If you would love a mountain walking and open water swimming guide that also comes with a super cute Spaniel, then please do read on.
I have been guided by Vicki on the Kendal Climbing Wall and Damian and I have both cross paths and chatted with Vicki about how good her dog Louie is, as we have been getting out of Lake Windermere and Vicki has been getting in with her friends at Wonderful Wild Women. Her adventure talents are growing all the time and so we are thrilled to have her listed as a local expert that we recommend, if you are looking for a guide in this location.
So what do Vicki and Louie do? Vicki is the owner behind a small Guided Swimming and Mountain Walking company, offering bespoke guiding around the Lake District and the Howgill Fells and you are guided by Vicki herself and her wonderful side kick, her working cocker spaniel Louie. Both of them have local knowledge and experience in the hills. Be it swimming or walking they love to share the rolling hillsides.
Vicki is trained and qualified in both Mountain Leadership and Open water swim coaching. The two mixed together means when you book on, you can really explore and adventure further than just the lake shore, taking in waterfalls , tarns and mountain tops. Plus she guides both adult groups and families, so is accessible to all.
As a keen outdoor swimmer and mountain biker, Vicki of course loves spending time with her two dogs; one which helps makes these days out extra special. Sharing the outdoors with others is Vicki’s passion and she says, “My mantra is ‘Pass it Forward’ as I have been taught, instructed and coached by so many tremendous people, that I now like to pass that experience on to those I take out.”
Vicki feels, everyone deserves to spend a day outside benefiting from nature and all it has to offer. She fully understands that leaving the planning and guiding to someone else can mean more time to reset and enjoy the experience. Plus you can ask as many questions as you like on the day to enable you to begin getting out alone.
The lovely ethos behind Vicki’s business comes through when I asked what she loves about her job. “Seeing client’s faces when they achieve something they perhaps thought was not possible for them, or something new to them. Making the day suit them and their requirements and leading the day so that I meet those and more. To top that off, watching them interact with Louie my working cocker spaniel, as he is the best at giving gentle cuddles, encouragement and patience. He really knows how to make people feel special and smile.” I mean a business that comes with a dog to encourage you is my kind of business.
Sessions can be half day or full day depending on how you would like to spend your time. Physically, you just need to be healthy and happy enough to put one foot in front of the other at your own pace. See willing to share with Vicki your previous experiences so she can create a route which meets your needs. Always on offer is a calm relaxed day out, enjoying the national park and all it has to offer. Mixed with off the beaten track route choices and breath taking hidden gems.
Inspired … get in touch with Vicki …
https://www.vickiandlouieguidedwalks.co.uk/
https://www.instagram.com/vickiandlouieguidedwalks/
https://www.facebook.com/vickiandlouie/
