Why Hiring A Guide Gets You More From Your Experience
There are a multitude of reasons for getting out in the hills – a planned team building activity, a fundraising challenge or perhaps it’s a simple case of just wanting to explore somewhere new, see some amazing sights and perhaps be able to snap that super cool mountain summit selfie for your socials!
It’s easy, right? All it takes is a few key words in a search engine and this provides us with most of what we think we may need to plan and execute our adventure. There are route files available to download, bookable parking online and even trip advisor reviews for mountain summits. What more could we need apart from our trusty walking boots and an Ordnance Survey Map?
With an abundance of information available at our fingertips planning adventures off the beaten track has never been easier! However, whilst it might appear pretty straightforward, every trip to the mountains entails a certain amount of risk both in terms of the hazards presented due to the nature of the environment, coupled with the risk that we don’t achieve what we wanted to, or gain from our experience what we thought we would.
So, how do make sure that we get the best possible outcomes from our experience? Is it actually true that simply by having a guide with us we can get more from our experience? We certainly think so!
Here’s five key reasons for having a guide, and how they can add value to make your planned adventure a success.
Knowledge of routes & navigation
Whilst it’s fairly easy to follow a dot on a GPS phone app, would you be able to navigate without it? Would you be able to navigate in poor conditions, or know where was safe to deviate from your route if you needed to?. Qualified mountain leaders are competent navigators in a variety of conditions and can keep you safe and on track whilst also being able to maximise the potential of your planned route by offering alternatives, if there is time or if weather curtails the original plans.
Mountain leaders know the terrain and safest areas to walk. They can help make you aware of potential hazards on the route and how to avoid some of the busiest areas. They’ll know the best places to stop for a rest, get some respite from the weather, where to take that idyllic mountain selfie, or even where’s best to grab that post-walk refreshment!
Local information, history and culture
There’s more to going for a walk than, well, just going for a walk! The UK’s National Parks are awash with amazing geological features, historical significance and unique flora including alpine plants. Not to mention the many myths, legends, and mysterious tales associated with these spectacular places! A mountain leader can really add to your experience with this extra knowledge and information they can share with you along the way. They’ll also be pretty clued up on the local area too, and will happily share some ideas of other places to visit or which pub you should go to for dinner!
Help improve your skills
Our mountain leaders love nothing more than to be asked questions about navigation, what a particular feature is on a map or what the latest best breathable waterproof technology is! For those interested in learning more about navigation, a guide can assist with helping get you up to speed. They are useful source of knowledge too when it comes to how to use those walking poles effectively, getting that rucksack to fit like a glove or how to negotiate tricky terrain like a pro.
Ability to enhance your experience
Whatever your objectives, skilled mountain leaders can adapt the way in which the group is managed to assist with achieving specific outcomes. Whether it’s a fundraising endeavour or a group of friends out for fun, they’ll make sure that you achieve what you are looking for.
If you’re a group looking for team building, they’ll be able to tailor your walk to incorporate learning outcomes such as promoting resilience, leadership, communication, and teamwork within your organisation. Our mountain leaders will take the pressure off whoever is organising the trip, allowing the leader to lead and the party leader to enjoy the experience alongside the group.
Accountability
Qualified mountain leaders are skilled in their fields. As the organiser of a group, your mind can be at ease that you have a competent leader that can deal with everything from first aid to navigation. By hiring a qualified mountain leader, as an event organiser you can demonstrate that you have been diligent in the planning and execution of your event and as far as possible aimed to mitigate risk by ensuring that a competent person was leading the group. Additionally, this is likely to significantly reduce the liability of your organisation.
These are just some of the reasons why hiring a guide can get your more from your experience.
As we’re sure you will agree, there is an immeasurable amount of value that can be gained! So if you’re planning an event, a day in the mountains or a fundraising challenge and you’re looking for a guide or guides to support you, just fill in the form below and we’ll be in touch.
See you in the hills!