Ben Clowes studied Economics and Accounting at Bristol University, afterwards working for a London broker. After six years he found he wasn't finding the work inspiring despite having resigned three times to go on climbing expeditions. His passion for climbing mountains has taken him to many countries around the world, from the Caucasus to the Andes to the Himalayas. His most recent expedition was to Everest which he summitted in May 2006, having previously attempted it from the Northern side in 2004.

He now works as a freelance cameraman filming events, climbing expeditions and celebrity parties... a far cry from his previous office job! His first travelling experience was inter-railing around Europe for a month before hitch-hiking around Australia and New Zealand for eight months on a working holiday during his Gap Year.