Meet the team
Gavin
Head of Operations
For 20+ years I have been with the Cumbria Outdoors Team. I enjoy kayaking, canoeing, caving/mining, climbing and being outdoors. I have various professional qualifications and I am keen to develop myself further.
Woody
Outdoor Education Leader
I’ve been a permanent member of staff since 2020, and a casual employee for 10 years before that. I love climbing, paddling, caving, and taking people on adventures in the great outdoors.
Russel
Outdoor Educational Leader
From casual to seasonal to permanent, I have been with the team for five years now. I Love walking, climbing, and biking, spending time with my family and events with my local church. I can make a mean roast dinner!
Paul
Outdoor Education Leader
I have been working at Hawse End since 2021. I enjoy being out on the water either canoeing, kayaking or paddle boarding and especially enjoy working on our Gold DofE Paddlesport Residentials and delivering paddleboard introductory sessions.
Outside of work I volunteer with Penrith Mountain Rescue Team.
Robin
Outdoor Education Leader
I started at Cumbria Outdoors in 2022, I am a keen runner and climber but enjoy any opportunity to spend time in the outdoors. In my limited free time I love to draw and paint and spend time with my family.
Chris
Outdoor Education Leader
I was once a well-travelled climber and mountaineer. But these days I am content to run in the fells, paddle or sail on the lakes or bore those too polite to leave with stories of my adventures as a youth. I am new to Cumbria Outdoors but have twenty years of experience within the industry.
Kath
Assistant Housekeeper
30 years I have spent with the team, and negotiating the country roads on snowy days! I love wordsearches, puzzles and shopping.
Natalie
Business Support
I have been with the team for 6 years. I love keeping fit, anything equestrian, including caring for my two resident ponies, family days with my new grandson and making special cakes for people. I am the 'money lady' and organise all the invoices, take bookings and liaise with customers. The list goes on…
Lesley
Housekeeping Co-ordinator
I have been with the team for 14 years. I love spending time with my large family, especially my grandaughter Lucy, and taking my Cockerpoo Ted for country walks. I am responsible for the day to day running of the Housekeeping team. If you want to know anything about dietary requirements and allergens I'm your woman!
Hannah
Housekeeper
Hi, I have been with Cumbria Outdoors since 2023. I love the challenge of our visitor’s dietary requirements, enjoy researching recipes. In my spare time I enjoy hiking, biking, swimming, paddleboarding, watching wildlife generally just being outside with nature.
Deborah
Business and Projects Manager
I have been with the team for a decade or two, let's say it's in excess of when you stop counting the years! I really enjoy walking in the hills, but don't get to do it often enough! In another life I may have been a gardener, chef, or cat breeder, but I do have the 'handle' of @queenmeringue on Instagram!
William
Maintenance Technician
I have been keeping the centres maintained for 6 years, and apparently "No job too big or too small for a man of Williams talents!"
Sharon
Housekeeper
Hi, I have been with the team since last 2023. I love working here because of the change in seasons and the lovely surroundings. Previous to working here, I have worked as the cook in various schools. In my spare time I enjoy travelling around the world and have visited many countries but when I’m at home I enjoy walking my two Patterdales.
Viktoriya
Housekeeper
My name is Viktoriya and I am originally from Bulgaria. I am a busy mum of two young children. I love spending time with my family, travelling, camping, looking after our allotment, growing vegetables, looking for bugs and enjoying the great outdoors. My passions are cooking and sewing.