Compass OUTdoor
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Sean McGachie
I was first introduced to the mountains of the UK as a teenager nearly 40 years ago and my enthusiasm for being in the mountains, in whichever season, has not diminished since. I have found mountaineering a perfect release from the pressures of everyday life, enjoying the simple pleasures of solitude, bracing air, amazing views and advocate these benefits to anyone who would like to improve their fitness and well being. My enjoyment of mountaineering led me to leading groups for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and onto professional Mountaineering qualifications. I hold the Summer, Winter and International Mountain Leader Awards, qualifying me to lead groups in the mountains, both summer and winter, in the UK and around the world. I have led groups in Nepal, Indian Himalaya, Peruvian Andes, Iceland and Slovenia amoungst other countries. More recently I have developed my off piste skiing skills and become a Ski Tour Leader, taking groups ski mountaineering in the Alps. If you are interested in getting out into the mountains but are not sure how to do it safely or where to start, then Dave and I would be very happy to introduce you to these wonderful landscapes, whenever and wherever you would like to go.
Dave Thomas
I have been passionate about the outdoors all my life and led my first group in the hills over 40 years ago. Travelling to all parts of the world looking for new adventures, I have been to many of the world’s high places and have trekked extensively in the European alps and Nepal. It is not just about the hills though; I get as much enjoyment walking in the stunning lowland countryside that the UK has to offer. Introducing people to the outdoor world gives me great enjoyment, taking them to places and seeing sights they would not have had the confidence to visit on their own. I have a real passion for training and love seeing that moment when things all click, and the understanding happens. I also have a deep interest in navigation and have a lot of experience training these skills at all levels. Trying to get as much time in the outdoors as possible, my time is split between guiding and training for others and exploring new parts of the world for myself. I have guided and trained both adults and young people, the latter being mainly in the Duke of Edinburgh scheme, for which I am a Gold Expedition Assessor. I have a lot of experience leading abroad, particularly in my favourite countries, Nepal and Slovenia. I am a holder of the Summer Mountain Leader qualification and am a qualified, remote area, first aider.