Rachel Inwood Healey

Hi! I’m Rachel, and I’m passionate about making adventures and expeditions achievable for those who have traditionally been excluded from the outdoors, helping them to experience wilderness in a way that suits their fitness and confidence levels.

I love to paddle (canoe and kayak), cycle and hike, but my favourite thing of all is to sleep in my tent or hammock somewhere wild!

A little about Rachel

I was lucky to be born into an adventurous family – walking, camping, cycling and sailing were a regular feature of our weekends and holidays. When I was thirteen we moved to Pembrokeshire where I joined the local canoe and climbing clubs and my passion for the outdoors took off. After university I travelled the world, paddling, hiking and climbing in Asia, Australia, New Zealand and North America. In recent years I have completed expeditions all over the UK and Europe, professionally and personally with friends and family.

I have worked in various Outdoor Education Centres with a wide range of clients including adults and children. I currently volunteer my time co-running the Gloucestershire Women’s Adventure Group (Love Her Wild)  taking women of all ages on life-changing trips and expeditions in and around Gloucestershire.

I am married and have three teenage sons.

Qualifications

  • BSc degree in Outdoor Studies
  • NVQ level 3 in Outdoor Education
  • Mountain Training UK
    • Hill and Moorland Leader
    • Single-pitch Climbing Supervisors Award
    • Mountain Leader Trainee
  • South West Moorland Leader with Camping Endorsement.
  • Paddlesport UK
    • Level 2 Kayak coach
    • Trainee Paddlesport Touring Leader
  • British Caving Association
    • Local Cave Leader (Level 1, South Wales)
  • Rescue and Emergency Care
    • 2-day Outdoor First Aid 
  • FAA Level 1 Award in Awareness of Safeguarding 

Emma (Wild Dartmoor)

“I have been on several overnight hikes and hammock camps with Rachel and she is so good at gauging the varying competencies of the group and then matching her guidance and support accordingly so that everyone is both challenged and held.

I would thoroughly recommend Rachel as an expedition leader, she’s experienced, skilful, thoughtful, adaptable and such great company.”

Helen (Intro to Wild Camping)

“Rachel has taken me on a few adventures and she has been truly been an amazing guide. I have an invisible disability and she really takes into consideration how this impacts me, without making me feel different to the other women on the adventure which was incredible and helped me have a fabulous time.

Rachel is patient, thoughtful, inspiring and most of all, she helps you see and become the woman you want to be.”

Ali (Wild Dartmoor)

“Rachel is an exceptional leader and I would happily follow her on any adventure. She is so calm and empowering allowing us to work out problems ourselves but always ready to support us with her wealth of knowledge and excellent navigational skills.

I really appreciated her awareness and knowledge of wildlife and plants. She is so passionate about the great outdoors it is inspirational.”