Stuart Mackinnon- Diretcor, Instructor, Mountain Leader MTA
Stuart Mackinnon - Director, Mountain Leader has been obsessive about the outdoors since the age of 16 when a friend dragged him around Snowdonia for a weeks walking holiday. Since then walking has been pretty much a constant in his life. In 2015 Stuarts love for the outdoors resulted in a move away from a career in Charity management, and instead pursued adventure training and exposing a wider audience to the outdoors. Stuart is particularly enthusiastic about map reading and supporting sound Hill Skills, which promotes not only safety and consideration of the environment, but allows everyone to enjoy the freedom and solitude that wild places have to offer. Stuart believes that Hill and Mountain walking has the potential to transform individuals and organisations, and should not be the preserve of those only with experience. Widening access to the Hills and the magnificent experience they offer is his Modus Operandi. Tread Gower promotes 'Walking for All' - whether you are a first-time wanderer, aspiring mountaineer or a business looking to transform your communication and leadership skills, Stuart and the Tread Gower team can support you in your transformation.
Roy Behenna - Director, Mountain Leader and Instructor
Roy Behenna - Mountain Leader is passionate about the outdoors and walking, and as a former Squadron Leader within the Air Cadet core has extensive experience in outdoor education. Roy is an approved Mountain Leader with the Mountain Training Association, as well as being a Duke of Edinburgh Award-Gold Expedition Accredited Assessor.
Roy has worked worked on Military Mountain Leader Courses as an Instructor, as well as being a Basic Expedition Leader (BEL) Course Director. Under the National Navigation Award Scheme (NNAS) Roy acted as Course Director for Bronze, Silver and Gold (Training) Courses. Roy has extensive experience in training personnel for National Governing Body Qualifications in all of the Terrain of the UK, and organising Adventure Training Courses/Weeks in the Mountainous Areas of the UK. Roy is keen to support anyone with an interest in developing the skills to access the outdoors safely, and to develop the right skills and attitude required to access Mountainous terrain.
Roy has worked worked on Military Mountain Leader Courses as an Instructor, as well as being a Basic Expedition Leader (BEL) Course Director. Under the National Navigation Award Scheme (NNAS) Roy acted as Course Director for Bronze, Silver and Gold (Training) Courses. Roy has extensive experience in training personnel for National Governing Body Qualifications in all of the Terrain of the UK, and organising Adventure Training Courses/Weeks in the Mountainous Areas of the UK. Roy is keen to support anyone with an interest in developing the skills to access the outdoors safely, and to develop the right skills and attitude required to access Mountainous terrain.
Andy Cummings MIA, Instructor - Climbing, Mountaineering and NGB Awards
Andy Cummings - Mountaineering Instructor / MT Course Director
Challenge, adventure and fun are the themes that run throughout Andy Cummings life. As a qualified Mountaineering Instructor and a passionate and accomplished rock climber and mountaineer with first ascents to his name, he’s spent 30 years helping people develop their skills to safely enjoy the mountain environment. If you want to head off the beaten track, experience the joys of scrambling or savour one of the UK's classic rock routes in the company of a skilled instructor, Andy can provide you with a memorable, exciting and enjoyable experience.
Andy's work with Tread Gower offers Single Pitch Award (SPA), CWA and CWLA training and assessment; as well as tailored climbing skills courses for all climbers wishing to learn new techniques or brush up their skills prior to assessment or before a big trip. Andy also offers 1:1 coaching for movement skills, psychology of performance and anxiety control in climbing. Andy is a qualified Personal Fitness Trainer and brings these skills to developing personalised training plans to develop climbing strength and endurance. Consultancy available indoor and outdoor rock-climbing, in-house training and assessment programmes, safety provision for film, tv and media or just advice on a good place to climb, Andy can draw on 30 years of climbing and outdoor industry experience.
Challenge, adventure and fun are the themes that run throughout Andy Cummings life. As a qualified Mountaineering Instructor and a passionate and accomplished rock climber and mountaineer with first ascents to his name, he’s spent 30 years helping people develop their skills to safely enjoy the mountain environment. If you want to head off the beaten track, experience the joys of scrambling or savour one of the UK's classic rock routes in the company of a skilled instructor, Andy can provide you with a memorable, exciting and enjoyable experience.
Andy's work with Tread Gower offers Single Pitch Award (SPA), CWA and CWLA training and assessment; as well as tailored climbing skills courses for all climbers wishing to learn new techniques or brush up their skills prior to assessment or before a big trip. Andy also offers 1:1 coaching for movement skills, psychology of performance and anxiety control in climbing. Andy is a qualified Personal Fitness Trainer and brings these skills to developing personalised training plans to develop climbing strength and endurance. Consultancy available indoor and outdoor rock-climbing, in-house training and assessment programmes, safety provision for film, tv and media or just advice on a good place to climb, Andy can draw on 30 years of climbing and outdoor industry experience.
Ruth Gates - Lowland Leader
Ruth arrived at Tread Gower as a client on an Intro to Navigation course a few years back and quickly fell in love with walking, exploring new places and introducing people to the outdoors, walking and navigation. Ruth has attended and completed nearly every TG course on offer, including both Bronze and Silver National Navigation Award Scheme (NNAS) qualifications, as well as her Lowland Leader assessment. Ruth is keen to support individuals and groups looking to learn navigation skills for the first time, as well as those wanting to develop the skills and knowledge around group management and outdoor activity provision.
Ruth arrived at Tread Gower as a client on an Intro to Navigation course a few years back and quickly fell in love with walking, exploring new places and introducing people to the outdoors, walking and navigation. Ruth has attended and completed nearly every TG course on offer, including both Bronze and Silver National Navigation Award Scheme (NNAS) qualifications, as well as her Lowland Leader assessment. Ruth is keen to support individuals and groups looking to learn navigation skills for the first time, as well as those wanting to develop the skills and knowledge around group management and outdoor activity provision.
