Rob, at Real Horizons, has a lifetime experience of living, enjoying and learning in the outdoors. His goal is to enthuse and teach others so that they too can be stimulated, learn and grow from experiencing wilderness environments. Coupled with this is his desire to ensure that these fragile environments are protected to be enjoyed by all.

To fully enjoy the outdoors certain skills and knowledge are required and, consequently, we run courses to learn how to navigate in the wild; how to protect the environment; how to deal with medical emergencies in remote locations; how to survive in backwoods settings, plus much more. Courses come under these headings:

Rob holds numerous outdoor qualifications including:

• International Mountain Leader (IML)
• Rock Climbing Instructor (RCI)
• Mountain Bike Instructor (Wild Country Terrain)
• Trainer with Rescue Emergency Care (REC)
• DofE Gold Assessor
• Accredited Practitioner for the Institute of Outdoor Learning (APIOL)
• Trainer with Leave No Trace UK
• Trainer /Assessor for the National Navigation Award Scheme (NNAS)
• Licensed Level 3 Instructor for Pivotal Curriculum for Behaviour and Safety
• Restorative Practices Facilitator [Distinction] (Restorative Justice Council)
• Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (RGS)
• RGS Trainer for Off Site Safety Management
• Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies (CPCAB)
• Emotional Health Practitioner (Thrive)
• BA (Hons) in Literature (OU)
• Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)
• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

His knowledge and experience have been gained from his personal exploration and adventure and as a result of his teaching, both professionally and as a volunteer. Rob has mountaineered, climbed, trekked, paddled mountain biked and skied throughout the world.

Rob has taught outdoor education in a challenging inner-city school and has extensive volunteering including over 30 years with the Scout Association and DofE.

He has led adult and youth expeditions to destinations including Central America (Mexico, Belize and Guatemala) the Himalaya (India and Nepal), Atlas Mountains, Sahara and Arabian Deserts, Japanese Alps, Kenya, South Africa and eSwatini, SE Asia (Thailand, Laos, Cambodia), Norway, Indonesia, European Alps. Rob is known for his calm and patient manner. His philosophy in leading in the outdoors is to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience in which people of all ages will gain the necessary skills and knowledge as well as developing physically, mentally, socially and emotionally.

Rob has a passion for protecting the environment and, as a trainer with Leave No Trace UK, will take opportunities to enthuse the groups he leads to enjoy and protect the habitats that they explore.