Guiding with Matt

Hi, I’m Matt — the legs, lungs and slightly questionable sense of humour behind Kelda Adventures.

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I’ve been coming to the Lake District since I was a kid, long before I knew what “gradient percentage” meant or that people willingly cycle up things like Hardknott Pass. Back then it was all about exploring the fells, getting muddy, and trying to keep up with adults who swore the summit was “just five more minutes” away.

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Fast‑forward a couple of decades and I found myself in the Midlands, working in automotive engineering and spending Monday to Friday dreaming about the weekend — when I could escape back to the Lakes to hike, cycle, run, or generally exhaust myself in beautiful places. After 13 years and a redundancy-shaped nudge from the universe, I finally took the hint: it was time to stop visiting the Lakes and start living here.

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So I packed up, moved north, and created Kelda Adventures Ltd — a way to share the landscapes I love with people who want a memorable day out, a confidence boost, or a good story to tell at the pub afterwards.

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I’ve been cycling since 2012 (thanks, Team GB and Tour de France fever), and I’ve been a triathlete for just as long. Yes, I’ve done a few Ironmans — but don’t worry, I’m not here to turn your gentle ride into a training session. My guiding style is friendly, encouraging, and always tailored to you. Expect to be nudged, supported, and celebrated — never shouted at or pushed beyond what’s fun.

I’m a qualified British Cycling Ride Leader, trained in Mountain First Aid, and I’ve completed my Mountain Leader training with the assessment on the horizon. I’m also working towards my 1:1 British Triathlon coaching qualification, because helping people achieve things they didn’t think they could is one of my favourite feelings.

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My favourite ride? The Fred Whitton, obviously — I’m a sucker for a climb that makes you question your life choices. But honestly, nothing beats sharing those views, those moments, and those “I can’t believe I just did that” smiles with other people.

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If you love being outdoors, want to explore the Lakes, or just fancy a day out with someone who knows the routes, the weather patterns, and where to find the best post‑ride cake, I’d love to show you around.

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Let’s plan your next adventure.