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OUR CREW

MEET THE PEOPLE WHO MAKE IT HAPPEN! 

Great people mean great challenges and we're proud of our team that make them happen year on year.

The leaders below (plus the many more who work for us throughout the year) are chosen because they have that rare ability to inspire and lead groups of people of all ages and from all backgrounds. It goes without saying that they all love travel and the freedom of the outdoors but, they can also fix bikes, often speak a multitude of languages, thrive on little sleep, negotiate baggage allowance with airlines and demonstrate a sense of humour at 5000m above sea-level... we wouldn’t be without them!

Challenge leader Simon

HEIDI PAYTON

How long have you been a leader for Discover Adventure?

My first trip with DA was as a client in 2007 and loved it so much I then became a leader.

What is your favourite trip?

Every trip that I do becomes my new favourite trip - but having just done the Jordan Petra Trek for the first time, that is the current winner. For cycling it would be the new Bologna to Rome ride that we're operating for Jersey Macmillan.

What advice would you give to someone considering their first challenge with Discover Adventure?

If you're about to embark on your first DA trip, my advice would be to follow the training plan as best you can and try out all your kit before the trip, especially if it's new.

What is your favourite thing about working on a DA trip?

Working on a DA trip is about meeting incredible people undertaking fantastic challenges and helping them achieve this.

SIMON LIGHTOWLER

How long have you been a leader for Discover Adventure?

2024 is my 12th year as a DA leader!

What is your favourite trip?

My favourite trek so far is Trek Kilimanjaro for the sheer scale of the challenge and the camaraderie between our crew and trekkers. This is all epitomised by the singing with our local crew! And my favourite cycle is the Great Italian Lakes Cycle, challenging but some really fantastic scenery and fabulous places to stay.


What advice would you give to someone considering their first challenge?

My advice to anyone new to a DA challenge is to do as much physical preparation as possible, as it will make the challenge all the more enjoyable, even the very best kit doesn't make the hills any easier but training does. I would also say that its important to bring a sense of humour too!


What is your favourite thing about working on a DA Trip?

I really love the challenge of our events and the fantastic places we visit, but much more than that I love meeting the people on the challenges - hearing their stories and supporting them to achieve their goals. It's not always easy but it's always worth it!
Challenge leader Simon
Challenge leader Simon

VICTOR TITORENKO

How long have you been a leader for Discover Adventure?

I joined DA as a leader back in 2007 after I'd travelled as a participant to climb Mount Toubkal in the Moroccan Atlas Mountains. So, I have been Trekking and cycling as a DA leader for the last 17 years.

What is your favourite trip?

By far, my favourite trip is Everest Base Camp. It's the participants' excited nervousness when you meet them at the airport, which turns into relief and excitement upon arrival in Kathmandu. Plus, the stunning journey is followed by the jubilation of reaching the base of the highest mountain in the world.

My favourite cycling trip is the Big Battlefield Bike Ride (for Help for Heroes), which happens every year in June, cycling through Normandy and visiting the D-Day beaches in Northern France. You don't need to have a connection to the military to be moved by remembering the sacrifices made by brave servicemen and women who died serving their country in the armed forces and honouring and supporting veterans of combat.

What advice would you give to someone considering their first challenge with Discover Adventure?

Just go for it! Honestly, you won't regret it. All of the groups are supportive. If it's your first time doing something like this, bring a friend with you as moral support; once you have completed one trip, you'll be hooked.

What is your favourite thing about working on a DA trip?

I love to travel. I enjoy sitting on a train or plane, knowing that I am going somewhere exciting with a group of new friends ready to experience a life-changing event together. This thrill will never become tiresome and will always motivate me to seek new adventures and challenges.