Ben - Activities Instructor

What is your role here at The Torridon? 

Activities instructor at Torridon Outdoors.

What does your job entail on a day to day basis?

Everyday starts with a good breakfast! The working day usually starts with a quick bit of admin catch up from the night before and then its on to welcoming guests, checking paperwork and getting everyone kitted up for their activity. Much of the day is spent guiding activities, interpreting the landscapes and of course keeping people safe. The environment we work in is constantly changing, so lots of decisions have to be made throughout the day as to what is suitable for the individuals and groups. At the end of the day its cleaning and sorting kit so that it is ready to be used again.

I like to have active evenings too, when you have spent the day taking other people on adventures its important to take yourself on an adventure too. This is usually sport climbing near Gairloch, bouldering in Torridon, or going for a local run.

Tell us your favourite thing about  The Torridon? 

The mountains. They feel truly wild up here which is difficult to find anywhere else in the UK. They are awe inspiring whatever the weather and whatever the season. I love they way they change every day (or every 5 minutes as the weather does here).

What is your favourite thing about your job?

Being active everyday and encouraging that in the people I take out. We need physical activity for mental wellbeing as well as physical. It’s fantastic that I get to achieve this as part of my job and it’s also a great feeling to ensure others are getting the same. I hope that many guests get the bug for something adventurous when they have been out with me and keep at it after their experience.

What is your favourite actitivy to lead? 

One of my favourites is the Gorge Scrambling. It’s a real adventure in the gorge and everyone has to get stuck in; its quite physical, there are some really exciting sections, and of course the opportunity for a plunge into the gorge for the brave. It also finishes at a pretty spectacular waterfall with a perfect clear pool to swim in.

What do you do in your spare time? 

Climbing is my real passion. I spend a lot of my free time on climbing adventures or training for it. It has taken me to some outstanding locations and I really love the feeling of overcoming the physical and mental battle and topping out on a route. I am also a lover of good food and like to spend time cooking (all this activity requires a lot of fuel).