Cotswolds Man Sets New Record with 20th Ascent of Mount Everest

Kenton Cool, a seasoned mountaineer from Bibury in the Cotswolds, has once again made history by scaling Mount Everest for the 20th time, setting a new record for the most ascents by a non-Sherpa guide. At 52 years old, Cool reached the summit on May 24 and expressed no intention of retiring his climbing boots anytime soon, hinting at ambitions to conquer Everest two or three more times.

This incredible achievement gains even more significance considering Cool’s past adversity. In 1996, he suffered a severe rock-climbing accident that shattered both his heel bones, with doctors doubting if he would ever walk unaided again. Defying the odds, he has since become one of the most accomplished climbers on the planet.

Despite recent challenges, including a hazardous serac threat forcing a narrow weather window, Cool and hundreds of other climbers successfully summited the 8,849-meter peak. On a record-setting day, 274 climbers reached Everest’s summit via the southern route in Nepal. The northern route through China’s Tibet remained closed this season.

Cool praised the smooth climb and dismissed concerns about overcrowding during the recent summit rush. While record-breaking guide Kami Rita Sherpa suggested limiting climber numbers to reduce congestion, Cool believes emphasis should be placed on ensuring climbers’ experience and careful selection by guiding companies. “It’s about making sure the climbers have the right experience and that companies are diligent,” he said.

Currently, Nepalese authorities require climbers to pay a $15,000 permit fee but are planning new regulations that will demand proof of climbing experience to improve safety on the mountain. As Everest continues to attract adventurers worldwide, Kenton Cool’s enduring passion and record-breaking spirit remain an inspiration to aspiring mountaineers everywhere.