Jessie Leong

Mini Bio

I have been an outdoor instructor for over ten years, working as a freelancer teaching navigating, route planning, expedition management, and bushcraft survival skills. I regularly travel to Northern Iceland in the winter season to guide snowmobiling, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, and paddle sports.

My favourite thing about guiding is meeting many different people from around the world. I love nothing more than having a laugh, sharing a cuppa, and a chocolate biscuit by the fire. I am a keen cold-water swimmer, mountaineer, and rock climber.

Having spent time juggling outdoor work alongside creative projects, I am also an award-winning filmmaker. One of my climbing films won People’s Choice at the Kendal Mountain Film Festival. My most recent film, Perfect Partners, was shown as part of Montane’s International Women’s Day. You can watch the films on my YouTube Channel.

When I’m not outdoorsying, I am a keen photographer and gardener, and I am currently trying to learn Icelandic (with difficulty) – þetta reddast!

Favourite Place to Play

Skye, for the bonkers logistics of trying to get from one side to the other.
The Isle of Arran for sampling Scotland in miniature and the incredible Cìr Mhòr ridge.
The Cairngorms for the sweeping roads and quaint little forests near Balmoral.
Rum – a destination that’s been on the list for years!

Not a lot of People Know This

I once drove a motorhome between all of Scotland’s national parks on a continuous 20 day challenge, and thought the Cairngorms were one of the best places ever to visit in a motorhome—they have great lay-bys and tea shops.