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      Laerke Nielsen

      Laerke Nielsen

      Born | To | Explore

      Mini Bio

      Having lived and guided around the world—favourites including Greenland, Norway, and Southern California—I’m now proud and grateful to call the Scottish Highlands my forever home.

      After an early chapter in international relations, I changed course and earned a postgraduate degree in Outdoor Education from the University of Edinburgh in 2018. Since then, I’ve built a full-time career instructing, guiding, teaching, and exploring in the outdoors—a path that continues to challenge, inspire, and reward me every day.

      There’s something truly special about this corner of the world. It’s a privilege and a joy to share my knowledge of, and deep love for, Scotland and its wild, beautiful places.

      Favourite Place to Play

      My literal backyard is the Cairngorms National Park, and it never ceases to inspire me. However, Torridon and its coastline, mountains, and magnificent rock climbing is just as high on the list.

      Not a lot of People Know This

      “Lærke” means “lark” in Danish—a modest little bird that carries the symbolism of joy, renewal, and the first light of day. A beautiful meaning, which just about compensates for how tricky it is for English speakers to pronounce.

      “Having lived and guided around the world—favourites including Greenland, Norway, and Southern California—I’m now proud and grateful to call the Scottish Highlands my forever home.”
      Expand All
      Qualifications Read More
      • Summer Mountain Leader
      • International Mountain Leader
      Biggest Adventure Read More

      Unsupported solo hiking and camping across the mountains of Southern Greenland: the sheer magnitude, solitude, and feeling of self-reliance was an eye-opener for me.

      What Fellow Travellers Say About Laerke

      Laerke was absolutely brilliant. So knowledgeable, kind and patient which our group of largely beginner hikers. She brought smiles and energy every single day. This trip wouldnt have been what it was without her. We appreciated everything she did!

      Avni Nathan
      26WSTM Tailor Made
      Reviewed on 08/06/2026

      Laerke is a top notch guide, knowledgeable, friendly , helpful and very flexible in adapting the itinerary to our needs

      Venkatanathan Rajagopalan
      26WSTM Tailor Made
      Reviewed on 03/05/2026

      Larkin was outstanding. She listened to what we all wanted, and she made it happen. She was especially helpful to me as a pertains to our hikes

      Cheryl Dascenzo
      25WSPD Private Departures
      Reviewed on 07/09/2025

      Lake was fantastic! Very knowledgeable and helpful and was terrific when Mary fell. Great job putting up with our dad jokes too. Highly recommend her

      Dan Berg
      25WSPD Private Departures
      Reviewed on 05/09/2025

      Laerke was very organized, she tapered our tour to our personal interests, managed to see that everyone met their goals for the trip and went above and beyond assisting to have a surprise birthday party. Could not ask for a more attentive guide.

      Elizabeth Storner
      25WSPD Private Departures
      Reviewed on 03/09/2025

      Lærke was excellent. Highly recommended.

      Rob Holschuh
      25WSPD Private Departures
      Reviewed on 01/09/2025

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