Meet The Team

After 15 years in the fire service, Richard co-founded Pied A Terre Adventures, with Kirstie, in 2011. His infectious passion for the outdoors shines through his 25+ years of mountain exploration and impressive collection of qualifications that include Walking Group Leader, Hill & Moorland Leader, Nordic Walking Instructor, Level 2 Award in First Aid for Mental Health, NNAS Tutor Award, Mountain Leader and International Mountain Leader (IML). As lead guide, Richard has trained and guided adventurers worldwide, helping people overcome challenges, learn new skills, and find delight in the outdoors. There is no doubt that Richard goes above and beyond for his clients. Richard is a highly sought after public speaker, recognised for his extensive knowledge, outdoor guiding and business expertise and ability to inspire audiences. Having been Sir Richard Branson’s personal guide, he brings a unique perspective and compelling storytelling style that resonates with audiences across a wide range of industries.

Kirstie co-founded Pied A Terre Adventures with Richard in 2011. Kirstie is known for her meticulous attention to detail, ensuring guests enjoy an exceptional experience at every stage of their journey. Passionate about connecting people with the natural world, she believes in the transformative power of nature for learning, health, and spiritual well-being. With a particular interest in wellness and mental health, Kirstie champions the many benefits of walking, from improving physical fitness and reducing stress to boosting mood and creating opportunities for reflection and connection. Whatever the weather, she can often be found out on the trails, and her greatest passion is helping others discover the joy of walking while creating unforgettable outdoor experiences in nature that leave a lasting positive impact.

Not only is Dave a qualified trainer and outdoor instructor, but also a remarkably talented professional photographer, videographer, and photojournalist. With a deep wanderlust, he has been privileged to explore numerous breath-taking locations worldwide. Dave loves the chance to connect with new people and nurture their appreciation for the outdoors, imparting wisdom, new skills and a profound understanding of nature.

A Londoner at heart, Fran will however head to the hills whenever the opportunity arises. Recently Fran has completed walking Lands End to John O’Groats, but added an additional challenge by trying to take in as many national trails as possible, thereby making it even longer! Whether Fran is walking with friends, sharing knowledge with adults or instructing Duke of Edinburgh participants, she loves that her work is based around what she enjoys. As a qualified International Mountain Leader and Rock Climbing Instructor, there is no doubt Fran is a highly experienced member of our team.

Rob loves being outdoors so much, he has made it his day job since obtaining his Rock Climbing Instructor and Mountain Leader awards in 2017. Since then he has added Winter Mountain Leader and British Cycling Leader to his resume, making him a great fit for Pied A Terre Adventures. He brings a cool and calm demeanour to excursions with his philosophy that adventuring outdoors should be available for all, whatever level. To that end he works to encourage individuals and groups to safely meet their aims, and often exceed them, in some of the most incredible and challenging landscapes in the UK and abroad. He works regularly with schools on DofE expeditions across the UK, plus guides individuals and small groups both on winter mountain days in Scotland and on overseas expeditions (Peru and Cambodia to name a few).

Born and bred in Scotland, mountains are part of Andy’s DNA. Andy has gained unparalleled expertise through his qualifications as a Winter Mountain Leader and International Mountain Leader. As an extremely experienced Lead Guide, he has conquered every British mountain at least once and relishes introducing like-minded individuals to his favourite places and empowering them with the skills to explore untamed landscapes.

Since undertaking a Summer Mountain Leader award in 2005, Ali has since added to her long list of qualifications including certifications as International Mountain Leader, Climber Wall Instructor, Mountain Bike Instructor, and D of E Leader and Assessor. Ali has travelled all over the world and, as a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, she often takes the time to gen up on her knowledge which feeds nicely into her travel writing for outdoor magazines

Rachael first met Richard in 2021 when she completed her NNAS Silver and Gold awards with Pied A Terre Adventures. The experience strengthened her existing passion and inspired her to build a career in the outdoors. Her love of the outdoors began much earlier, growing up around horses. Whatever the weather, she was outside, and those early years sparked a lifelong appreciation for nature and a passion for helping others too. Rachael is a qualified Lowland Leader and Duke of Edinburgh Assessor. She is also Mountain Leader trained and continues to build her skills and experience in the hills.

Inspired to be part of the family business, assistant guide, Harvey, has an impressive resumé of qualifications in a range of leadership and outdoors skills including FREC 3, an ILM Leadership & Management Level 3, as well as NNAS Bronze/Silver and Level 2* Kayaking & Canoeing, making him the ideal candidate to assist Pied A Terre Adventure’s offerings. However, it’s the new connections that the role enables him to make, both on and off the hill, that really drives him. Harvey’s day job is as a firefighter in London Fire Brigade and as a retained firefighter for Billingshurst Fire Station. However, on his off days Harvey is most at home in the outdoors and keeps busy with a range of hobbies, from hiking and climbing to kayaking.

Assistant guide Steve is an ever constant presence at our large group events. His cheery and fun-loving personality (he is always smiling!) means he is a popular member of our team and someone we can always rely on. Steve loves the outdoors – whether that is trekking, running or walking the dog – outdoor adventures are clearly his passion. With his NNAS Bronze and Silver and first aid qualifications under his belt, he is also a safe pair of hands.

Mick joined Pied A Terre in 2011, bringing a contagious passion for the outdoors and a wicked sense of humour. With over 18 years of experience as a watch manager and qualified trainer in the Fire Service’s Search and Rescue team, he’s a popular character that enjoys discovering new routes and taking like-minded nature enthusiasts on new adventures.

Maggie, the team’s loyal Rhodesian Ridgeback, is a much-loved companion who occasionally joins us on events. While she proudly holds the titles of Chief Squirrel Chaser and Head of Picnic Quality Control, Maggie’s greatest talent is her gentle, intuitive nature. She has a remarkable ability to sense when someone might be feeling a little uncertain, tired, or in need of encouragement outdoors, or could simply use some extra reassurance. Whether it’s quietly sitting beside someone, offering a comforting nuzzle, or sharing her calm presence, Maggie seems to know exactly who could benefit from a little extra care.