Helen and Katy of GeoAdventures are inviting adults to join them in embracing the local outdoors
GeoAdventures is a new local business inviting adults to explore the outdoors, discover new things, and enjoy light exercise around Burton upon Trent and The National Forest. Behind the venture are experienced geography educators, Helen and Katy, aiming to help people see familiar landscapes in a new way and embrace the beauty of the nature on their doorstep – In their words, like the school fieldtrip you never had!
Helen explained: “The landscape around us is full of hidden stories. We start our planning by walking the route, and we’re never short of things to go away and find out more about. We both walk a lot and we thought we knew The National Forest pretty well, but we’ve been surprised at how much we’ve learned!”
The duo has designed the walks to be accessible, with small groups, a gentle pace, and plenty of opportunities to stop along the way. No specialist knowledge or equipment is needed – just curiosity. Katy said: “We’re not leading hikes; it’s more like a relaxed stroll with lots of stops and opportunities to chat.”
The concept of GeoAdventures was born whilst Helen and Katy were out on a walk one day. They wanted to share their love of landscapes (and the best tea and cake stops!) with others somehow. With both of them having spent years helping their students understand how the world works, including tutoring adult education courses, they saw it as only natural to blend their two passions and teach adults outside of the classroom.
Helen said: “There’s something really powerful about learning in the place itself. You’re not just looking at a photo of a landscape – you’re fully immersed in it. It makes everything more meaningful. Once you start noticing things, you can’t unsee them. And what better place to do it? The National Forest provides a stunning backdrop!”
Going on these group walks not only comes with the physical health benefits, but they also bring a sense of safety and social connection, which is something that Katy and Helen feel to be increasingly important. Katy explained: “Lots of adults want to get outside more but many don’t want to go alone. Women can feel particularly vulnerable walking in the countryside, and that’s something we both totally understand. We also notice how much we laugh when we’re walking – it’s a genuinely uplifting thing to do.”
The first GeoAdventures walks will take place this spring. To begin with, they have 10 different locations planned around Burton and The National Forest area.
Helen concluded: “We’re really excited to get started. Our goal is simple – help people enjoy being outdoors, learn something new, and see the local area with fresh eyes.”
For more information about GeoAdventures and upcoming walks, please visit www.geoadventures.co.uk.