My background
My name is Geraint Thomas, an experienced Hillwalker with extensive Mountain range experience, covering all areas of the British Isles. I am a member of the Mountain Training Association (MTA) and holder of the Mountain Leader (Summer) Award. I have completed the National Navigation Award Scheme (NNAS) Tutor Award and am a Duke Of Edinburgh (DofE) Expedition Assessor. I am also a member of the British Mountaineering Council (BMC) and South Wales Mountaineering Club (SWMC). Additionally, I volunteer as a team member, of the Western Beacons Mountain Rescue Team (WBMRT). I hold current First Aid and DBS (Enhanced) certificates and am insured via SportsCover (BlueFin Insurance Services Ltd). Most recently, Gold Eryri Ambassador 2023 & Silver Brecon Beacons Ambassador 2023 qualifications and certificates.
Life and close family’s health experiences led me to the Psychology degree and a desire to help those in need. I’ve gained empathy and with age, I’ve learned to listen more. I’m enthusiastic about voluntary work, from Samaritans to Mountain Rescue. My passion nowadays is the Outdoors and I’m keen to promote the benefits of campaigns such as Mountains for the Mind. I’m now using the Mountain Leader qualification I gained in 2019 with my Mental Health First Aider certification, to improve the Mental Health of clients and customers in these difficult times.
I am honoured to have recently been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) in the 2020 Queen’s Birthday Honours, for my voluntary work with Samaritans, Western Beacons Mountain Rescue Team and work with disadvantaged people in South West Wales. My work as a Disability Employment Advisor has shown me how determination and resourcefulness can overcome a host of barriers in people’s way, leading to tremendous progress and accomplishments. I’m always looking for new ways to apply this with those I meet and will happily discuss individual needs with clients.
My Story So Far:
I have enjoyed spending time in the Brecon Beacons National Parks and outdoors in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty on Gower, since childhood. I began Hillwalking seriously in my 20’s, beginning to explore the Lake District and gaining Scrambling experience on routes such as Sharp Edge (Grade 1) and Pinnacle Ridge (Grade 3). Since then, I have increased my breadth of knowledge of Britain’s Mountain areas, introducing my own family to the wonderful Outdoors environment.
I have gained an in-depth awareness of Snowdonia (including all Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa’s) main routes); whilst also travelling further in the Lakes; to Scotland’s Trossachs and Cairngorms; Ireland’s Donegal, Kerry, Galway, Wicklow & Dublin Mountains; and Northern Ireland’s Mountains of Mourne.
My Technical Skills:
I have sound Navigational abilities, using maps with a variety of scales and a compass, to be able to safely find my way around the hills using appropriate methods. I enjoy sharing these techniques, appropriately – increasing the skills of those in my groups. I enjoy responsible wild camping, adhering to the principles of, “Leave No Trace” and I am skilled at Night Navigation, using contours to relocate in poor visibility.
Climbing with SWMC has increased my confidence on rock which has helped in being able to protect group members on steep ground, as and when required. Dependent on weather, I either climb indoors at Dynamic Rock; or outside, enjoying the quality Trad (& Sport) routes that Gower’s Limestone, offers. Three Cliff’s Bay and Port Eynon’s, Boiler Slab, are my favourite areas.
Lately, I’ve increased my Scrambling experience on Grade 1 routes such as Jack’s Rake, Y Lliwedd, Moel Siabod, Senior’s Gully, Y Gribyn, Tryfan’s North Ridge and Crib Goch.
Employment Background:
With almost 30 years of experience as a Civil Servant, I have gained invaluable Team Leading experience, when not enjoying life outdoors. I am passionate that fresh air and exercise are Nature’s most powerful healing remedies and am currently developing a Social Prescription project with the Department for Work & Pensions (DWP).
Other Interests:
I am a keen Fly Fisherman and having grown up fishing on rivers in South Wales for Brown and Sea Trout. Subsequently, this developed to reservoir and boat fishing for Rainbow Trout, to competition level. I regularly compete in National competitions (including for the National Civil Service Team), am a member of Margam Flyfishers and can deliver coaching and instruction in this area of country sports, too.
Testimonials
“Geraint is extremely knowledgeable on the hill. He explains things in a patient manner, uses different teaching aids and styles to meet individual needs and spending time with him on the hill has built and increased my confidence in my abilities. He's also not got a totally bad sense of humour, which makes the days out with him even more enjoyable.” (MP)
“GerOutdoors? Absolutely top-notch! Geraint’s got the lowdown on all the best spots in Wales. Tours are relaxed but well-organised, and the views are mind-blowing. A must-do if you’re in the area. Geraint’s hikes are the real deal!” (GD)
“You won't get lost with a map reading and navigation course with Ger Outdoors. I received a very professional and informative half day course with Ger Outdoors around the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park. Highly recommended. “ (IF)
“I have had the pleasure of going on a guided walk in Cwm Idwal in Snowdonia with Geraint. I was really impressed with Geraint’s knowledge of the area also of the local flora and fauna. I highly recommend Geraint if you are considering a guide for the area.” (MB)
