What do you do you for work?
I work at the University of Derby in Project Management; however, I volunteer for the RAF Air Cadets in my free time.
Why did you want to become a Lowland Leader? I wanted to become a Lowland Leader to help my cadets complete their Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinburgh expeditions and train them in navigation and the countryside code. The cadets gain a great benefit from the expeditions as some have never experienced the outdoors before, put up a tent and cooked on a camping stove, putting them in different environments in this way helps to develop them personally and learn how to be part of a team. I find it a great achievement to help them to progress and complete something that they didn't think they could.
What do you enjoy about leading groups in the outdoors? I enjoy helping people learn about their countryside and share the joy I have for the outdoors. Getting people out of their comfort zones and being somewhere else can make a real difference to people’s mental health, and to be a part of that is very rewarding.
What do you wish you'd known before you started working through the qualification? I wish I had known how accessible the qualification is to complete. The assessors and trainers I had were very supportive, and they want you to pass and help you achieve just that. Anyone thinking about becoming qualified should do it and gain an incredible experience along the way.
What was the best thing you learned along the way? During consolidation, I did walk in different areas. I learnt that I enjoyed everywhere I went for a walk and there are some lovely places within the British Isles. From walking the coast in Cornwall to hiking on the islands in Scotland and everything in-between, these places have something for every walker to enjoy.
What are your plans for the future?
I intend to complete the Mountain Leader qualification next. I spend a lot of my free time in the mountains, and I'm looking forward to leading groups in this challenging terrain. It would be a dream come true to work within the outdoor education full time to combine my passion for the great outdoors and helping people to experience what the countryside has to offer and its benefits.
Where's your favourite place to go walking? I love walking in Scotland as it is a beautiful wilderness with fantastic coastlines, mountains and islands. I enjoy the Lakes and North Wales as well, but a little closer to home, I love walking in the Peak District, and my favourite place to visit is Edale. You can have a lovely walk followed by an excellent pint.
SUMMIT#105 | SPRING 2022 | 47
Paul Lowland Leader
Challacome
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