Join us on the Outsider podcast this week as we uncover the real story behind Mountain Rescue with our guest, Cormac Lynch — founder of Fia Mountaineering, Mountain Leader, and passionate advocate for safe adventures in the Irish outdoors.
In this powerful episode, we explore what it truly means to take responsibility in the mountains and how developing our own mountain skills can help reduce the burden on rescue services.
Cormac shares his journey from discovering a love of the outdoors to becoming a fully qualified mountain guide. We dive into his early influences, his training, and the lessons he’s learned from years navigating Ireland’s rugged hills and peaks.
Host Matthew McConnell also reflects on his own experience of a winter mountain skills course with Cormac, a cold, hands-on, eye-opening weekend that sparked new levels of respect for the wild.
This episode offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look into the world of Mountain Rescue — the real challenges, the risks, and what outdoor users can do to help. Whether you’re a hillwalker, trail runner, or occasional hiker, there’s something valuable here for everyone who sets foot off the beaten track.
Key takeaways from this episode:
Mountain Rescue is not a service to lean on, it’s a last resort.
Skills aren’t just technical — they’re about judgment, decision-making, and being humble in the face of nature.
We can all do something to be safer, more prepared, and more respectful of the mountains.
Don’t miss this episode, in which we discuss practical mountain safety, responsible adventure, and the importance of building outdoor confidence. Tune in to the Outsider Podcast and take your understanding of the outdoors to new heights.
