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Lisa Wells

Lisa Wells • OS Champions • Mar 01, 2020 • 5 mins

Lisa Wells - OS Champion

Meet Lisa Wells - Usually found on a mountain with a big smile and two dogs.

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Lisa Wells OS 

Lisa Wells

Tell us a bit about yourself:

I live in North Wales and I am a qualified Mountain Leader. I am passionate about protecting the area I live in for future generations and work as a volunteer with the Snowdonia National Park and the Ramblers.

I run Well Being Walks for women. The ethos behind ‘Women Only Walks’ was born from my love of the outdoors and wanting to share that love in a supportive and fun way.

My border Terrier, Billy is always right next to me on my days out and his love of the outdoors means we are the perfect match.

Why do you love the outdoors?

I love to ‘feel’ any activity I do outdoors. For me, it’s not just about getting from A to B, it’s the journey. Taking my shoes off to feel the ground, letting the rain splash on my face, throwing autumn leaves into the air, jumping in puddles, or floating on my back in a lake with my eyes closed.

There’s a peace that encompasses you, it’s where I go to reset and recharge or simply to switch off.

How do you get outside?

I’ve been discovering the wonder of Snowdonia for most of my life; walking the coastal paths, forest walks, hiking up mountains, paddle boarding and wild swimming. I have a campervan that I converted called Skye and love getting away on mini adventures, there’s no nicer feeling than parking up and putting the kettle on before setting out for the day.

What’s your favourite route?

My favourite route is Yr Garn on the Glyderau. It’s an area full of historical, as well mythological, facts and interesting stories. The views from any part of the route are so special, it’s a walk I do regularly to clear my head and press the reset button.

Lisa Wells OS Champion

Lisa with her dog

Have you got any adventures planned?

Ever since watching the film Edie, I’ve wanted to climb the mountain called Suilven, and I have a trip to Scotland planned for January. As well as climbing Suilven, I’m hoping to explore the area in my campervan while I’m there.

Billy and I are planning a multiday paddle boarding trip in the spring. I’m busy researching canal routes that we can use, as well as testing out how I can carry everything I need for the trip on my paddleboard.

What’s the most essential thing on your kit list?

I have various items that are always in my rucksack; the obvious being a map/compass, first aid kit, shelter, headtorch, food and fluids. I really feel the cold and suffer from poor circulation in my hands; if I get cold I can quickly become quite miserable.

My individual essential thing/s would be layers; I can walk for hours, through horrible weather, I can navigate, look after others, have fun and smile if I’m warm.

Who inspires you to get outside?

There isn’t really one individual; I’m inspired by every single person doing an activity they love with passion, setting a new challenge, overcoming a fear or maybe trying something completely new.

What do you prefer: Paper or digital map?

They both have a place. I love the feel of a paper map, spreading it out on the table and tracing the landscape with my finger. Knowing when I’m out on a walk that it’s in my rucksack and can be pulled out and used if needed is reassuring. Carrying a paper map is essential (as well as knowing how to use it), but I do tend to use my phone as a quick reference when I’m out.

I’ll sit on the fence with this question ;)

Published: Mar 01, 2020 Edited: Jun 16, 2023

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