our story
It's lovely to meet you here! Let us tell you a little bit about us...
Hills and Skills is certainly what you might call a family-run business. A mother and her son, in fact.
I'm Basia and I'm your host and fully qualified leader on group or guided walks, and also your tutor on mountain skills training days.
I'm often very ably assisted by my son, Frankie. He is in charge of opening gates, shouting encouragement when you are facing a tricky bit and generally bringing bags of energy and personality to the group.
(Frankie isn't always available however, as he is only 6 years old, although he already bagged over 130 Wainwrights, he does have to go to school!)
Being here in the lakes, and helping people enjoy the most amazing fell walks, truly is our dream come true!
I've always been mad about mountains, I started hiking when I was 7 years old and have had the opportunity to climb some of the greatest mountains in the world, including Kilimanjaro and Toubkal.
I am so happy that Frankie loves it as much as I do. It's a great way to spend loads of quality time together, bonding over a shared activity and without the beeps and distractions that normally fill our days.
And I love that we are doing something so healthy as well as fun. We are supporting our physical health, and all that fresh air, and stunning scenery is a big tick for mental health too.
Whether you are hiking with family and friends, or you are bagging those summits alone, you are in safe hands with Hills and Skills.
I am a qualified mountain guide, outdoor first aider. And if you are looking to build or brush up your skills to roam alone, I combine all the mountain experience and training with a long background in teaching.
WE WOULD LOVE TO WALK WITH YOU! JUST CLICK BELOW TO CHECK OUT OUR EVENT CALENDAR AND WE'LL SEE YOU ON THE FELLS!