Nicky Merrett
Nicky Merrett founded "Hiking Highs" and formerly "Nics Nordic Walks" in 2015, to deliver guided walking breaks, inspire folk in the Lake District Mountains and share her passion for hills. Nicky lives at the foot of Helvellyn, and the Helvellyn Massif is her playground all year round. Using poles in the fells and also teaching their magic is Nicky's passion, alongside Navigation, to those keen to develop their skills in the hills. As an accomplished Nordic Walking Coach for hiking and distance events, Nicky found her clients were keen to explore the higher fells, so took the next step to qualify as a Mountain Leader in 2018. She found herself being inspired by her clients, pushing their boundaries and giving an all round uplifting experience to all who walk with her. This has also led to inspiring folk to loose the fear of being 'lost' and gain confidence in map reading. Nicky now teaches the Bronze, Silver & Gold Level of Navigation for the National Navigation award Scheme, recognised by Mountain Training Association (MTA) and the British Mountaineering Council (BMC). There's always a story with Nicky, and knowledge of the surroundings in which they walk. There is always an excitement amongst hiking groups for Nicky to give folk the tools in order to achieve and gain confidence in the fells. Nic's regular Hikers have joined her on many walking holidays, both high and low level all over The Lakes. Now Nic's main goal is to help hikers to escape into the fells on a bespoke adventures, allowing the days to be tailored to her clients' abilities and fitness levels.
Gary Lingard
Gary is a qualified Mountain Leader, Level 2 Mountain Bike Leader and recently joined the Hiking Highs team. He is a member of the Duddon and Furness Mountain Rescue Team (DFMRT) and spends much of his time out in the beautiful South Lakes and the unspoilt Duddon Valley. He loves to teach navigation covering a full range of abilities, from people starting out on their navigation journey to those looking to sharpen up existing skills.
Rob Brown
Rob loves adventures in the mountains, whether on foot, bike or skis. He has twenty years experience of guiding and instructing others in the hills and loves to share his skills and passion with others. Rob has lived in the Lake District for the last 10 years and despite adventures all over the world, he is never happier than exploring the Lakeland fells. Rob is a qualified Summer and Winter Mountain Leader and a Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor. He looks forward to sharing some time in the fells with you.
Richard Leafe
I'm Richard Leafe, a qualified Mountain Leader and former Chief Executive of the Lake District National Park. With my unique background, I offer truly personalised and enriching experiences in the fells. I take the stress out of planning so you can fully enjoy the landscape. Whether you're after cultural, historical, geographical or political insight, I can tailor the day to your interests — be it for yourself, your family, your team, or your guests. My focus is on creating the experience you want, whether it’s a challenging day out, quality time with loved ones, or a rewarding team adventure with you.
Sean Bolland
Sean is an excellent and very calm Mountain Leader and navigation coach who joined our team in 2020. Sean and Nicky have worked together delivering guided days and walking breaks since 2020. Sean is also one of our expert Leki Poles coaches.
Lucy Burnett
Lucy has been in the mountains since age 3 and loves sharing her passion for the outdoors. Her days out are varied — combining peak-bagging with local knowledge, stories, and a personalised touch. She completed the Wainwrights at 16, has deep knowledge of the Lake District fells, has completed the Munros, and once ranked just outside the top 10 in the English fellrunning champs. Whether you're racing uphill or taking it steady, Lucy will match your pace. She’s also a published poet and professional photographer, happy to add a creative element or provide a beautiful photographic memento.
Tina Codling
Tina is an experienced mountain leader who has been walking in the mountains of the UK for nearly 40 years. She loves introducing people to the fells of the Lake District and helping them achieve things they do not think they can accomplish alone, while providing tales from the fells and safety advice and generally having a great day out. She is a volunteer walk leader for the Wonderful Wild Women community and spends some of her free time ‘dogsbodying’ for the Lake District Mountain Rescue Search Dogs. She has written a soon-to-published walking guidebook for Vertebrate Publishing covering Helvellyn and the surrounding area.
Bryony Catlow
Bryony loves nothing more than being in the mountains and it’s real honour to be able to take people out on an adventure to explore the beautiful fells - whatever the weather! I have a passion for helping people who may not be as confident on rocky / steep terrain and building their confidence up throughout the day - one step at a time. In my free time you’ll find me running the mountain trails with my little dog Charlie. I’ve completed events ranging from 10k - 110k over the years so running is also a big part of my life.
Emma Kershaw
Emma has been exploring the Lakes for many years, so her knowledge of the Lakeland fells is excellent. Emma loves being in nature and will always be up for a chat about flora, fauna or the therapeutic benefits of the outdoors. When not wandering the Fells, Emma enjoys wild swimming in tarns or lakes, climbing and mountain biking. Emma is friendly and super supportive and thrives off helping others and will offer a boost of confidence to those who need it and to those wanting an interesting conversation on the fells, she is always up for a chat! Emma is a qualified Summer Mountain Leader.
Zac Poulton
Zac's a Winter Mountaineering & Climbing Instructor with many years experience wandering around the world's high and cold places. He's called the Lakes home for the last twenty odd years with a keen interest in its ultra challenges, wildlife & mountain safety. Zac is one of the Lake District National Park Winter Felltop Assessors - for this he ascends Helvellyn daily in Winter to deliver a full winter conditions report to hikers, skiers and climbers
Max Wainright
Max is a Mountain Leader, running guide and Navigation Tutor with a background as a Royal Marines commando specialising in Mountain and cold weather environments. Max moved on to work all over the UK and in Iceland as a hiking, running, skiing and kayaking guide and has since settled in the Lake District.
Huw Jordan
Huw is a Cumbrian-born Mountain Leader and writer who helps others build lasting connections with the outdoors. He believes in the power of stories, and how folklore, ecology, and history shape our journeys. Huw insists there are no small adventures — it’s all perspective. He also volunteers for the Mountain Training Association, running workshops on navigation, ropework, flora, fauna, and conservation.