Whilst studying geology at Imperial College London, he led his first expedition to the Ecuadorian Andes where he made first British ascents within the El Altar massif as well as assisting David Kirke of the Dangerous Sports Club glide from the summit of Chimborazo.
[2] Shortly after his appointment, he led a bold traverse of Chogolisa and Bride Peak in the Karakoram which was later documented in his book Coming Through.
Other climbing achievements included winter ascents of the Croz Spur on the Grandes Jorasses and the Eiger North Face.
On 14 March 1992, he fell while climbing Eagle Ridge in Lochnagar, the Cairngorms, claiming his life.
His widow Caroline and a group of friends established The Andy Fanshawe Memorial Trust after his death which provides grants to allow disadvantaged young people to experience the outdoors.