Nicky Merrett
Mountain Leader, Navigation & Poles Coach
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.
Rob Brown
Summer & Winter Mountain Leader, Navigation coach
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.
Gary Lingard
Mountain Leader & Navigation Coach
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.
Rachel Platt
Mountain Leader & Geology Expert
Rachel joined our team in 2019, as an expert mountain leader who has a passion for geology also. Rachel is fun to walk with and encourages folk whilst telling tales of the valleys and fells we walk in. She is also a Mountain Rescue Team Member as well as Cave Rescue, and works as a medic on our sky race events in the fells, so if you have the pleasure to walk with Rachel you are truly in safe hands!.
Sean Bolland
Mountain Leader, Navigation & Poles Coach
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.
Louise Greenwood
Fell Guide
Louise is passionate about inspiring folk in The Lakes and is expert at giving confidence to those who are new to this environment. Nicky & Louise have worked together since 2019 delivering guided days and mini breaks and inspiring folk with stories of the Lakeland Fells. Louise has a very calm approach and always smiling whatever the weather.
Dave Pratt
Mountain Leader & Navigation coach
Dave is a Mountain Leader who has a passion for the mountains. His style is very democratic emphasising on inclusion. He likes to have fun while looking to help develop peoples skills and aid progression.
Bryony Catlow
Mountain Leader 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.
Steve Hopwood
Mountain Leader
Steve can usually be found either running, coaching or guiding on the fells. Usually running but quite a bit of scrambling and hiking too, it's all fun & he loves taking folk that little step further!
Steve has the ultimate knowledge of all the Wainwright Fells, having supported James Gibson on his record setting winter Wainwright Round, both out on the fells in full on Winter Conditions, day and night and heavily involved in the logistics and planning of the James' team.
Zac Poulton
Summar & Winter Mountain Leader
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