Summit 60 With Valerie Parkinson

She may be approaching her sixtieth, but Valerie’s far from reached her peak. This remarkable leader, trekker and adventurer is a cornerstone of Exodus’ trekking history. She has more than 32 years’ experience leading Exodus adventures and countless hard-won mountain summits under her belt – all achieved without disingenuous fanfare, but exuding a calm, quiet authority. Hers is the first and final word on Exodus treks in the Himalaya.

Next year is Valerie’s 60th birthday, but her fitness, vigour and enthusiasm is that of someone in their twenties. To celebrate her milestone birthday, Valerie is leading six unsurpassable adventures – one for every decade. To join her couldn’t be simpler – but spaces are likely to fill up fast.

In the meantime, follow her progress live on our Facebook this summer as she leads yet another epic expedition to summit the majestic 7,134m Lenin’s Peak in the Pamir Mountains, the Roof of the World. We’ll be getting regular updates from the expedition as they make their attempt – keep up to date with the latest here.

Exodus veteran Paul Goldstein had this to say about her:

“I have done 23 years at Exodus yet feel like a novice compared to Valerie. I have walked with her several times (I walked, she trekked) and always been utterly in awe of her professionalism, compassion and indeed fitness. She is quite literally Exodus’ mountain G.O.A.T. She also cares deeply about the mountain communities in Nepal and Ladakh and there are thousands that have benefitted from this remarkable lady. Someone once asked me if she is ever going to slow down, no is the answer, she is a shining example of how 60 should be the new 40. Val however makes it the new 20!”