I wanted to be an explorer, but gradually found the world had been explored and that there was nowhere left, really. Once they climbed Everest in 1953, when I was 10 years old, I thought, 'Well, that's pretty much it now.' But the idea of travelling and exploring and adventure was very strong.

I've been lucky to have made a number of travel programmes with the BBC, the object being to see places off the beaten track. As a result, I've often had a guide who's been able to show me things that you wouldn't see with a tour group.

If atheists are deaf to the word of God, then theists are blind to the ways of man.

I always wanted to be an explorer, but - it seemed I was doomed to be nothing more than a very silly person.

I mistrust total competence. I've always felt life is a series of small disasters we try to get through.

Geography prepares for the world of work - geographers, with their skills of analysis are highly employable!

I'd got over playing a character. People accepted who I was, and if I was incompetent and useless, they felt quite endeared to me.