The Boardman Tasker Award continues to enhance its international reputation. This year it attracted 28 entries from ten different countries: England, Scotland, Canada, France, Finland, India, Ireland, New Zealand, USA, and South Korea.
The Boardman Tasker Award for Mountain Literature will be awarded to the winner(s) at the Boardman Tasker Award Shortlisted Authors event at Kendal Mountain Festival on Friday November 21st, 2025.
The Judges for 2025 were Rehan Siddiqui (Chair), Brian Hall and, Nandini Purandare. They have selected the following seven books for the 2025 Shortlist:
Rick Accomazzo
Tobin, The Stonemasters, and Me 1970-1980
Remembering Tobin Sorenson, the Best Climber in the World
Stonemasters Books
The book chronicles the life of the author’s friend and climbing partner, Tobin Sorenson, a member of the legendary 1970s climbing collective known as The Stonemasters. The book details their adventures and the evolution of modern climbing through the lens of Sorenson’s exceptional talent, which some considered the best in the world. It is a powerful tribute to Sorenson, who died tragically at a young age and a vivid portrait of a golden era of climbing.
Mark Agnew
There Will be Headwinds
Kayaking the Northwest Passage
Icon Books
The author recounts his journey as part of the first team to kayak the Northwest Passage. The book is an account of physical hardships and mental health struggles he faced after previous expedition failures. It is a story about teamwork, perseverance, and personal growth in an epic adventure.
Paul Besley
The Search
The life of a mountain rescue search dog team
Vertebrate Publishing
The author’s life journey was transformed following a mountain rescue team saving his life from a serious hillwalking accident. Inspired by his rescue he joined a mountain rescue team and trains his Border Collie puppy, Scout, to become a search dog. The book details rigorous training and rescue missions, while exploring Besley’s personal struggles and how his bond with Scout helps him confront his past and find purpose.
Nathalia Holt
The Beast in the Clouds
The Roosevelt Brothers’ Deadly Quest to find the Mythical Giant Panda
One Signal Publishers
In 1928 Theodore and Kermit Roosevelt, the two eldest sons of President Theodore Roosevelt, embark on a dangerous expedition to the Chinese Himalayas. Their objective is to find and capture a live specimen of the giant panda, a creature so rare it was believed to be mythical. The book details their harrowing journey, filled with hardships as they chase their dream to introduce the panda to the western world.
Mollie Hughes
Breathe
Life Lessons from the Edge of the World
Birlinn Ltd
An inspiring account by Mollie Hughes of exploring some of the Earth’s wildest environments. She shares her view on how self-belief and lessons learnt from epic challenges enabled her to become the youngest woman to climb Everest from the south and north sides. Then, aged 29, she describes her battle through freezing storm-force winds to achieve the distinction of being the youngest woman to ski solo to the South Pole.
Dave Macleod
Moving the Needle
How an Average Climber can do the Hardest Route in the World
Rare Breed Productions
This is a memoir focussed on the author’s journey from an average climber to an elite, world-renowned athlete. The author tells his story of using trainable skills and behavioural traits to achieve his goals that can be replicated. Simple really, anyone can do it!
Iain Peters
The Corridor
Bed and Bolster
In his memoir, the author recounts his life as a climber and teacher, revealing how his passion for wild places and adventure served as a means of survival and a form of recovery from childhood sexual abuse. He candidly explores the long-term impact of this trauma on his psyche and relationships, finding strength in the mountains in the emotional journey of healing. The book is a powerful story of hope, resilience and the creation of a life fulfilled despite an early, horrific trauma.
The comments are by courtesy of Rehan Siddiqui, Chair of 2025 Judges.
Tickets for the Boardman Tasker Award Shortlisted Authors event at Kendal Mountain Festival on Friday November 21st, 2025 are available now.