Meet the Team

Tim Francis - Senior Guide

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 just getting out there and doing it all again!!

Chris Wilson - Guide

Climbing, mountaineering, kayaking and even saving the world from an alien invasion, Chris takes it all in his stride. As Activity Instructor at Torridon Outdoor Activity Centre for a number of years and a key member of the Torridon MRT, Chris has come to know the giants of the Highlands intimately and is always up for the challenge. But beware as like all of us he can talk the hind leg off a donkey and spin a yarn or two.

Richard Strivens - Guide

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.

Gina Francis - Administrator

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.