotland or beyond.' - Undiscovered Scotland
In the winter of 1984 to 1985, Martin became the first person to climb all 277 Munros in a single continuous winter journey. He completed 277 summits in 83 days, supported every step of the way by his wife Joy. It was a feat of endurance and teamwork through the storms, snow and avalanches of a Highland winter, covering more than 1,000 miles on foot and ski. Martin's account has since become a classic of Scottish mountain writing, full of his passion for the hills and his humour about a marriage tested by three months living out of a camper van. Reissued in 2021 with a new introduction by Joy on how the journey changed his life.
A CLIMB THROUGH OUR HISTORY
A glimpse into Martin's adventures, from Scottish winters to the greater ranges.
ABOUT MARTIN
Martin gave his life to adventure in the mountains, and the breadth of what he achieved made him one of the most influential mountaineers in Britain.
But it was his passion for sharing that spirit with others that left the deepest mark. Martin loved exploring the mountains with people of every ability, age and background.
He found that passion as a young boy in North Shields, born into a family with no particular interest in adventure. Trips with his local Scout group, the encouragement of his geography teacher and the tales of great explorers set him dreaming of wild places. Those early experiences gave his life meaning and direction and he spent the rest of it offering the same to others.
"I never especially wanted to be a mountain guide, but it was the hills that opened my soul to the wonders of existence. By the age of eight, they had become a major part of my dreams and imaginings."
Martin Moran
A simple Munro on a rainy day, or an unclimbed peak in the Himalaya. To Martin, a day in the great outdoors was always a day well spent. He lived life to the full, and for that he remains an inspiration to us all. His legacy lives on in everyone who heads into the mountains and enjoys all they have to offer.
