Living in the SE is a long way from the hills and mountains, however, lowland walking is just as enjoyable, especially if you include a spot of birdwatching and the history or ecology of the area. I continue to use my map reading skills on a regular basis, planning short routes from my home and longer excursions for the future. Being confident with maps has been life changing.
After several years of teaching (chemistry) and volunteering roles in school, I am now an outdoor instructor. I love working with young people from all backgrounds, independent schools to youth clubs. I have extended this into working with adults providing navigation and outdoor skills. I want to encourage people to venture out and enjoy the outdoors, to be comfortable enough to understand where they can walk, to enable them to become successful navigators.
I am keen to include leave no trace ethos, responsibility of walkers and safety when hiking in my teaching.