I was always an active kid, whether it be disappearing into the local woods to climb trees or competitive cycling through my teens and early 20s. I even managed a few years of a military career. I always had ants in my pants and could never sit still but, eventually, I ended up at university to study Economics. Shortly after that started a corporate career culminating in me being a successful HR Director for various businesses over many years.
My love of the outdoors never dwindled though, so I’ve walked all over the UK complemented by much overseas hiking. I adore Cumbria and feel at peace there. Honestly, I can never quite decide on my favourite places as I love everywhere so much. I have just returned from the French & Swiss Alps and have to say, that’s my current new favourite at the moment!
My daughter, Tiegan, did her 1st Cumbrian fell when she was 4yrs, and now, at 25yrs, living in London as an actress, she will phone me, hear the wind in the background and say, “You’re not up a mountain again are you, Mum?” Always make me laugh!
My corporate career lasted 30 years or so, and then Covid-19 hit. I re-evaluated my whole life and resigned to follow my passion for the outdoors. The phrase “life is too short” kept ringing in my ears, and so here I am as a full-time Mountain Guide now, and I absolutely love it. I love seeing the thrill on people’s faces when they achieve or see something spectacular.
I have no regrets, living life to the fullest and grabbing every moment I can to explore, travel, and hike!
Cumbria!
Also, all of the Scottish islands – the Outer Hebrides are a particular favourite of mine.
I am also a qualified florist! I have always loved flowers and, in about 2016, decided to sit all the qualifications. I could go and work in a florist and do wedding flowers!
“My love of the outdoors never dwindled though, so I’ve walked all over the UK complemented by much overseas hiking.”
Walking in Munich/Bavaria and the Rocky Mountains of Canada
Trekking in Nepal and Tanzania, Cumbria/Lake District, the Peak District and, like most Mountain Guides, lots of walking in Scotland!
Nepal by far, and I yearn to go back.
None unless you want to read some of my Human Resource strategy papers!
Would travel with Nicola as my guide again
Lisa Remillard
Wilderness Walking - Northumberland and the Lake District
Reviewed on 20/09/2023
Nichola was a great guide, an adult working with fellow adults. She was flexible and communicated well. She worked hard to make sure we could make the most of every opportunity on the itinerary.
We definitely benefited from Nichola's local knowledge of each walk, giving us options and combinations of choices as we went along, depending on conditions.
It's not easy catering for the diverse abilities and requirements in any given group and she managed it really well. It reduces friction and just makes things easy.
Plus Nichola is a great driver (and reverser) very important on those tiny lanes you call roads.
Jenny Ward
Wilderness Walking - Northumberland and the Lake District
Reviewed on 18/09/2023
Trip / Departure | Availability | Status | Price | Book |
---|---|---|---|---|
Wilderness Walking – National Parks of the UK 21st Jul - 30th Jul 2024 | 8 place(s) left | UNCONFIRMED | £2,995 | Book Now |
Wilderness Walking – National Parks of the UK 15th Sep - 24th Sep 2024 | 8 place(s) left | UNCONFIRMED | £2,995 | Book Now |
Sometimes it's nice to get family and friends together and travel privately for some quality time. This means you benefit from all the features of the group departure, including hand-picked accommodation and expert local guides and we'll take care of it all. Then you can make your choice of departures dates and we'll get back to you to finalise the details.
We work together with our team of guides to decide which departures they lead each year. As part of that, guides provide available dates that they are free to be booked. This means that any of the dates you see in the first field of the form below, could be perfect for your private departure or customised tour.
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