ABOUT MELANIE

As a qualified Mountain Leader and former A&E nurse, I combine expertise and empathy to help people thrive in the outdoors. In other words, you're in safe hands. Whether it’s teaching mountain skills, supporting major events, or guiding Duke of Edinburgh participants through to their Gold Award, I’m passionate about empowering others to explore safely and confidently. My goal is simple: to build resilience, self-belief and independence in every person who sets foot on the hill.

A BIT MORE...

FOUNDATIONS

After years spent exploring mountains in the UK, I achieved a major challenge in 2011: I climbed all 214 Wainwrights within a year. Since then, I’ve completed the 442 Nuttalls across England and Wales too. While each summit offered new challenges, the experiences also sharpened my mountain skills and strengthened my connection with nature. These adventures are the foundations of where I am today.

PROGRESSION

My background in emergency care combined with extensive mountain experience inspired me to support the revival of the Dragon’s Back Race in 2012. Working for Ourea Events, I was involved in the planning stages, right through to becoming campsite team leader. I continued my involvement by supporting two more editions of the race and went on to serve as a medic for the inaugural Cape Wrath Ultra in 2016. Working behind the scenes in such pioneering events fuelled my ambition. Completing the Welsh 3,000s in under 12 hours not surprisingly, made me wonder if more was possible. This passion ultimately led me to train for and attempt my own Dragon’s Back Race in 2019. Whilst I didn’t have the fairy-tale ending I had hoped for, it remains an adventure I cherish deeply.

MEMORABLE

One unforgettable adventure I have been involved with was supporting Steve Birkinshaw on his record-breaking 214 Wainwrights attempt. I provided vital foot-care throughout his gruelling 520km run. His herculean effort radiated grit and determination and the teamwork and organisation involved was inspiring. I felt privileged to have the opportunity to contribute to his book “There’s No Map in Hell”.

PROFESSIONAL LIFE

Since those first bold steps, my path has been fuelled by passion and purpose. Each new challenge – whether working on event safety teams, scouting routes, teaching navigation or coaching runners – has inspired further growth and a deeper professional connection to the mountains. Along the way I have gained qualifications as a Mountain Leader, Coach in Running Fitness (CiRF), Fell Leader, NNAS Tutor, Leadership Instructor and DofE Assessor . I am fully insured, registered on the DBS Update Service and have training in Safeguarding.

WHAT’S NEXT

Whether in a professional or voluntary role, my work centres on sharing knowledge, teaching skills and building confidence. The mountains have shaped who I am today and I’m passionate about encouraging others to embark on their own journeys – striving towards safe and independent adventure.

Helping people gain confidence and skills in the outdoors, achieve challenges and provide event mountain safety

Mountain Leader

I'm qualified to lead you in challenging terrain over mountainous areas of the UK, including grade 1 scrambles. If you would like to book directly for a bespoke mountain day, please get in touch. Prices usually start from £75 per person, ideally a minimum of 3 people. PHOTO: Steep ground training day in Eryri.

Navigation Instructor

I can teach you the skills you need to navigate safely in your chosen environment - adapted to your own abilities and preferred location. Prices usually start from £75 per person, ideally a minimum of 3 people. Contact me to discuss further. PHOTO: Trig point in Eryri, showing poor visibility!

Guided Race Recces

Shropshire Way? Welsh 3,000s? Long Mynd Hike? Lakeland 50/100? Do you want learn how to get yourself around race routes more efficiently, being able to navigate on the move? Do you need a training plan for a specific race? Would you like to recce sections with support? What kit is best for you and why? I can answer all these questions and more. Day rates from £180. Coaching prices: £150 for a one off, 8-week programme, with add-on options for 1:1 sessions, tailored to your event/location. Online only coaching: £75 per month (minimum 3 months). Contact me to discuss your specific needs. PHOTO: Welsh 3,000s recce, Carneddau.

Coach in Running Fitness

Couch to 5k? Aiming for a PB? Running your first ultra? Good for age times for the London Marathon? Whatever your goals are, I have the knowledge to help you achieve them. Build your running resilience and speed from the ground up - train smarter for a longer and a healthier running life! Prices: £150 for a one off, 8-week programme, with add-on options for 1:1 sessions. Online coaching only: £75 per month (minimum 3 months). Both plans allow plenty of WhatsApp or email contact. Get in touch to discuss your needs. PHOTO: Coaching a Hills-in-the-Quarry session for Shropshire Shufflers.

Guided Walks

Do you fancy a walk away from your usual route and want a guiding hand? Wouldn't it be nice if someone was there to lead your route and carry some of your extra gear for you? Prices from £75 per person, ideally a minimum of 3 people, depending on the location. Get in touch to discuss your needs. PHOTO: Friends learning to navigate in the Shropshire Hills.

Charity Event Co-ordinator

I can help you plan and execute a bespoke charity event for a cause close to your heart. I will ensure it is challenging enough but achievable for groups of any ability. Contact me for prices: this is very specific to your needs. PHOTO: Brains Trust - Unique 3 Peak Challenge that included Snowdon, Caer Caradoc and The Wrekin.

Personal Challenge Support

Do you have a challenge in mind that needs a support person or team? I can assist in the planning and development, devise a training programme or offer logistical support at one or several check-points. Contact me for prices: this is very specific to your needs. PHOTO: Bill Whitfield on way to a successful Bob Graham Round!

Duke of Edinburgh Award

I supervise and assess groups from Bronze Training up to Gold Assessment for various providers across England and Wales. This includes in-school training days, specific navigation sessions and leadership days. Prices usually agreed with individual providers. If you require my services, please get in touch. PHOTO: DofE in Llangollen.

Mountain Safety

I often work directly with event providers to help keep runners and walkers safe in the mountains. Strategic positioning and the ability to respond and assist at short notice in challenging conditions is crucial to the event safety and success. Prices agreed with individual providers. If you require my services, please get in touch. References provided. PHOTO: 13Valleys check-point at Greenup Edge.

Route Recce/Assessment

Do you have an event that requires the route to be assessed for suitability, for a specific group such as Duke of Edinburgh, routes affected by weather or new event route selection? I can report back with photographs, footage and recommendations. Prices agreed with individual providers. If you require my services, please get in touch. References provided. PHOTO: Me recceing a Gold Qualifying route near Capel Curig.