Team Tortoise is a concept formed by Sharon Kennedy,

Lake District based Mountain Leader and Rock Climbing Instructor.

About Me

Having grown up in Cumbria and having spent much of my time outdoors, I am delighted to now make this wonderful place not only my playground but also my workplace.

Having previously fallen into pushing myself to do more, to go further, go faster I have realised that although these things are fun, ultimately I enjoyed my time in the mountains less.

I was a curious child, I wanted to explore, to learn , to see, to investigate. I have challenged myself to slow down and take my time and it has reopened my world and love of this place.

I have a particular fascination with the way that this landscape was formed, how the mountains and the valleys came to be the way they are and the flora and fauna that inhabits them.

My story

I have a background in environmental regulation and protection but after obtaining and starting to use my Mountain Leader qualification, I found greater joy in leading people in the outdoors than I did in my main career. After juggling both for a while, I took the step to work in the outdoors full time and through Team Tortoise I am able to combine safely guiding my clients with enthusing them in the natural world.

Your story?

There are many reasons why someone might want to join a Team Tortoise walk, these might include:

  • Wanting to learn more about where we are and what we can see,

  • Wanting to feel at ease with your own pace and fitness and not under pressure to walk at a certain speed,

  • Wanting to feel safe and secure in an activity where you might not feel comfortable to go alone,

  • Wanting to spend time with like minded people.

Or any number of other reasons.

My qualifications and other relevant Information

I believe that there should be transparency from all leaders in the outdoors, and am very happy to share any copies of paperwork you may wish to see.

Mountain Leader - passed 2019.

Rock Climbing Instructor - passed 2023.

First Aid - 2 day outdoor first aid 2022, 3 day first aid at work 2023.

Full Public Liability Insurance.

Mountain Rescue Team Member ,since 2017.

Trainer and Assessor of Mountain Leader and Hill and Moorland Leader Qualifications.

For it knew now where it was going and it said to itself “there is no hurry, we shall get there some day”

- AA Milne, House at Pooh Corner