The Wiltshire-based explorer steps into the West Country Life spotlight

T he first man to bag the adventurers' grand slam, reaching the geographic and magnetic North and South Poles and climbing the highest peaks in all seven continents, was the achievement of David Hempleman-Adams,

In more recent years, he's turned to ballooning, becoming the first person to cross the Atlantic Ocean in an open wicker basket hot-air balloon in 2003. He lives in Box with his wife Claire and three daughters, Alicia, 19, Camilla, 16, and Amelia, 13.

What makes the West Country "home" to you?

I was born in the West Country, in Swindon, and so while I've been to the four corners of the Earth, home is where the heart is and my heart is here.

How do you relax?

I like to keep up with current affairs but, funnily enough, I really relax only on an aeroplane because there's nothing else to do. That's where I read books.

When and where are you happiest?

On a mountain or a bit of pack-ice floating around in a little tent, no troubles.

What's your earliest memory?

When I was four years old and my brother Mark had just come into the world. I remember the ambulance men bringing my mother into the house on a stretcher, as they did in those days.

What makes you laugh?

I laugh a lot but I hate slapstick humour.

What do you dream of?

If I have cheese I have the most amazing psychedelic dreams – really vivid. Blue cheese is the worst – holy smokes, you don't need drugs!

What is your greatest fear?

Failure.

Who do you admire, living or dead?

I have always been a great fan of the polar explorer Ernest Shackleton because he did some amazing things and had some great adventures. Currently, I most admire the Duke of Edinburgh because he set up the Duke of Edinburgh Award which has helped hundreds of thousands of youngsters realise their potential. I think he's an unsung hero and we'll realise what we've got only when he's gone.

What is your worst habit?

Interrupting people.

What possession could you not live without?

Unfortunately, reading glasses now!

What is your greatest frustration?

People who say "I wish, I wish". You can do anything if you set your mind to it.

What is your favourite book?

Hillary's book on the ascent of Everest, High Adventure, which I first read in the school library when I was a very young boy.

What is your favourite word?

Hoola! When I was going to the North Pole with the Norwegian Rune Gjeldnes in 1997, when anything was going well, we'd say: "Hoola shaker!" We're still very good friends and start our emails to each other like that.

What would you choose to eat and drink at your last meal?

Steak and chips or mussels and chips, and a glass of red wine.

What or who is the love of your life?

My three girls, Alicia, Camilla and Amelia.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

A few years ago I was given an Explorers Club award in New York and I invited all my friends who'd helped me get there – people I'd been with on the sides of mountains or on ice packs, all close friends I'd been in danger with. That was a wonderful evening and I'd invite them to my dream dinner party.

What law would you introduce if you were in charge?

Get rid of traffic wardens, stop taxation on savers and shoot the bankers... only joking!

What single thing would improve your life?

A diary planner.

What talent do you wish you had?

I'd love to be able to play the saxophone.

How would you like to be remembered?

As someone who lived life to the full. It's better to live one day as a lion than the rest of your life as a lamb.