I qualified as Blue Badge Tourist Guides in London in 2018..
A Journey into Sustainable & Regenerative Tourism
Growing up, I was fortunate to experience the best of both worlds: life in a big city and time immersed in the countryside. While I’ve always loved urban life, I have been equally drawn to nature. From camping trips to kayaking adventures with my dad, the outdoors has always been part of who I am.
In 2019, just before the pandemic, I completed my Hill and Moorland Leader training. I vividly remember returning from the Peak District on an almost empty train—an image that now feels symbolic of what was about to come.
When the pandemic hit, guiding work stopped overnight. Assignments were cancelled, and we could no longer operate tours. Once outdoor activity was permitted again, an idea began to take shape. As I was already outdoor first aid qualified and insured for lowland walks, I began carefully planning and pre-walking routes.
It started with a London tea walk and gradually expanded into the countryside.
The History Hikers Group was founded during this time. I began offering small group outdoor experiences, travelling by train from London and ensuring social distancing at all times. These walks naturally combined nature, history, and cultural heritage.
As restrictions eased, the walks evolved to include interior visits to historic sites and small churches, always encouraging donations and respectful travel. At the time, I didn’t realise this approach aligned with sustainable tourism—it simply felt like the right thing to do.
Participants were always introduced to the Countryside Code, reinforcing responsible travel and respect for local environments.
In 2022, I trained as a North Downs Way Ambassador. This programme covered lowland navigation, local flora and fauna, and conservation awareness. It marked a turning point, deepening my understanding of sustainability and how guided tours can positively support landscapes and communities.
In May 2023, I qualified as a Blue Badge Tourist Guide in Wales. Wales was love at first sight.
During the certificate presentation by Dafydd Wigley, his inspiring speech on the importance of sustainable tourism in Wales deeply resonated with me and reinforced the direction my guiding was taking.
In October 2023, I completed the SMART Tourism and Responsible Travel course with Nottingham Trent Universityand Nottingham Business School.
In January 2024, I gained my formal qualification in Sustainable Tourism with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) and became a registered member.
I have also continuing professional development in sustainability through the Association of Professional Tourist Guides and the Federation of European Tourist Guides Associations.
At the same time, I began applying sustainability principles to all aspects of life and work—from how tours are delivered in cities like London, to monitoring energy and water use at home, and switching to eco-friendly household products.
In January 2024, we were awarded the Silver Green Tourism Award.
In November 2024, during Storm Bert, I successfully passed my Hill and Moorland Leader Assessment, further strengthening my qualifications as an outdoor guide.
As far as we are aware:
Alongside guiding, I now lecture on sustainable tourism as part of the London Blue Badge Tourist Guide course, sharing best practice with the next generation of professional guides. I have also spoken on sustainable tourism during the Guided to Growth Conference for Tourist Guides, contributing to wider industry discussion on responsible and regenerative travel.
Looking ahead, I continue to:
Our goal is simple: to offer meaningful, responsible travel experiences that protect landscapes, support communities, and leave Wales better for future generations.
