We know that starting new outdoor adventures can feel daunting, but our brilliant Out There Award instructors are here to support you every step of the way! 

 

Find out a bit more about them, their background and a photo - so you know who to look out for on the day!

Andy

Andy is a qualified Mountain Leader with a passion for the outdoors and over 30 years of trekking experience. 

He has led groups on expeditions in the UK and other countries including Ghana, Mongolia, Nepal, Namibia, Brazil and Iceland, where he has trekked and wild camped in a variety of environments including mountain, desert and jungle. 

Whilst on expedition he has taught a range of outdoor skills including navigation, campcraft and group leadership.

 

Jonathan 

Jonathan is a Mountain Leader with particular experience in guiding navigation courses. 

"I have a huge love for the Scottish Highlands in particular and going on multi-day hikes/camping trips there. In the Peak District I am part of the volunteer Ranger team for the National Park."

 

Mark 

Mark is a qualified Summer and Winter Mountain Leader and has a strong belief in using the outdoors as a vehicle for personal development. 

Mark has been exploring the outdoors since childhood and has amassed a wealth of experience leading and supporting teams of adults and young people in the mountains of the UK and overseas. 

He has been working in the outdoor industry since completing a Degree in Outdoor Studies in 2002. 

Having been lucky enough to lead and support teams of young people and adults in the outdoors throughout the UK and further afield, he has a particular passion for teaching others the skills they need to go off and have their own adventures!

 

Meg

Hi, I’m Meg and I’m a qualified Mountain Leader, leading hikes around the UK alongside my day job in engineering. 

I was raised in Devon and was introduced to Dartmoor from a young age, but I first fell in love with the mountains during a holiday to the Pyrenees when I was about 10 years old! In addition to my guided Mountain Leader hikes, I now love the thrill of high-altitude expeditions in various parts of the world, such as the Alps and Himalayas.

I got into hiking around 15 years ago and became a Mountain Leader 4 years ago, when I was encouraged to do so by other leaders, who said my friendly personality and Mental Health First Aider training, paired perfectly with leading expeditions. 

I particularly enjoy working with women-only groups to see the sense of fulfilment and enjoyment that the ladies experience at the end of each walk. They may not feel they can reach the summit of a mountain or read a map but seeing them reach their own personal summit is so rewarding for me. It doesn’t feel like a job – I love it! Watching ladies push themselves, the processes they go through, whilst pushing and supporting others in a comfortable setting is incredible. I’m so proud to be a part of it!"

 

Carla

Carla has over 20 years’ experience in education and the outdoors. She began her career as a secondary science teacher and qualified as a Summer Mountain Leader to support her work delivering the Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Award in schools. Inspired by the impact of outdoor learning, she went on to transition from the classroom to work as a freelance outdoor instructor.

Since 2021, Carla has been actively involved with several community groups, including Wanderers of Colour and Black Girls Hike and continues to support young people taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award. 

In 2026, Carla qualified as a Winter Mountain Leader and is excited to use this qualification to help people experience and enjoy the outdoors throughout the year.

 

Gavin

Gavin has devoted his life to exploring and working within cultures and remote locations around the world. From Australia and South East Asia to Nepal, Canada, and the Americas, his journey has been shaped by curiosity, respect for local communities, and a deep connection to wild places.

Along the way, Gavin has taught a wide range of outdoor skills to both adults and young people. His experience spans navigation, bushcraft, watersports, and rock climbing, always with a focus on safety, confidence, and learning through experience. He has a natural passion for passing on knowledge and helping others discover their own capabilities outdoors.

Beyond teaching and the world of the Duke of Edinburgh Award, Gavin has committed significant time to volunteering and supporting those in need. He has worked closely with his local education authority to deliver outdoor programs for young and vulnerable people, using the outdoors as a powerful tool for growth, resilience, and connection to the world around them.

 

Alex

Alex has a wealth of experience in the outdoors, shaped by growing up in rural Dartmoor. Alex acquired his love of the outdoors through days spent on the moorland with the Scouts. As a teenager, he completed several Ten Tors events, leading his team to complete the highest level.  He volunteered as Scout Leader for many years, during which time he qualified as a Mountain Leader, and lead him into working in the outdoors full time.

Along this journey, Alex has developed extensive experience teaching outdoor skills to both young people and adults. His expertise includes navigation, expedition skills, campcraft, and bushcraft, always delivered with a strong emphasis on safety, enjoyment, and creating positive, supportive learning environments.

Through working in forestry and growing up on Dartmoor, Alex has a wealth of knowledge about wildlife, nature, and conservation. He is always able to offer deeper insights into the landscape, and is well known for being an excellent source of fun facts along the way.

 

Ali

Ali works at the Ramblers and runs the Out There Award programme. 

He is passionate about improving access to the outdoors for young people. Ali is a qualified Mountain Leader and Rock Climbing Instructor and enjoys passing on skills so that everyone can enjoy nature safely and confidently. 

He's based in Edinburgh but loves exploring every corner of Britain's wild places. In July 2026 he is traveling on a Churchill Fellowship research project to Canada and the USA to look at how organisations there are supporting young people to get into the outdoors.