Rachel Hoyland

Rachel is a freelance instructor, she holds the Mountain Leader award and is working towards other outdoor qualifications.

Rachel is from the heart of the Dark Peak and has always loved being in the outdoors. Her outdoor interests extend to ocean sailing, horse riding and skiing although her specialism is mountaineering and climbing. She is also a qualified solicitor though is currently taking a well earned break from her desk. Rachel has travelled to many places in pursuit of her interests and will be extending her travel experience in 2011 by leading two youth expeditions to Africa.

Here are Rachel's answers to our expedition questions:

What is the most memorable expedition that you have been on?

In 2008 my boyfriend and I spent 2 months travelling round France in our van. We didn’t have a house in the UK at the time and I loved the idea that we lived where ever we parked up. We climbed all over France, ate lots of cheese and I climbed my first 7a route. It was a really special trip.

If you were doing your Gold Expedition this year where would you go?

I’ve always been bewitched by the West coast of Scotland. Knoydart, which is quite remote, is on that coast and as I’ve never been I’d probably head there.

What is the one luxury item that you always take with you on an expedition?

Elizabeth Arden 8 hour cream. The outdoors takes its toll on the skin!