Meet the Team
Natural High Guiding was established in February 2004 by Tim and
Gina Francis. Drawing on their love of the outdoors, in particular mountain
biking and walking, Natural High Guiding was set up primarily to provide
services to mountain bikers and walkers in the Highlands. Based in the
conservation village of Tomich at the very end of Strathglass, the Glen Affric
National Nature Reserve has become an extension of their back yard. The munros
and more remote off-road mountain biking tracks, being a short 45 minute ride
away.
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Tim Francis - Senior Guide |
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Tim is a well respected guide
in both the walking and mountain biking fields. His vast knowledge and
love of the outdoors and in particular the Highlands means a trip with Tim is a
memorable and fun experience for all. He is a real people person and is
always keen to share his knowledge with the variety of groups he leads.
Tim divides his time between NHG and consultancy work for many outdoor
operators including Wilderness Scotland, Maximum Adventure, Charity Trek and
local outdoor activity centres. In his spare time he likes nothing better
than to go for a ride, perfect a vertical ice climb or stroll in the woods with
his children! He is also the chair of the local MTB group the 10
Glens
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Richard Strivens - Guide |
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Richard has about 25 years UK
wide mountaineering experience, including 5 years experience in mountain
rescue. He is also a qualified summer and winter mountain leader and climbing
instructor. He has been living and working in the Highlands for the past 15
years, working professionaly in outdoor education for the past 13 years.
Although he currently lives in the Cairngorms he has a good knowledge of the
North and West Highlands and rates this as probably one of his favourite places
in the world. As well as instructing mountaineering, Richard also has
qualifications in Open Canadian Canoeing, Kayaking, Mountain Biking and many
other activities. Whilst mountaineering is still his main passion he is also
very keen on open canoeing, sea kayaking and nordic skiing and has worked as a
canoe guide in Norway as well as the UK. With a background originally in
Conservation management he has a good knowledge of the ecology, archaeology,
and social history of the Highlands. This often finds practical expression in
teaching traditional woodland management skills, bushcraft and wilderness
living skills both ancient and modern.
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Gina Francis - Administrator |
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Since returning to the UK in
1999 and having 2 children, Gina has worked for a variety of companies as an
administrator. Not only does she run the NHG office, but also works in
the bookings office for the local self catering operator Tomich Holidays, along
with overseeing any secretarial duties for the Strathglass Heritage Association
and book-keeping for a nearby design company. In her spare time she
dreams of climbing more mountains and walking the hills.
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