James

I grew up moving between cold places and warm ones. My career has been the same — a decade and a half on ice, in cold water, and in the bush. I started leading professionally in Iceland: glacier traverses on Vatnajökull and Sólheimajökull, and snorkel and dive work in the Silfra fissure between the tectonic plates.

The safari work came later, in southern Africa. I'm currently completing my FGASA trails guide certification so I can guide walking safaris under my own ticket rather than always partnering with local specialists.

Why small groups

Ten is the upper limit. Most trips run with six or seven. Anything larger and the trip stops being shared — it becomes performed. Small groups can move faster, stay longer in good places, eat together at one table, and listen to each other.

They're also safer. On glaciers, in cold water, and around wildlife, the person guiding you should know you — your pace, your strengths, your nerves. That isn't possible in groups of thirty.

Credentials

• Wilderness First Responder (WFR), current
• Certified Glacier Guide — Iceland Mountain Guides syllabus
• PADI Divemaster · Silfra Snorkel & Dive Specialty
• FGASA Trails Guide (in progress, 2026)
• Full liability insurance, EU-registered

Growing carefully

Over time this will become a small team of vetted guides I trust personally. Until then, every expedition listed here is led by me. If a future trip is co-guided, the trip page will say so plainly.