Kev Reynolds 1943-2021 – a true gentleman, and an inspiration to all

Kev Reynolds, one of the country’s leading outdoor writers, died on Friday 10 December 2021

Kev was a leading Pyrenean expert, admired across the world. He knew the Alps from end to end as few do and explored Nepal and the Himalaya over the course of 20 extended trips. He also had extensive knowledge of Kent, where he made his home, and southern England. 

Kev wrote over 50 books, mainly guides and inspirational titles to his much-loved mountains, and became a master-craftsman of this unlikely but challenging art. He said it was ‘the best job in the world’ and quickly became a leading practitioner with his guides published by Cicerone for whom he became a leading writer and counsellor. 

He was a lifetime and then honorary member of a range of organisations including the British Association of Mountain Leaders and Outdoor Writers and Photographers Guild, whose lifetime achievement award he received in 2014. His work was widely recognised by his peers. He became a skilled lecturer, giving up to 50 talks each winter. 

As well as his exploring, writing and talks, Kev was a devoted family man. His life-long love Min enabled his many adventures whilst bringing up their two daughters, Claudia and Ilsa during a full life running a youth hostel before Kev became a full-time writer. 

Thank you Kev