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    John Hamilton

    Enthusiastic | Passionate | Outdoors

    Mini Bio

    I am an individual entirely committed to the outdoors through adventure. I have a passionate appreciation of remote locations via active travel such as kayaking, ski mountaineering, canoeing, mountain biking, walking, etc – especially through sharing experiences with others. I am completely committed to introducing others to the outdoors and all that the outdoors has to offer. I take my partner and two spaniels everywhere I can and take them canoeing and have even taken my 15-year-old spaniel on the ski chair lift often. I play guitar and have supported some of Scotland’s best known traditional musicians. I love Correlejo, Fuerteventura, and have been there 14 times. I love the excitement of paddling white water. I love the snow!

    “I am happiest when I have travelled to a remote area, am camping, enveloped in nature and with great company.”

    Place to Play

    Paddling, skiing, walking and Biking ‘anywhere’ in Scotland.

    Not a lot of people know this

    I own a book that was owned by Robert Burns, Scotland’s greatest poet. His signature is on the inside cover. It has been passed down to me from my Grandfather and Father. Every year I host a Burns supper at my house and sing Burns songs in respectful memory.

    Qualifications Read More
    • Mountain Bike Tutor
    • UKCC Paddlesports Tutor
    • Coach, Inland kayak, Open Canoe, Sea and Surf
    • Tutor /Assessor FSRT, WWSR.
    • BASI Nordic
    • Winter Mountain Leader
    Experience Read More

    For 26 years I held a senior post in Outdoor Education. I am currently the lead liaison for the Scottish Industry for the Health and Safety Executive and Scottish Government during it’s review of licensing. I have been a National Governing Body tutor for over 20 years. I have been Head Coach for the Scottish Special Olympics. I have paddled in Austria, Switzerland and France. I have Mountain Biked in the Czech Republic and French Alps. I have skied in Norway, Italy and France often. For the past four years, I have lead walking groups in Tenerife in November. I will always remain passionate about ‘remote travel’ and sharing these experiences with others.

    Biggest Adventure Read More

    Whilst, not the most remote adventure, I have to say my most challenging but also most rewarding adventure was training athletes and having the responsibility for taking them to compete in the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games. They won Gold and Silver medals in kayaking and presented them at Scottish Government on their return.

    Specialist Subject Read More

    Having worked in the Outdoor Industry for over 30 years I have a passion for supporting and where possible mentoring young enthusiastic instructors. I particularly love when a young person, like me, comes from the concrete jungle. Realises that there are more options for employment other than the office or labour industry and becomes fulfilled through the amazing experiences gained through the outdoors. Working in the outdoors for me is a vocation, not a job.

    Publications Read More
    • Outdoor Learning Modules for Learning and Teaching Scotland
    • The use of IT in the Outdoors

    Adventurer's Stories about John

    Liam was incredible. So calm, so kind...I had an unexpected health issue that limited me in a way I hadn't predicted. Liam was great about helping me make some modifications to my hikes while not compromising the experience of the others. His knowledge of the area and the mythology behind the geology was fascinating and such a great addition to the trip. I looked forward to his "story times" every day.

    Victoria Young-Chiverton
    Wilderness Walking - Outer Hebrides & Skye
    Reviewed on 22/10/2023

    Liam was great!

    Cindy Stragier
    Wilderness Walking - Outer Hebrides & Skye
    Reviewed on 17/10/2023

    Liam really knew the area and is passionate about his work and Scotland

    Margaret Young
    Wilderness Walking - Outer Hebrides & Skye
    Reviewed on 16/10/2023

    Liam was really excellent on a couple levels. I went on this trip with my mother and my aunt ( who has stage 4 cancer)

    He was extraordinary kind to my aunt. When we had originally booked she had been doing much better but had a down turn right around when we left. Liam was cognizant of this fact supportive and created an environment she could enjoy this trip without allowing her underlying concerns overshadow the absolute awe and joy she felt on this trip. She will not likely be able to do another trip like this, I am so thankful she was able to experience this trip as it was. Our guid was intergral to that.

    My mother has lots of questions and thoughts about Scotland as a whole and Liam was incredibly thoughtful and willing to have those conversations. There was a baker who she is a huge fan of signing books at the distillary and he went out of his why to make sure she ( and others) were able to go to the signing. This seemed so above and beyond to me!

    I was constantly surprised at how knowledgable and enthusiastic he was for Scottish geology, flora, and fauna. He was able to discuss lands scapes in terms of ongoing evolution that is impacted both by people and underlying geography/climate. I did not expect this level of passion ( maybe thats on me?) Or interest. I felt like i learned so much and was constantly engaged and enjoying these discussions that also veered into the mythology of the area. I was also surprised at his willingness to answer " and what mushroom is this?" On near constant repeat.

    Overall I am extremely thankful for the kindness, consideration, and the utmost interest in the situation at hand.

    Jacqueline Burtonboy
    Wilderness Walking - Outer Hebrides & Skye
    Reviewed on 16/10/2023

    EXCELLENT! John Hamilton made the trip worthwhile. Very knowledgeable, offered options to respond to group interests, and personable. He made the trip worthwhile.

    Penny Dutton
    Wilderness Walking - Outer Hebrides & Skye
    Reviewed on 03/10/2023

    Our guide John Hamilton was absolutely super. Extremely knowledgeable, organized and definitely focused on ensuring we had the best possible experience during our trip

    Janet Mulcaster
    Wilderness Walking - Outer Hebrides & Skye
    Reviewed on 02/10/2023

    Not only did John take into account our varied interests, he was consistently gracious, highly professional, and fun!

    Ruth Picha
    Wilderness Walking - Outer Hebrides & Skye
    Reviewed on 02/10/2023

    John and Jamie were great. Their personalities, knowledge base and skill sets complimented each other very well. I'd hike again with them any day.

    Shirley Freeman
    Wilderness Walking - The West Highland Way
    Reviewed on 16/06/2023

    John Hamilton and Jamie led with compassion and useful knowledge

    Gary Forrest
    Wilderness Walking - The West Highland Way
    Reviewed on 09/06/2023

    We had really excellent guides: John Hamilton and Jamie Pimblett. As I commented earlier, they provided fantastic care for the group overall and for many individuals needing advice, foot care, etc. They shared their knowledge of history, culture, plants, geology, geography, etc., and this added a lot to our appreciation of the hike and of Scotland. They fit right in with the rest of the group, which helped our group to achieve a remarkable level of inclusiveness and camaraderie. Hats off the John and Jaime for their leadership!

    James Freeman
    Wilderness Walking - The West Highland Way
    Reviewed on 08/06/2023

    John was amazing. He was able to trouble shoot some unexpected changes in itinerary and meals, remained professional and calm. He also surprised us with an impromptu open mic session one evening at the pub!! He is friendly, approachable, knowledgeable and passionate about his career.

    Bonnie O'Hagan
    Wilderness Walking - Wilds of Assynt
    Reviewed on 04/06/2023

    John was friendly and adaptable, taking time to ensure the trips suited and taking sensible account of the weather

    Keith Mathieson
    Wilderness Walking - Wilds of Assynt
    Reviewed on 15/05/2023

    As I have previously mentioned our guide was John Hamilton and he was exceptional. We (family of 3) had a wonderful time. John played Scottish music for us during our drives, he was an excellent guide on the hikes. He is fun to be around, and he made each of us feel safe. We would definitely do another guided trip with him!

    TARA MONTELEONE
    Wilderness Walking - Wilds of Assynt
    Reviewed on 15/05/2023

    Oh my, they were all just wonderful. Ben Anderson (Glencoe) is just a delight, he made history come alive, and is very knowledgeable about the local flora.
    Ben Hester (Skye) went above and beyond by suggesting a divided day our second day on Skye, with an early morning walk to the Old Man of Storr, then a break, then a bit later to The Quaring. That was a special day!
    Dear John Hamilton took such good care of us in Assynt -- the first day to Stac Pollaidh (I won't lie, that almost did me in!), then a lovely easier second day through the grasses and dunes to a secluded white sandy beach. We loved that day!
    Scott McNeish took us on a super-fun, beautiful bike ride thru the heather -- just perfect!
    And finally with the knowledgable James Banks we all gave it a good try canoeing in windy conditions, before a lovely, easy walk (just what we needed on our last day).

    Carol Oppenheim
    22WSTM - Tailor Made Trips
    Reviewed on 06/09/2022

    John H. (our guide) was excellent, friendly, and informative. He did a great job understanding our to-do list and met all of them. Would definitely travel with John again.

    Shamir Bhatt
    22WSTM - Tailor Made Trips
    Reviewed on 05/09/2022

    Every guide was outstanding

    Bruce Oppenheim
    22WSTM - Tailor Made Trips
    Reviewed on 05/09/2022

    Our guide was continually throughout the week, was trying to find ways to support us for a more enjoyable experience, which made the experience always comfortable and feeling so supported

    John Evans
    Road Cycling - The North Coast 500: Highlights
    Reviewed on 19/07/2021

    John was always attentive to our needs. Because there were only the 3 cyclists and John we developed a close bubble so it was disappointing when he was in different accommodation unit

    Linda Evans
    Road Cycling - The North Coast 500: Highlights
    Reviewed on 12/07/2021

    See my earlier comments about John.

    Ms. Timothy Frank
    Wilderness Walking - The West Highland Way
    Reviewed on 03/06/2019

    John Hamilton was OUTSTANDING. He worked well with our widely-diverse group of hikers, responded well during unusual events (e.g., urgent medical situations), and greatly increased the enjoyment of the experience. I can't give him enough credit. A fine man.



    TEAM WILDERNESS RESPONSE

    Thank you for your feedback. We are delighted to hear that you had a fantastic time both on the trip and with the guide. It is great that John helped to deal with the unfortunate blisters that appeared on your wife’s feet and this in turn allowed you to complete the trip.

    Tyson Brunstetter
    Wilderness Walking - The West Highland Way
    Reviewed on 30/05/2019

    He was there for us if we needed him, and helped set out the expectations for the day, to help us fully enjoy it. He was also sensitive to the group abilities and dynamics, and allowed people to enjoy their walk at their own pace, in their own way. An excellent guide.

    Keith Cornelius
    Wilderness Walking - The West Highland Way
    Reviewed on 23/05/2019

    John Hamilton was wonderful. Fun, calm, very sensitive to individual skills and personalities. Always willing to help. Very knowledgeable about Scottish culture and history. A good problem solver, esp in my case where I needed some medical help. A wonderful part of our group while still being able to step aside and make important decisions. This group gelled amazingly well - looked out for one another both on the trails and in our hotels with luggage, etc. This is partly due to John’s ability to make us all one team.

    Tedi Macias
    Wilderness Walking - The West Highland Way
    Reviewed on 23/05/2019

    Our guide was fantastic. His passion for Scotland and the great outdoors was evident from the start. He has great communication skills, is a good listener, then -there are his many and varied talents, unveiled as the week progressed!- We were a diverse group with varying ability. He was there when needed. Everyone in our group thought highly of him.

    Mary Cornelius
    Wilderness Walking - The West Highland Way
    Reviewed on 23/05/2019

    Book a trip with John

    Trip / DepartureAvailabilityStatusPriceBook
    Wilderness Walking – Outer Hebrides: Uists, Barra & Mingulay
    13th Jul - 19th Jul 2024
    5 place(s) leftGuaranteed £2,575Book Now
    Wilderness Walking – Glencoe and the Highlands
    17th Aug - 23rd Aug 2024
    4 place(s) leftGuaranteed £2,495Book Now
    The West Highland Way
    16th Sep - 23rd Sep 2024
    10 place(s) leftGuaranteed £2,695Book Now
    Wilderness Walking – Argyll & the Isles
    19th Oct - 25th Oct 2024
    5 place(s) leftGuaranteed £2,395Book Now

    Make Trip Private

    Sometimes it's nice to get family and friends together and travel privately for some quality time. This means you benefit from all the features of the group departure, including hand-picked accommodation and expert local guides and we'll take care of it all. Then you can make your choice of departures dates and we'll get back to you to finalise the details.

    We work together with our team of guides to decide which departures they lead each year. As part of that, guides provide available dates that they are free to be booked. This means that any of the dates you see in the first field of the form below, could be perfect for your private departure or customised tour.

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