Our Story
Our Mission
At Guided Outdoor Adventures, we specialise in guided walks, hikes, and outdoor experiences across the UK. From the Peak District and Snowdonia to the Lake District and Cotswolds, our mission is simple: to make the outdoors accessible, safe, and deeply rewarding for everyone
Whether you’re hiking through the Snowdonia, paddle boarding in The Peak District, or exploring the Cotswolds by e-bike, our mission is to make the outdoors accessible, safe, and deeply rewarding.
We believe in slowing down, breathing in the fresh air, and experiencing the beauty of the UK’s wild places without stress, maps, or guesswork.
How It All Began
Founded by Julia Hartley, Guided Outdoor Adventures was born from a lifelong love of the outdoors and a deep understanding of how nature helps us heal, grow, and feel alive.
The spark for Guided Outdoor Adventures came when I was just seven years old. My parents had recently divorced, and my dad, suddenly faced with raising two young children while working full-time, decided to send me on a PGL holiday in North Wales.
I didn’t know it at the time, but that trip would change the course of my life. I wasn’t just climbing, hiking, or scrambling around in the woods, I was learning to trust again. The mountain leaders who looked after us weren’t just guides; they were role models. They showed me that the outdoors could be a place of safety, resilience, and belonging at a time when my world felt uncertain.
Years later, after leading countless walks for friends, I saw the same thing happening for others. People who thought they couldn’t do it found confidence. Strangers became friends. The weight of everyday life seemed to lift as we stepped into the hills. That was when I knew this needed to be bigger than me—I wanted to create a platform where could help more people experience that same transformation.
What started with one woman, one map, and a belief in the power of nature has grown into a community of expert guides across the Peak District, Lake District, Snowdonia, Cheshire, and the Cotswolds, helping people from every walk of life step into adventure, safely and with confidence.
Meet the Founder
Julia Hartley – Founder, Adventurer, and Believer in the Outdoors
I’ve always believed the outdoors is about more than just ticking off peaks. With a background in health and wellbeing, I see how time in nature can rebuild confidence, support mental health, and create space for connection.
As a solo female founder, I know what it feels like to take that first brave step into the unknown. That’s why my approach, and the ethos of Guided Outdoor Adventures is warm, inclusive, and empowering, especially for those exploring adventure for the first time.
I personally vet every guide who joins our platform to ensure they meet the highest standards of safety, professionalism, and care. Because for me, it’s not just about leading people outdoors it’s about giving them the courage and confidence to carry back into their everyday lives.
Why We Do What We Do
We’re not just about adrenaline or ticking off peaks. We’re about moments, sunrise on a ridge, laughter on a woodland trail, a quiet moment beside a lake. We know the outdoors improves mental wellbeing, builds confidence, and strengthens connection,with ourselves and others.
Our guided adventures are perfect for:
- Individuals seeking calm, confidence, and connection
- Female entrepreneurs in need of a reset
- Corporate teams looking to escape the boardroom
- Anyone craving a screen-free day in nature
My hope for Guided Outdoor Adventures is that it becomes more than just a booking platform becomes a community. I want people to meet new friends, gain confidence, and learn new skills. Whether it’s your first hike or your hundredth, there’s something special about sharing an experience with like-minded people who love the outdoors.
We cater to all budgets, offering everything from free community events to guided hikes abroad, because adventure should be accessible to everyone.
And in the long run? My goal is to help disadvantaged and underprivileged communities access the outdoors. I want to take people into the hills and show them what’s possible, how it can expand their horizons and build confidence that carries into all areas of life.
I believe that the outdoors should be for everyone, and I’m excited to help more people experience it stress-free, guided by experts, and filled with unforgettable moments.
So, whether you’re new to outdoor adventures or a seasoned explorer, I’d love to help you find your next adventure.
Our Commitment to Safety
Every guide listed on our platform is:
- Fully qualified in their discipline
- First Aid trained (many with 16-hour Outdoor First Aid certification)
- Fully insured and DBS checked
- Local to the area, offering real insight and expertise
We also carefully assess every route, adjust for weather conditions, and work to ensure every participant feels safe and supported, whether you’re a first-timer or seasoned adventurer.
Female-Led, Purpose-Driven
Supported by Entrepreneurial Excellence
To accelerate growth and build a strong foundation, Julia was accepted onto two prestigious female entrepreneur programmes, which helped refine the business structure, strategy, and financial model. These experiences have shaped a clear and sustainable vision for the future—one that’s scalable, impactful, and deeply rooted in purpose.
“These programmes taught me not just how to run a business—but how to build one that lasts, uplifts others, and aligns with my values.”
Giving Back Through Adventure
Establishing a Community Interest Company (CIC)
Guided Outdoor Adventures isn’t just about offering great hikes or paddleboarding sessions. It’s about making outdoor adventures accessible to everyone, regardless of their background.
That’s why we’ve recently established a Community Interest Company (CIC). This enables us to seek funding and develop charitable initiatives that provide access to the outdoors for disadvantaged and underrepresented communities. From free group walks to subsidised activities, this is just the beginning of our social impact mission.
Join us on Your Next Adventure
We’d love to welcome you on a guided walk, paddleboarding trip, biking tour, or outdoor challenge. Whether you’re solo, with friends, or planning a company day out, let us take the stress out of the planning so you can focus on the joy of the journey.
👉 Explore our latest adventures
Let’s step outside together.
Be Part of the Adventure
Whether you’re a curious first-timer or a seasoned explorer, we invite you to join us
We’re pleased to have been awarded funding from Sport England’s Movement Fund, supporting our work to make guided walking more accessible for older adults in Cheshire and the Peak District.