About WildWays

I’m Gemma Scougal and I founded WildWays in 2018 to share my passion and enthusiasm for the outdoors with others. WildWays offers guided walks and navigation skills courses across the Peak District, Derbyshire and South Yorkshire, designed for all abilities — whether you’re taking your first steps into the hills or building confidence to explore more independently. Alongside local walks and skills training, I also lead days in the mountains, helping people move safely and confidently through bigger landscapes while deepening their connection to wild places.

Highland cow sat down on the moorland of the Peak District
View from Robin Hoods Cave, Stanage Edge, Peak District

Navigation

  • Beginners Navigation
  • Improvers Navigation
  • Advanced Navigation
  • Night Navigation
  • Hill Skills
View looking down on Derwent Reservoir, Peak District

Duke of Edinburgh Award

I’m an accredited Duke of Edinburgh Expedition assessor. Please get in touch to discuss any work and availability.

Why choose WildWays?

  • I am passionate about the outdoors and want to share my enthusiasm with you.
  • Catering for small groups, ensures that you get a more personal approach and the best experience.
  • I am very conscious of keeping my clients safe; I am a qualified Mountain Leaders (2025) and Hill and Moorland Leader (2018) with Mountain Training. I am an Outdoor Emergency First Aider and Mental Health First Aider and have an full enhanced up to date DBS check.
  • By providing the highest quality of service you are rewarded with a day out that you’ll find both inspiring and rewarding.

WildWays Missions:

Empower you and give you the skills and confidence you need to go on your own safe walking adventures.

Teach you to appreciate and look after nature and the environment.

Provide experiences and memories that you will treasure forever!

About Gemma

As a professional geologist, I’m always happy to share the fascinating geological history of the Peak District as we walk. Beyond earth sciences, I have a passion for running, climbing, and spending time in the hills and mountains. With over 20 years of experience exploring the UK and Europe, I’ve honed my hill and mountain skills through countless adventures.

Take a look at my blogs, where I share stories of my (micro)adventures, practical camping recipes, and useful tips to help you make the most of your own walking experiences.

Gemma walking in the Peak District
Gemma walking in South Yorkshire
Kial scrambling up Alport Castle, Peak District
Gemma Scougal mini ice climbing and getting to grips with the crampons and ice axe with Simon Abrahams from Mont Blanc Guides
Gemma Scougal campsite cooking near Kildale, Noth York Moors
A foggy moorland slope with Kial navigating
Gemma Scougal (Clowne Road Runners) at the end of Crowden Fell Race - muddy but fun.

The Legal Stuff

I want to make you feel safe and secure when you come walking with me. I’m a qualified Outdoor First Aider and obtained my Mountain Leader in 2025 and Hill and Moorland Leader Award with Mountain Training in 2018. I’m up-to-date when it comes to Public and Employer Liability Insurance and I am fully GDPR compliant in fields of data protection and have an enhanced DBS. Any other instructors I may use are all fully qualified and first aid trained. 

Thanks and credit to Rich PICings for supplying many of the photos for the website.