About Us

Meet the Up 4 Adventure UK Team

About

How We Got Started

Up 4 Adventure UK is the creation of managing directors Jay and Mike. They first met whilst working for an outdoor centre on the Isle of Man and have been working closely together ever since. With a combined background of over 20 years’ experience working in the outdoors industry, they are ideally placed to offer safe and exciting outdoor adventures. They have led expeditions in Costa Rica, Oman, Sweden, Norway, Greece, Italy, Slovenia, France and of course, extensively throughout the UK.

Sharing a passion for the outdoors and adventurous expeditions Jay and Mike launched Up 4 Adventure UK with the hope of sharing their passion and knowledge on adventures that take people away from the ordinary and help them uncover their own love of the outdoors, all in a few days!

Qualifications & Accreditations

All our staff exceed the recognised National Governing Body Award recommendations for all activities offered. They are qualified and experienced kayak, canoe, stand up paddleboard, mountain bike, mountain trekking and rock-climbing guides. They all hold outdoor specific first aid qualifications, have enhanced DBS checks and have completely regular child safety training. Alongside qualifications, we ensure they are current, up to date and practicing what they preach - this is where a guide really comes into their own and is able to deliver safe, fun and inspirational experiences.

Multi-Activity Adventures, UK | Up 4 Adventure UK

kayak

CANOE

paddleboard

mountain bike

mountain trekking

rock-climbing

Meet the Guide Team

We have a team of experienced UK based guides and staff ready to see you through your next adventure, meet some of them here!

Mike Speakman

Managing Director

Mike was raised in the Isle of Man. Having had a largely aquatic upbringing, Mike continues to seek out excuses to get wet, be it in a kayak, on a surfboard or with just flippers. Narrowly avoiding a job in Architecture, in 2013 Mike turned his oceanic lifestyle into a career and has travelled all over Europe finding exciting places to kayak and uncomfortable places to sleep. Having worked for industry leaders like the Outward Bound Trust, Mike has seen and dealt with it all. When on land Mike spends his time running and biking in the mountains or making things to surf out of wood.

Jay Watts

Managing Director

Jay started working in naughty boy schools, feeling a kindred spirit with many of the pupils. After a while he felt he had now learnt all the swear words he'd ever need, so Jay moved to the Isle Of Man to start his career in the outdoors. Eventually a move back to the mainland beckoned, working for an independent school; much less swearing. Jay has led many expeditions all over the globe, nearly always knowing where he was going. In his spare time Jay likes to be punched in the groin by his toddler and looking for his dog who is usually eating something under a hedge.

Astrid Callomon

Head Guide

Originally hailing from the remote mountainous region of Suffolk, Astrid moved South and West some 8 years ago to attempt claims on multiple first ascents in the county. Having found them all claimed, she continued her employment in far flung adventures, leading winter and summer expeditions worldwide.  Bears and Wolves were tracked, mountains cycled over, seas kayaked, lakes canoed across, rapids were rafted down and many a path was trodden. Astrid thoroughly enjoys walking very long distances and partaking in a well-earned beer afterward. 

Sam Blandford-Elliott

Trekking Guide

Loves being on mountains and running, hates being inside - like a labrador. Loves taking selfies. MIB.

Brendan Dooher

Biking Guide

A client favourite; probably somewhat down to his dulcet Northern accent. Also maybe his beard

Paul Smith

Technical Advisor

Stops us planning anything silly and makes sure we have thought of everything. Expert in his field.

Caitlin Murray

Office Manager

Organised, methodical, Scottish. Likes wild swimming and probably loves midgies.

Hattie

Team Mascot

Thinks she is better on a bike than she is. Deluded.

Tia

Guard Dog

Can be bought off for a biscuit. Terrible guard dog.

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