We caught up with guide, Nick, to chat about his passion for cycling, his journey into guiding and the moments that make his Skedaddle adventures so memorable.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and where you’re from…
I was born in Cambridgeshire, which is predominantly flat — probably why I developed such a love for the mountains. Most of my career has been in engineering, from power stations to offshore rigs in the North Sea. Working on large man-made structures has always pushed me to spend more time outdoors and seek out wild places. I took a career break in 2022 to spend 4 months at Plas Y Brenin (National Outdoor Centre in Wales) and work on my outdoor instructor qualification, I felt this was really needed following covid and I really thrived spending 7 days a week outside in the mountains.
What got you passionate about cycling?
I’ve always loved being outdoors, whether that’s walking the dog, hiking, climbing or paddling – but cycling has always been my main passion. As a kid, the freedom to explore by bike, and to go slightly further than I was supposed to, felt adventurous and a little rebellious. These days, I’m mostly into mountain biking and what I call “Adventure Packing”. My favourite trip was a self-supported ride through the interior of Iceland with my best mate. We set off not knowing how long it would take, or even whether we’d make it. There were days we pushed our bikes for 13 hours in wind and rain, but the camaraderie and the funny moments are memories I’ll keep forever! Exploring by bike takes you to places you’d never reach in a car and takes away the idea of getting from A to B in the shortest amount of time for me.
What’s your history with Skedaddle?
Around the time I found out I was being made redundant, I decided to pursue a job in the outdoors rather than stay in engineering. It felt strange to completely change careers after 15 years, and I worried that turning my hobby into a profession might take away the shine. But from my first chat with the General Manager, it was clear the company ethos and the way Skedaddle looks after its staff really aligned with what mattered to me. That attitude filters straight through to the customer experience, and it’s one of the benefits of working for a company where the owners are still actively involved.
I remember my first trip with Francis on the Rebellion Way — a seasoned, calm and collected guide who set the bar high. Nothing was too much trouble, and it was such a positive introduction considering it was only the second time the trip had run. It was full on, and we barely stopped, but delivering a great holiday for the riders was incredibly rewarding. Two full seasons later, and I haven’t looked back.
What is your favourite trip?
Guiding with Skedaddle gives you the chance to lead all kinds of trips — leisure, gravel, mountain biking and road. I have favourites in each category, but hands-down you can’t beat the Caledonia Way. It’s a tougher leisure trip, but the variety of scenery and riding is incredible and showcases some of Scotland’s best landscapes. From epic coastal views of the Isle of Arran, beachside breaks, high forest-track, lochside riding, ferry crossings and old drovers’ routes through the glens — it’s one of the best leisure trips in the UK.
What’s your favourite Skedaddle memory?
My favourite memory is from a Caledonia Way trip I guided with Anne and Joe for the first time. It felt like we’d known each other for years — everything just clicked. Despite some less-than-ideal weather, we delivered a fantastic trip and the riders had a brilliant time. I particularly remember waiting for a ferry to Fort William when Joe came up with some games to pass the time. At first people were reluctant, but once the laughter started, everyone joined in. As adults we often forget to play, and it was a special moment seeing everyone having fun and really bonding.
What’s your favourite power snack and why?
Simple is best — anything homemade like flapjacks or bars with dates, dark chocolate, dried fruit and nuts. I prefer making my own snacks and it’s a great way to use up bits in the cupboard. Mixing slow and fast-release sugars keeps you fuelled throughout the day.
Tell us something about you we might not know…
I used to be heavily involved in theatre from my teens into my early twenties — everything from designing and building sets to working backstage. I’ve been involved in nearly 100 shows, from serious plays to musicals to the annual pantomime. I even made an appearance as a chimney sweep in a panto in my youth — my first and last time on stage outside of a blackout!
Want to know more about our amazing guides? Check out our meet the team section on the blog to get to know our team a little bit better and for more expert advice on all things cycling!