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GUIDED WALKS

Explore Britain as you've never seen it before. From remote wilderness to green gems in the heart of the city, let me show you the best history, stories and natural beauty our country has to offer. There's myth, magic and treasure hidden all around us; and I'm here to help you find it.

“I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than the trees.”

- Henry David Thoreau
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WILD WALKS FOR NATURE LOVERS

Do you ever feel like life’s a bit…stale?

 

Do you worry about missing all the great wonders and natural mysteries life has to offer because you're addicted to your phone, glued to your sofa or hunched over a computer?

 

Do you think that spending time in nature is incredibly, undeniably, fantastically important for every part of your healthy human life, but you just don’t know how to get into it?

Say no more! Join one of my guided walks and let me show you this country like you’ve never seen it before.

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"If you like history and you like nature, then this is the tour for you. James brought the history of Bristol to life and showed us hidden corners which I'd never seen, despite living in Bristol for years. A great way to spend an afternoon."

- Sally Guscott

WHAT TO EXPECT

I’ve been leading guided walks for over 5 years, from high in the Welsh mountains to the cobbled streets of Bristol. I’m passionate about showing that anyone can get out into nature, whether it’s the remote wilderness of Dartmoor or the nature reserve near your house. Inside us all, beneath the pavement of modernity, there is an ancestral seed that remembers what life outdoors was like. My mission is to give those seeds a bit of water, light and love to reawaken the wild within.

 

Each walk is thoroughly researched, meaning you’ll benefit from a broad knowledge of history, folklore, plants, wildlife, poetry, and enough fun facts to fill a wishing well. Whatever your interests, I guarantee you will be interested! Together we’ll experience the very best places this country has to offer, from awe-inspiring famous sites to hidden gems.

And there’ll be stories. From ancient myths to urban legends and everything in between. Stories that rhyme, stories that travel through time. Stories that turn ordinary stones and trees into lightning rods for an epic tale in which we are all characters. Beyond the history of kings and generals, there are stories of the lives, deeds and wisdom of people like you and me, in a land that is very much alive, with a memory and a will all of its own.

You’ll also get to spend quality time in nature. Not through a screen, not with sanitised gloves - this is your chance to get up close and personal with the land and meet it with all your senses. You’ll learn how to identify plants, trees and wildlife, as well as proven techniques to help you connect with nature in your own time. You’ll destress, relax, recharge and feel yourself again - guaranteed. This is just you and nature hanging out, getting to know each other, and realising there’s actually a whole lot you can do for each other. Just as nature intended!

STORIES FROM THE LAND

RECONNECT WITH NATURE

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These walks are generally suitable for all fitness levels. I don’t believe in hiking hard and fast: if you want to get from A to B as fast as possible so you can show off on Strava, this probably isn’t for you! If you want the space to explore, enjoy your surroundings and soak up the benefits of nature, you’ve come to the right place. Questions, curiosity and following your nose are all highly encouraged.​

UPCOMING WALKS

  • DEDHAM VALE: STORY WALK
    DEDHAM VALE: STORY WALK
    Fri 25 Sept
    Dedham, Essex
    The 250th anniversary of Constable Country; Giant kings, hellfire preachers, bloodthirsty vikings, the original patron saint of England.
  • THE ESSEX WAYS: BOOK LAUNCH
    THE ESSEX WAYS: BOOK LAUNCH
    Fri 25 Sept
    Layer Marney Tower, Essex
    An evening of stories from The Essex Ways, followed by Q&A and the launch of James' new book!
  • DENGIE LEGENDS: STORY WALK (TBC)
    DENGIE LEGENDS: STORY WALK (TBC)
    Sat 26 Sept
    Bradwell-on-Sea, Essex
    Time-warping sea monsters, rock and roll pirates, utopian communities, marsh men, devil dogs, and Essex's most spiritual site. With the Saltmarsh Coastal Walking Festival
  • THE ESSEX WAYS: FILM SCREENING AND Q&A (TBC)
    THE ESSEX WAYS: FILM SCREENING AND Q&A (TBC)
    Sat 26 Sept
    Maldon, Essex
    Discover the many ways of Essex with the premiere screening of feature length documentary ‘The Essex Ways’ followed by a Q&A with storyteller James Lawrence. With Saltmarsh Coastal Walking Festival
  • CANVEY WICK: STORY WALK
    CANVEY WICK: STORY WALK
    Sun 27 Sept
    Canvey Island, Essex
    A brownfield rainforest, exploding beetles, an abandoned oil refinery gone wild, holy wells and magic rivers.
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"I’ve lived in Bristol for 20 years and I still learned so much on this tour. It was great to see the City with a fresh perspective and remind myself of the amazing green spaces we have on our doorstep. James brings a lot of enthusiasm and knowledge. Would recommend."

- Nicky Brinnand

BESPOKE WALKS

If you're looking for an unforgettable day out, I can research, design and lead a walk for you, based on your preferred terrain, interests, activities and fitness levels. Imagine that: your dream adventure, tailored to your preference. Suitable for holidays, parties, things to do with friends & family, or just exploring a new region.​

So what's your style? Stone circles, ruined castles, haunted tombs? Wild swimming by waterfalls or secret beaches? Ancient rainforests? Mountain peaks? Underground caverns? Foraging your own dinner, proper pub lunches, the ultimate spot for a champagne picnic? A tour of the town, or a complete escape from civilisation to true wilderness? Mindfulness, ritual and ceremony? Or a bespoke DJ set? Whatever your interests, I can design you an adventure that will make memories to last a lifetime.

HOW IT WORKS

1. RESEARCH - we'll discuss your requirements for the perfect walk and shape some ideas that might suit your needs. I'll research some ideas and send them over to you, until you're happy with the content of your walk.

2. PLAN - I'll continue researching and planning to design your walk, including key locations you'd like to experience; any activities or lunch stops; interests including history, folklore, wildlife, botany, or anything else you fancy; and a route to suit your preferred fitness level. I'll also confirm timings and transport options depending on your method of travel. I'll produce a custom map and set of notes that will be yours to keep.

3. GUIDE - we'll meet on the day and I'll guide you on your very own bespoke adventure!

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If you'd prefer a self-guided adventure, I can Research and Plan the walk, and hand over the notes for you to enjoy at your own pace.

Interested? Drop me a message to find out more details and discuss your requirements.

REVIEWS

MAN ABOUT COUNTRY

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