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      Kate Wilson

      Kate Wilson

      Enthusiastic | Encouraging | Passionate

      Mini Bio

      My love for being active and enjoying the outdoors means I’m always up to something—whether it’s rock climbing, walking, or cycling, the list goes on!

      Originally from Edinburgh, I attended university in Fort William, where I studied Adventure Performance and Coaching and began my guiding career. Having lived at the foot of Ben Nevis for 4 years it’s no surprise that I have been to the top a total of 28 times! (When I get to 100, I’ll stop counting!) I then moved east to the Cairngorms National Park, where I worked for several years, guiding and working with young people in an outdoor learning setting, before heading to North Wales to complete a Masters in Applied Sport Science.

      Since returning to Edinburgh, I have been working in the NHS as a physiotherapy assistant whilst also continuing to guide and explore the beautiful landscapes of Scotland and beyond.

      I enjoy physically challenging myself and exploring new places, whether on my doorstep or further afield. My natural curiosity means I love learning new things and making connections between the natural environment and human history.

      Favourite Place to Play

      I am a macaroni cheese connoisseur. Every dish I eat is ranked based on several criteria and earns a place in my macaroni cheese ratings.

      Not a lot of People Know This

      My natural curiosity means I love learning new things and making connections between the natural environment and human history.

      “I enjoy challenging myself and exploring new places, starting with the ones on my doorstep and working towards far-flung places.”
      Expand All
      Qualifications Read More
      • Summer Mountain Leader
      • Level 2 Mountain Bike Leader
      • Canoe Leader
      • Rock Climbing Instructor
      Experience Read More

      As well as guiding groups all over Scotland on foot, by boat, and by bike, I have worked with young people doing multi-activities outdoors and as part of the Scottish Curriculum. I love seeing the impact the outdoors can have on people, particularly young people who do not experience it regularly. Helping others enjoy visiting the places I like to spend time in and engage with the activities that mean so much to me is a privilege.

      Biggest Adventure Read More

      Cycling up a stretch of the Norwegian coast and onto the Lofoten Islands is definitely up there as one of my biggest adventures to date. It was a challenge with snow, low temperatures and wind that was determined to blow me off my bike. However, the midnight sun and amazing scenery made up for the weather and made it a trip to remember.

      Closer to home, my biggest adventure would have to be a two-day canoe expedition that started in Glen Loy, crossed over to the River Mallie and then took in a series of lochs and rivers before ending up in Fort William. Perhaps one of the most memorable moments of this expedition was starting the trip with an uphill passage through a pathless pine forest. Who said hard work couldn’t be fun?!

      Specialist Subject Read More
      • Macaroni Cheese
      • Home baking
      • Sport science and Training (needed to work off the macaroni cheese and home baking!)
      • History
      • Fun Facts
      Publications Read More

      My claim to climbing fame is having my name in the latest edition of Scottish Rock guidebook. I also feature in a number of photos used for advertising climbing; there was a rather fetching shot of me climbing with cardboard boxes on my arms, making the rounds a while back!

      I am also considering creating my own macaroni cheese guidebook – watch this space!

      What Fellow Travellers Say About Kate

      Kate was energetic and informative and very accommodating of our groups wishes and ability level. We had a great time on this trip.

      Claire Casault
      Wilderness Walking - Isle of Skye
      Reviewed on 12/08/2024

      Kate did a great job!

      Rick Dion
      Wilderness Walking - Isle of Skye
      Reviewed on 26/09/2022

      We all loved having Kate as our guide. She clearly was quite technically skillful and was sweet and accommodating to all group members. This trip presented many logistical challenges for Kate - the Covid incident, so much driving, the wide variety of skill levels of group members, and then the serious injury on the trail near the end of the trip. She handled things well (and we all pitched in to make it work) but from the marketing descriptions, I had been expecting a guide that has more specific experience with the trails and the history of the region. I have to give a gold star to one of our group members- Ruth Banner, who sprang into action when Geri fell and injured her knee badly- she helped make the splint and worked a miracle in supporting (literally) Geri back to the boat and throughout the emergency room visit and everything in between. Ruth’s knowledge of how to move an impaired person was invaluable and we could not have done it without her. Some of this kind of training may be useful for trip guides. Getting back to our guide, Kate- as she does more and more trips, she will gain confidence and experience with trip specifics. She was a caring and respectful guide, and I loved getting to know someone who exemplifies a hearty Scottish outdoorswoman.

      Paula Greer
      Wilderness Walking - Isle of Skye
      Reviewed on 26/09/2022

      The kayaking guide, Stuart, was great - really passionate and made all of us feel very comfortable throughout the day. Kate took us biking and hiking in Aviemore and was again hugely passionate and made a wonderful effort in setting up the treasure hunt which kept the children excited.

      Parshav Shah
      The Great Family Adventure - Treasure Highlands
      Reviewed on 13/09/2021

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