Mountain Skills & Guiding
Outdoor Writing & Photography
A film by Richard Hartfield
Discovering kindness in a mountain range divided by politics.
Crossing The Alps
61 days. 1900km distance. 125,000m ascent.
A backpacking and mountaineering traverse of the Alps from Slovenia to Monaco. My journey linked hiking trails, scrambles, via ferratas and climbing routes.
Interview with UKC
Backpacking on the Via Alta Vallemaggia
10 days. 200 kilometres and 18,000 metres of ascent across the wild mountains of Ticino.
Private guiding and mountain skills in the Lake District
The thing I value most about guiding is helping others to find their own sense of freedom and independence in the outdoors. Whether I’m teaching navigation, sharing backpacking skills or simply encouraging someone to trust their instincts in the hills, I love seeing those moments where challenge turns into joy and connection. To me, guiding is about opening up wild places - and the sense of belonging they create - to people from all walks of life.
I’m a fully qualified International Mountain Leader with over 12 years of experience walking across places like the Greater Caucasus Mountains, the Alps and the Balkans. I mostly work within the Lake District but am happy to travel further afield where circumstances allow.
Perhaps I can help you along your own outdoor journey, by sharing some skills and knowledge?
Navigation
Finding your way in the hills can feel daunting at first, but it needn’t be.
With a few simple skills, you’ll be able to read the landscape for yourself and begin planning your own routes. Then you can leave the crowded paths behind!
Our sessions can cover using a map and compass as well as navigation with a phone and GPS. I also teach navigation tactics for endurance events like ultras and fell races.
Get in touch to book a one-to-one, or a group navigation day.
Backpacking Skills
Learn how to look after yourself on a long-distance hike by joining a two or three day workshop in the UK. Camping gear can be provided by me, so don’t let this be a barrier.
Perhaps you’ve dreamt about hiking something like the Tour du Mont Blanc or the West Highland Way, but you’re not sure how to prepare?
Learn how to wild camp, plan your own multi-day routes, understand mountain weather and pack the right gear (hint: there’s not as much as you might think!)
If you’ve got a goal or a trip in mind, please get in touch.
Guided Experiences
Fancy a guided mountain day tailored to you?
Is there a place that you’re itching to explore, or a goal that you’d love to achieve, but you’re not sure how to make it happen?
Feel free to get in touch and we can discuss ideas!