Guides
Our guides' experience, dedication, and enthusiasm make them ideal ambassadors for your destination. They chart the course, finesse the details, and speak the language (English, as well as the local language). They also possess a truly rare skill, knowing when to let serendipity and inspiration take the lead.
Ruth Hackney
Raised near Manchester in northern England, Ruth Hackney has always been a passionate hiker and a history enthusiast. She majored in Oriental Studies at King’s College, Cambridge, then taught in India for 2 years, followed by a year studying in Australia on a Rotary Foundation Scholarship. Since 1987 she has lived in Southern Greece, but she returns to Scotland each summer to share with our guests her deep affection for the history, landscapes, and culture of this unique country.
Cat Trebilco
Cat Trebilco fell in love with Scotland at age 6 on a family visit and was a frequent visitor to the mountains of the Scottish Highlands before permanently moving to Edinburgh in 2012. Considering Scotland to be her spiritual home, and with her love of nature, wildlife, and the stunning views that Scotland has to offer, she became a part time mountain guide in 2009. By 2013, she had quit her corporate job to work full time in the mountains! Cat is also a qualified life coach and takes people out into nature to help them discover their true path in life. When not in the outdoors, Cat likes to sing, although this is something she also does when walking in the mountains, often without noticing that she’s doing it!
Alan Wright
Alan Wright is very proud of his Glasgow roots but has lived most of his life just outside Stirling, which is on the edge of one of Scotland’s only two National Parks. His love for the outdoors began over 25 years ago and he has hiked extensively all over the Scottish Highlands and Islands giving him a wealth of knowledge and wonderful experiences. Following a career in the finance sector, he changed gears and qualified as a mountain guide in 2014 so he could spend his time following his passion for the wonderful landscape, varied wildlife, and remarkable history that his country has to offer.
Rob O’Hara
Rob O’Hara has taught in many different countries, schools, and work environments for 30 years. He loves new challenges and has varied interests from acting and singing in local plays to road running. He was once among the top 20 road runners in England. He is well-known for his keen sense of humor and positive attitude and is looking forward to showing Country Walker guests the beauty of the English Lake District and Scottish Highlands.
Andy Heald
Born in northern England, a teenage passion for rock climbing led Andy Heald to study geology following that with a career travelling the world where he spent his time predicting and fixing landslides and other geo-hazards. An affinity for the Scottish Highlands led him to move his home to the region in 2004. His key interest is in understanding and interpreting landscapes including the layers of flora, fauna, culture, and history. In 2014 he gave up the corporate life to spend more time sharing his passion for the wilds of Scotland with visitors near and far.
