Qualifications

Summer Mountain Leader

Experience

I’ve been working in marketing for over 25 years, a lot has changed in that time!  I’ve been lucky to work for some great companies and charities that have allowed me to get involved in a real mix of marketing.  From creating content, organising events, design, comms, PR, digital marketing, media… 

The best bit has always been the variety and the fascinating and amazing people you meet along the way. 

How did your career in the outdoors start?

Most of my marketing work, over the years, has been closely linked to, or within, the outdoor industry.  I’m not great at sitting still, or being behind a desk for too long, so I’ve always put my hand up for any work that would get me outside.  

About 10 years ago, I made the decision to leave my job and do freelance marketing.  This then led to another decision, to do something I had always wanted, try and gain the Mountain Leader qualification.  Many decisions later, I now enjoy taking people into the mountains and sharing their adventures, while also continuing to work within marketing.


What's been your most memorable outdoor experience?

Not sure I can choose just one, I’ve had so many brilliant adventures over the years.  From rainy camping trips in Wales, to ski touring in wild weather in Scotland, nighttime running in the Alps, climbing in places much sunnier than the UK, and exploring new roads and trails on the bike.  As long as I’m outside, I’m happy!


What's your one piece of 'can't do without' kit?

Snacks.  A bad day can get even worse if you run out of good snacks to cheer you up.  

Your Adventure in Safe Hands

Safe and enjoyable outdoor experiences

Looking for Advice or Guidance?

Search our knowledgebase. Helping you be prepared for your DofE expedition or Challenge Event.

5 Ways to Wellbeing for young people: What if mental health was built into adventure?

5 Ways to Wellbeing for young people: What if mental health was built into adventure?

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) is often celebrated for building resilience, teamwork and independence. But look a little closer, and something deeper emerges. Its structure aligns remarkably well with the 5 Ways to Wellbeing: Connect, Take Notice, Learn, Move and Give. In short, what if we stopped seeing DofE as just an award and started recognising it as a powerful framework for preventative mental health? We caught up with Grace Knill to hear why adventure and mental health go hand in hand.

Read more
"No Phone? No Way!" The Double Edge Sword of phones on DofE expeditions

"No Phone? No Way!" The Double Edge Sword of phones on DofE expeditions

According to Ofcom, 99% of children will own a mobile phone by age 11 and 98% of 16-24 year olds will own a smartphone. Teenagers average 3-6 hours of screen time each day with 12-15 year olds having a focus on social sites, primarily TikTok and Snapchat. As a DofE expedition provider, it is easy to see the difficulties when we ask young people to take themselves away from their phones and go offline for a few days. Can DofE expeditions balance the double edged sword that is phone technology to help more young people experience the outdoors?

Read more