As we summited the main view-point of Torres Del Paine with virtually clear blue skies and bright sunshine we realised how lucky we had been.

Before our arrival the park had been closed due to horrendous conditions on the mountain passes and as it transpired would close again 3 days later due to heavy snow. With little planning, and without really knowing, we had a window of opportunity and we made the most of it. With its unmistakable cathedral-like spires, Torres Del Paine has a real wow factor from a distance as you enter the national park. But viewing them close to their summit, under a still and almost entrancing emerald green lake (particularly on a day like we had) is just an image that you take and hold for all time. I love my walking and trekking and ever since we decided to travel South America I wanted to get up Torres Del Paine. My savings pot for coming away had a picture on it of those spires and to be standing in front of them made all the sacrifice of upping sticks go away. I wanted to claim that mountain and I did, Nottingham flag and all!

We had two other days in the park before the weather closed in again. A wander around Lago Nordenskjöld and an extremely wind-swept trek to Glacier Grey which required taking a rather choppy return boat ride to the start of the route – I wasn’t a fan in either direction. Both great days and made all the better as we were joined again by our friends Stefan and Birgit – ridiculously complicated Austrian card games and all! But for me the best time was getting up to see the top of Torres Del Paine, a well trodden but demanding walk that only had only three missing ingredients, my mate Woolly, his hip flask and some good Scottish whiskey.