Your Day. Your Way.
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WHO AM I?
Professional Adventure Guide
I arrived in the Lake District National Park (A World Heritage Site) 25 years ago. After a short visit, assisting at a prestigious local outdoor education centre, I instantly decided to make it my home. From day one, I fell in love with the lakes, mountains and local characters that lived in the area. I was very fortunate to have been mentored, in these early days, by some of the most respected, qualified and experienced outdoor professionals in the country, who were the best in the business at providing quality outdoor experiences. I began a truly unique and inspiring journey exploring the local mountains, lakes and rivers. We rock climbed, scrambled, walked, biked, skied and paddled as often as possible. I learnt the skills and mindset to stay safe, lead a group and have great times in wild places, in all weathers and with all kinds of people. I like to think that I have now achieved the same status as those respected instructors who inspired me. I try to share my love and knowledge of the National Park with all those who I guide and hope to pass on this passion for the outdoors that was given to me. I have been a freelancer in the Lake District, and other mountain areas, for the past 15 years, working with a variety of outdoor providers. My work has included leading school groups on multi activity and educational trips, corporate training, instructing Duke of Edinburgh Training and Assessment and overseeing conservation projects. I am also experience in supporting individuals and groups with sensory, learning and physical disabilities. This includes those with the most complex needs, who can only safely access the great outdoors within a very specialised outdoor education setting. For testimonials from a few of the companies I have worked for please see below.
TESTIMONIALS
Justin is a highly valued member of Derwent Hill’s Associate Tutor Team. He is a former member of the full time staff and has a long standing relationship with the centre.
Justin is exceptionally modest and therefore I am delighted to have the opportunity to say a few words about his passion and love for the outdoors, his natural and calm way with people and his professionalism. I can think of few people that I would rather spend an evening canoeing with or passing sometime around an open fire. We wish him every success with his new venture, our only hope is that it’s not too successful, because he would leave big shoes to fill here at Derwent Hill!
Matt Ellis
Director Derwent Hill, British Canoeing Level 5 Coach and former Chair and Regional Coaching Organiser Cumbria Canoeists
Justin is an exceptional instructor able to individually tailor activities to people of all ages and abilities, coaching and instructing them within a range of activities. His friendly and easy-going nature coupled with his thorough knowledge, professionalism, technical skills and depth of experience, enable people who he works with to not only have a great time, but learn and develop within the outdoors.
John Ford
Activities Manager
The Lake District Calvert Trust
I have employed Justin as a freelance guide and mountain challenge event instructor for many years. He has successfully guided hundreds of groups and individuals on the mountains, lakes and rivers of the UKs best and most beautiful wilderness areas.
He is an extremely competent and trusted professional who you can rely on 100% to do everything needed and more.
Justin can work comfortably with whoever he is leading, inspiring confidence and trust and bringing whatever he is instructing to life. He is knowledgeable, friendly and approachable with a passion for passing on his wealth of experience in the mountains and on the water.
Alan Barnes
Managing Director
MOUNTAIN EVOLUTION
I’ve had the pleasure of working with Justin running snowshoeing holidays in the French Alps. We’ve found him to be incredibly reliable, honest and a dedicated champion of all things outdoors. Our team included students doing work placements and Justin could always be relied upon to be someone to look up to as well as being personable enough for the students to consider him as one of their own.
Justin’s knowledge of the outdoors and love of adventure is contagious. His patient, gentle approach coupled with his fun and enthusiastic nature make him a natural fit as a guide.
Sam White
director of Absolute Alpine
QUALIFICATIONS
Summer mountain leader award
Single pitch award.
Bcu 4* level 3 canoe coach
Bcu 4* Level 2 kayak coach
Bcu Paddle boarding coach
White water safety and recsue
Safety and rescue/level 2 power boat driver
ERCA Leader/Rescuer
DofE assessor
Up to date dbs
Up to date first aid
Oh and don't forget the 20 years of experience
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
British Mountainering Counsel
British Canoe Union
Institute of Outdoor Learning
CURRENT FREELANCE POSITIONS
DERWENT HILL ( taking children on multi activity holidays and corporate training.)
CALVERT TRUST ( multi activities with children and adults with varying degres of ability and disabilities.)
HONISTER SLATE MINE ( Via Ferrata and climb the mine guide.)
QUEST 4 ADVENTURE ( multi activities for family groups and friends staying in the national trust campsites in Langdale and low wray.)
WESTLAKES ADVENTURE ( multi activities for groups and corparate training in the wasdale/eskdale area.)
KESWICK EXTREME ( adventurous activities in the keswick area.)
KESWICK CANOE & BUSHCRAFT ( bushcraft skills and jorneys in the keswick area.)
MOBILE ADVENTURE ( Adventurous activities in the keswick area.)
THE ALLADALE REWILDING PROJECT ( taking groups of children on a 5 day wild camping jorney looking at conservation and rewilding of the calidonian forest in the scotish highlands)