A love story called Siula
There are love stories that change your life forever, and my love story with a Mountain is undoubtedly one of them. Twelve years ago, I fell head over heels for a mountain in Peru - Siula Grande. Have you heard about her? Two Brits, the ethics of cutting a rope and a book called Touching the Void? I had no idea she had a history, but the pull was magnetic and compelled me to stay for three months in Peru to cultivate a passion for climbing.
Little did I know that this love was just the beginning and would take me on adventures across the globe, to places like New Zealand, Canada, Argentina, Chile, Switzerland and finally, to the French Alps, where I now live.
This love was not just a fleeting infatuation. It was the kind of love that filled you with inspiration, energy, and belief in yourself. Loving the mountains demands attention and respect and challenges me to be my best self.
Living in London, a bustling city far from the wilderness, you could say, I was in a long-distance romance. But the distance could not dampen my attraction for the outdoors. I joined the British Alpine Club, connected with like-minded individuals, focused my training to be strong for the mountains and trained with Darren at Barber’s Gym where I got my lifting technique dialled in, got stronger and tapped into the collective power of community.
Time between getting out to the alps was sometimes long, and when the walls felt like they were closing in and the hum of London felt like having your head in a beehive, I would go on solo mini trips to Wales- snap the laptop shut, catch the next train out and be with my thoughts, the wind, the Munros, bivvy under the stars and feel the horizon wrap around me like a long time friend. These micro trips re-connected me with the places I loved and re-connected me to myself so that I could be more present for others. On reflection what helped me get out was believing that I was strong enough by cultivating self-belief - showing up each morning at 7am to train. I can not underestimate how helpful it is to know that about oneself - to have that reserve of willpower and strength to get up and go.
A true test of this was when my Argentinian guide friend Diego Simari invited me to climb with him in his garden - Frey, Patagonia. My first thoughts were doubtful - will I be strong enough? Will I be ready in two months? There was one way to find out and given I had been consistently getting outdoors that summer and training, I had enough self belief and motivation to return to South America. Taking a sabbatical to climb in remote and pristine Patagonia, discovering Coachamo in Chile, connected me with my Latin roots, whilst I went off the grid for close to three months. Reuniting with Siula wasn’t possible given the pandemic and borders were closing however mountains do not go anywhere so I feel secure to return.
My love story with Siula Grande taught me that the most beautiful outcomes are often unexpected and that you need to be motivated and more importantly, have the self-belief to achieve your goals. I also discovered that the mountains are best when shared with someone you love. I am lucky to have found my partner Tom Redueau who, like me, grew up by the sea but lives in the mountains. And so, I now live in Chamonix, France, where I work as a coach specialising in behaviour change and well-being. My love for mountains has led me to where I am today, helping others find their way to a more fulfilling work and personal life.
In a world where we often forget the importance of nature and the outdoors, I hope my love story reminds us of the transformative power of the mountains and getting outdoors. It's a story of self-connection, perseverance, and the belief that anything is possible if you have the courage to follow your heart.
By Nat Villarroel
