Summer Mountain Leader
MIAS Mountain Bike Leader
DofE Assessor
Outdoor First Aid
PGCE
I'm very new to the outdoor industry. Having been a secondary school teacher for 21 years, I only recently took the jump to move into this line of work. That's not to say I'm new to the outdoors.
As a child, I was always outside. My parents weren't the type that wrapped me in cotton wool. This allowed me to have small 'adventures' close to home and my love for this drove my desire to be outside, enjoying what nature has to offer. A feeling that has never dwindled.
Throughout my teaching career, I was involved in supporting and leading the DofE awards in schools. This allowed me to share my enjoyment with others and, when the opportunity came to move into the industry full time, I grabbed it and here I am.
This is always a tricky one to answer. However, the one experience that springs to mind every time I think on this question is a time a few years ago on Suilven in Assynt, Scotland.
On an early evening climb in the summer, I reached the narrow col between the 2 summits and poked my head over (yes, it's that narrow!). What I saw in front of me actually made me audibly gasp. The start of sunset and the watery landscape below, stretching to the horizon.
A sight I cannot forget.
That's easy. A gilet.
I always get really hot when walking and a jacket is usually too much. A decent gilet fits the bill perfectly!
Plus, it can be a pillow if needed.
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It can feel a little daunting to commit to spending almost 5 days, 24 hours each day, with a group of people you have most probably never met before. However, it’s not all that bad. In fact, it’s a very positive experience.
Would you get off the sofa and try to run a marathon without any training? No?! With a good base level of fitness, endurance and cardiovascular training, the challenge will still be hard, but the enjoyment levels will be higher and you’ll minimise the risk of injury.
