Testimonials
Here are our Facebook reviews:
Adam Parker
2021-10-26T09:46:38+0000
I did my Mountain Leader training with Lou and Geoff and couldn't recommend it more! The course suits anyone who has experience in the mountains and wants to take it to the next level.
The six-day course had the perfect mix of all the elements needed to lead in the mountains - navigation, safety, weather, ropes, camping, rivers and more.
Lou and Geoff are very different, but compliment each other perfectly. I was inspired, challenged and learnt a lot.
6 out of 5 stars!read more
Matt Baxter
2021-10-04T13:18:34+0000
I've just done my summer Mountain Leader training with Lou and Geoff from FreedomOutdoors and can't recommend them enough.
The 6 days were a great experience which will take you through the basics of navigating, managing and leading groups and build your skills and confidence as the week progresses.
Lou and Geoff have so much knowledge and experience between them and adapt their approach and teaching to different learning styles, abilities and expectations depending on what you want to get out of the course, in a way that's fun and easy to take in a build on.
Book with them!read more
Shayan Nejad
2021-09-27T19:51:39+0000
Excellent experience and great people. Will definitely return 😊
Did my ML course with Lou, learned so much and had a great time.read more
Beatrice Carter
2021-09-08T20:06:03+0000
I did the women climbing course early Sep 2021 with 2 other participants and I'd recommend Lou & Freedom-Outdoors anytime.
Organised, very knowledgeable, taking time to explain and ensure we all understood the instructions while teaching a fair bit over 2 days.
Lou is full of energy, smiling and welcoming, and very supportive throughout the course, I've personally learnt so much. We were also very lucky with a wonderful weather and beautiful settings.
Hope to do another course with Lou in the future.read more
Heulwen Mai Williams
2021-08-21T11:17:47+0000
Just had an inspirational ML Assessment week with Lou and co. It was truly a great few days for me, in which I have grown and developed. I was given very constructive feedback and a plan to develop my skills further.
I would definitely recommend Lou and Freedom-Outdoors to anyone who wanted to develop their mountain skills further. Diolch yn fawr 👍read more
Lucy Hawthorne
2021-08-01T20:02:12+0000
Lou is an excellent instructor; highly knowledgeable, calm, confident and caring.
I have loved every second of each scrambling weekend I have been on with Freedom Outdoors and very much hope that I have more adventures ahead of me with Lou. I have always felt in very safe hands which is vital when you are learning new skills in new environments.
Many thanks Lou and hope to see you on many more adventures!read more
Siân Elizabeth
2021-07-31T15:50:56+0000
I’ve done 2 courses with Lou now, scrambling and a winter skills course. Thoroughly enjoyable, and challenging in all the right ways! Any kit I needed to borrow was of good quality and the routes were really well tailored to our group’s abilities.read more
Samantha Patrick
2021-06-21T19:31:56+0000
I have recently completed my ML training and booked with Freedom Outdoors as Lou was recommended to me. I had an amazing week and learnt so much. I really enjoyed Lou's way of teaching and we crammed so much in to our week without it being an overload of information. To top it off, we had a lovely group and I met some great friends. I would certainly recommend Freedom Outdoors to others and hope I get to do my assessment through them as well. Thanks to Lou and Geoff for their patience, knowledge and being so friendly and approachable.read more
Jonathan Say
2021-06-19T12:55:16+0000
Amazing to get mountain leader instruction from Louise at Freedom Outdoors. Brilliant course and can't recommend highly enough!read more
Catherine Petherick
2021-05-16T12:52:46+0000
We have just returned from a mountain skills course with Lou, with help from Gareth. Had a wonderful time, the weather was pretty rough so we had great experience of being up high in strong winds and poor visibility which is exactly what I wanted to learn about! Lou is an excellent teacher and leader. She is fun, patient and very knowledgeable. I have learnt so much from her and hopefully am a bit safer to be released into the wild!read more
Simon Parker
2021-05-03T07:41:52+0000
Cannot recommend Lou and Geoff enough! Epic week on mountain leader training covering everything you need for an assessment. Totally relaxed atmosphere with highly knowledgeable instructors, fantastic learning environment with lots of fun too. Lou also gives feedback on your logbooks to help prepare you for your assessment, definitely use freedom outdoors again. 👍read more
Julia Hobson
2021-04-30T07:43:21+0000
I did my ML training with Lou and Geoff in August 2020, and then ML assessment in April 2021. Both weeks were fantastic and great fun and I can't recommend them highly enough. I learnt so much, it's impossible not to be inspired by people like Lou and Geoff who are so knowledgeable about the mountain environment and have such a clear love of sharing it with others. Everything about the training and assessment was professionally organised and run, despite the obvious extra challenges of putting on courses during a pandemic! If you are thinking about booking any kind of training or days in the mountains with Lou then just do it! You will have a brilliant time!read more
Mark Fielding
2021-04-27T20:17:05+0000
Recently did my summer ML training with Lou, cannot recommend her enough. She was very knowledgable, easy to get on with and loved sharing her passion for the outdoors. Loved her easy going manner so have already booked my assessment with herread more
Bikash Nepal
2021-04-27T19:19:37+0000
I did my ML course with Lou. She is very knowledgeable, patient and very freindly and experienced instructor. I learnt a lot from her and gained much confidence during the course. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND HER if anyone is thinking about doing ML course!!!read more
Amyn Husain
2021-04-24T18:36:25+0000
Did a 5 day Mountain Skills course with Lou in Snowdonia. What a fantastic week! The glorious Welsh sunshine added to the mix and we covered the syllabus in detail with plenty of chances to apply in practice. The high grade 1 North Tower scramble on Tryfan was the highlight and Lou gave us the confidence to push our comfort zone to the limit. She’s a patient instructor, with attention to detail and loves her job which only helps! I’ll be definitely coming back for more! Thanks so much Lou!read more
Kam Milka
2021-04-03T17:32:38+0000
Highly recommended! Professional & knowledgeable! Lou tailored the tuition over two days to meet our needs - it was at a lovely pace, i.e. information giving felt just right (not too much, not too little)! We felt looked after and Lou provided a lovely atmosphere during which we felt we could ask any question and never felt it was a silly one! She explained many topics which until her explanation, I had not been able get my head around (an amazing skill to have). Thank you Lou! ☺️read more
Andy Lindsley
2020-10-22T18:42:27+0000
I’ve just done my ML course with Freedom Outdoors. Lou is so knowledgeable that every minute in the mountains with her is learning but in such a relaxed and friendly way. Well recommended. Thank you.read more
Zahida Khan
2020-10-22T18:34:01+0000
Fab provider of mountain leader training course, would recommend Lou Tully without a doubt. Very knowledgeable, approachableread more
Phoebe Wild
2020-09-24T17:47:23+0000
I have just finished a 2 day Mountain Leader refresher course with Lou. She was absolutely brilliant.
2 of my greatest friends highly recommended Lou from their experience on ML training with her.
I will also be recommending her to friends and colleagues now!read more
Zoe Haughton
2020-09-24T17:27:22+0000
Attended a 2 day ML refresher course with Lou, super friendly, knowledgeable and willing to help us beyond just the 2 days. Lou tailored the 2 days to our needs and ensured we all got the maximum out of it.
Definitely booking my ML assessment with her in the near future!read more
Corinna Parry
2020-09-14T14:22:51+0000
I thoroughly enjoyed the two day Mountain Skills course with Lou recently. Lou was ever so patient with us learning our new skills, and made sure we left two days with as much learning experience as possible. Lou's attention to us as individuals and as a group was second to none, not once did I feel under pressure or out of my depth, Lou was a fantastic teacher and I came away with so much valuable knowledge. Here's to solo days in the mountains with my new found knowledge and more than anything, confidence! I would certainly choose further courses in my journey with Lou, Thank you so much. Diolch yn fawr Lou :) xread more
Josie Tingle
2020-09-14T13:02:43+0000
Lou was a fantastic leader for our Mountain Skills course last week. As a group we discussed the areas in which we wished to individually improve and develop, and Lou listened to, tailored, and facilitated a fantastic two days in the mountains - I think it is fair to say that surpassed all of our expectations. I felt so much more confident by the end of the course, learning and applying a whole range of skills. It was a great way to meet like-minded people, and discover areas slightly away from the typical mountain hotspots. I had so much fun, learnt so much, and highly recommend Lou's expertise!read more
Veronica Rollinson
2020-09-12T07:04:21+0000
I have just spent a week in Snowdonia with Lou from Freedom Outdoors doing the ML training and would thoroughly recommend it. We had a really great week, learning so much about how to manage groups of different levels in the mountains but also having a lot of fun. Lou was incredibly knowledgable and experienced and provided a very supportive and safe experience with the opportunity to question and practice throughout. I particularly enjoyed the wild camp and the night navigation exercise and learnt so much about ‘reading’ the land and not constantly looking at the map! Overall a really fantastic experience and one that I would thoroughly recommend to anyone wishing to build on their mountain and hill walking experience and potentially go on to do the formal ML assessment. Thank you Lou!read more
Sara Jackson
2020-09-11T17:51:21+0000
Really enjoyed Lou's course, and left it with a huge boost in confidence and competency She created a very relaxing, fun and at the same time challenging two days, which enabled me to focus on and finally nail areas I'd struggled with prior to training with her. Her clear, patient instruction ensured all members of the group thoroughly understood all areas covered by the course.
Can't recommend Lou and Freedom-Outdoors enough :)read more
Nik Avraam
2020-09-11T16:51:18+0000
This course was a real eye opener and a must for anyone who wants to lead people in the mountains, especially if that’s ‘off piste’. Also I was very impressed by Louise as person, as well as a teacher. I would highly recommendread more
Kim Alexandra
2020-08-26T10:39:21+0000
Absolutely loved my week with Lou and Geoff!
The training was fun and interesting.
I found their advice and guidance very useful to prepare me for completing my ML.
I’m really looking forward to getting my assessment booked when I am ready!read more
Marcus Risdell
2020-08-26T09:27:14+0000
Just completed an ML assessment with Lou & Geoff and would highly recommend. We had some pretty awful weather which gave some added difficulties, but not only did we come through them, but I thoroughly enjoyed the week: and enjoying an assessment must be an endorsement!read more
Philip Christopherson
2020-08-25T20:52:22+0000
Just spent a week with Lou and Geoff on ML assessment in what can only be described as harsh conditions ( character building) anyway brilliant support,knowledge and patience was displayed by both assessors, a very relaxed atmosphere was fostered from the offset, thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience.
Philread more
Mark Ward
2020-07-23T20:24:22+0000
Did a Mountain Leader refresher day today, with Lou, looking at rope work and micro navigation (and naving in poor visibility due to the reliable British weather). Lou is a great instructor with tons of knowledge and advice. She is really approachable and the passion she has for the outdoors is obvious when she is teaching. She was able to see where i struggled and gave me simple tips and strategies to help; it was as if a switch was flicked on and navigation became way easier for me. Can't recommend her enough. Thanks Lou.read more
Tom Bennett
2020-03-29T17:11:03+0000
I successfully passed my ML assessment with Lou in mid-March, having completed my training with her in June 2019. Both her and Geoff made the assessment experience so positive and enjoyable, which really put me at ease after weeks of built up anxiety. I can't imagine having gone through the ML process with any other provider.read more
Joanna Byers
2019-10-27T14:45:03+0000
Passed my Mountain Leader with Lou and Geoff over split weekends in September - and would highly recommend Lou's calm expertise to anyone who is looking to enjoy the experience, be tested in a supportive environment and come away with new knowledge to boot. Really pleasant and patient experience, Lou, thank you for enabling people to perform to their best despite the challenges/nerves of assessment!read more
Nia LK
2019-10-22T13:04:55+0000
I just came back from an unforgettable week spent doing the Mountain Leader Training course with Lou. The set up was brilliant, great communication and organisation ahead of the course and the course itself was really well structured and thorough, and I can't believe how much fun we managed to have while effectively learning so much! I would definitely recommend this course to anyone who wants a mountain training boot camp, even if you don't plan to go on to work as a Mountain Leader. Made some great friends on the course and got to spend time in amazing mountain locations. 10/10read more
Gareth Morton
2019-10-21T11:45:00+0000
Just did a week's ML Training course with Lou and her 'partner in crime' Geoff. Fantastic week - lots of varied learning in stunning scenery which significantly built on my existing skills. The weather gods were generally kind but the overnight exped was 'character building' (it was October in N. Wales after all!). Lou and Geoff were consumate professionals, guiding us safely through all the challenges (large and small) in a friendly and relaxed manner. My thanks to both of them as well as my co-trainees who made it a thoroughly enjoyable experience.read more
Craig Jackson
2019-09-30T20:04:56+0000
I've just passed a split weekend assessment with Lou, Geoff and Gareth, and would definitely recommend them. Very knowledgeable and professional, and they create a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.read more
Jim Bell
2019-09-30T17:25:02+0000
Just finished my ML training course with Lou and would highly recommend her (and Geoff) .
Both were excellent , very relaxed and professional , learnt loads.read more
Neil Harmon
2019-08-27T11:30:36+0000
Having just completed my 6 day mountain leader (summer) training course with Freedom-Outdoors I would definitely recommend using them for anything mountain or outdoors related.
Both Lou and Geoff were excellent instructors with a great depth of knowledge. They were also very professional and I thoroughly enjoyed my 6 days in the mountains with them. We had a great group of people and I'm looking forward to sharing some future mountain days with them too.
I can't wait to start putting into practice the lessons we learned on the course and looking forward to booking my assessment with Lou.
Thanks for a great week and I hope to see you in the not too distant future.😃read more
Anthony Delaney
2019-07-12T20:24:12+0000
Two beginners went out in kayaks on Pardan with Lou and what a treat! She is knowledgeable, encouraging, kind and patient. It was a fabulous day and while we still have a lot to learn we feel equipped to get out there and go again soon!read more
Michelle Blore
2019-07-04T14:22:53+0000
I recently did my Mountain Leader assessment with Freedom-Outdoors. The whole thing was well organised, with good communication both beforehand and during the assessment. Lou and her team were extremely professional and I would not hesitate to recommend any of them.read more
Alistair Greenough
2019-06-26T07:48:23+0000
Best day out in the hills - I had been on an ML refresher day with Lou last year so it was a no brainier to go back with her. My daughter and me spent an absolutely fantastic day with me learning how to protect someone on roped scrambling and Hannah getting out on her first day roped scrambling. We practiced on some easier ground then Lou lead us up Cneiffon arête which has been on my radar for ages AND we had it to ourselves. All the way up we were drip fed with nuggets of advice. It was brilliant. Then on the way down again passing on knowledge useful for the ML.
Lou really is very very good at what she does. We had a cracking day with her. Safe, fun, challenging and some ace photos too. Cheers Lou.read more
Tom Bennett
2019-06-17T11:43:12+0000
I booked my ML training with Lou and her team at the beginning of June, and had an amazing time. All trainers were hugely knowledgeable and personable allowing the whole group to learn and share experiences in an entirely non-judgmental environment, which I personally found invaluable. Lou's communication was great before and after the course, accommodation was excellent (and affordable), and days on the mountain felt carefully considered based upon the groups skill-level. I will definitely be returning for my assessment in the near future!read more
Lindsey Marie
2019-06-15T11:21:15+0000
I spent a fantastic weekend improving my scrambling skills with Emma and Sabby. Both were excellent instructors: patient, understanding and hugely knowledgable about the area and mountaineering. I began the weekend feeling slightly apprehensive about it and ended up feeling confident and eager to challenge myself even more thanks to Emma and Sabby's guidance.read more
Sheena Dodson
2019-04-15T18:14:52+0000
Great week doing our ML assessment with Lou. Lou was encouraging, patient and her and Geoff had bags loads of knowledge, so we just kept on learning all week. Thanks Lou, and thanks for bringing the sun too!read more
Hannah Griffith
2019-04-09T12:37:30+0000
Brilliant week doing ML training with Lou. Can't recommend her enough as an instructor. Knowledgeable, experienced, supportive, great teaching style! Would recommend ML training for anyone who likes to walk in the mountains - came away having learnt lots 👍read more
Richard Hartfield
2019-04-01T13:05:36+0000
Just spent an absolutely fantastic week doing my Summer ML Training with Lou. A well-organised, fun and informative experience throughout. Lou does a great job of bringing the whole group together and making the skills easy to learn, as well as providing many great techniques for teaching them to others in the future. The hut accommodation provided was also very comfortable and conveniently located- I'll definitely be back for future visits!read more
Sam Lamont
2019-01-10T15:09:27+0000
A course with another provider had fallen through and I booked on with Lou quite late for ML training in June 2018. Looking back this worked out really well for me. I had a fantastic time on the course which was in addition to some absolutely cracking weather. Lou and Rory were great at covering the requirements of the scheme, answering a million questions and allowed me to work out the standard I would need to achieve for the assessment. The experience was so good that both myself and one other from the course both booked to come back and complete the assessment with Freedom Outdoors. The weather was challenging this time but I had a great time with Lou and helper Jeff, another MIA, putting us at ease but ensuring we were up to the standard. Highly recommended, very friendly and knowledgeable with a wealth of experience. Even if you don’t get Lou the whole time those she works with are also of a similar approach. Thanks so much for a great experience in a beautiful part of North Wales.read more
annie quick
2018-11-26T09:41:44+0000
What everyone else said! Lou is a really brilliant patient teacher. She's done lots of thinking and prep before the session and then tailored the session carefully to our level, giving lots of extra tips and tricks. She was also really mindful of an injury I had. We did 2 days walking to scrambling and it felt really worth it - we did lots of things we wouldn't have had the skills/ confidence to do without her and she really set us up with ideas and suggestions for how to build on it after the sessions. Really worth the money, can't recommend enough.read more
Stuart Arthur Bowler
2018-10-01T17:17:22+0000
After several years I finally got myself ready for my ML assessment and decided to go with Lou and her team at Freedom Outdoors.
They made my assessment feel just like another day (or 5) in the hills and encouraged me to perform to the best of my ability without fear of making silly mistakes.
Would highly recommend Freedom Outdoors for any ML related courses, a relaxed and educational environment created by some very experienced and qualified instructors.read more
Michael Murray
2018-10-01T10:44:21+0000
Fantastic Summer ML Refresher course with Lou! Learnt a huge amount in just one day and really boosted my confidence for assessment which I passed 2 weeks after the refresher! Thanks!read more
Helen Knott
2018-08-24T14:50:12+0000
I’ve done my ML and a scrambling day with Lou and she is fantastic. Incredibly approachable and an excellent teacher. Highly recommended.read more
Sian Shepherd
2018-07-05T22:53:13+0000
I had a fabulous day exploring the rugged Anglesey coastline with Louise who took me exploring around some amazing coves, spotting the wildlife and giving me plenty of guidance to improve my technique throughout the day. I left the day feeling a lot more confident in the water and keen to get out paddling again! Thanks Lou!read more
Danny Robinson
2018-05-07T18:36:18+0000
Lou was great, her knowledge of the outdoors and the way she delivered the training was amazing!
Rob Oulton
2018-05-05T08:14:59+0000
Lou and her team were excellent, I would recommend them to anyone considering ML training..
Ann Doick
2018-05-01T06:56:55+0000
I have just completed my ML training with a group of friends on a course Lou ran especially for us. Our diaries are busy but Lou was able to accommodate us with only a few weeks notice. The course itself was fantastic. Lou immediately put us all at ease with her easy going nature and we had a brilliant week enhancing our knowledge and skills. We finished knowing exactly what to do next and are looking to do our assessments with Lou next year. Would thoroughly recommend Freedom Outdoors to anyone wishing to complete their ML.read more
Carl Tinkler
2018-04-07T15:48:54+0000
I went on an ML refresher day with Lou and had a brilliant day. We covered the topics that I and the others in the group had questions about and spent time practicing in context to make sure we were happy. All of my questions were answered and I went away feeling much more confident working towards my assessment. I would highly recommend to anyone
Thanks Lou!read more
Rob Sz
2018-03-10T16:45:34+0000
3 day winter skills course in glencoe. Great 3 days spent with Lou. Very knowledgeable and great company!
Katia Knight
2018-03-10T00:26:40+0000
Just got back from 2 days with Lou in Snowdonia where we did a couple of QMDs mixing Summer ML training prep with some Winter Skills. I was part of a group of 8 (we arrived as a group i.e. the big group was our choice) but Lou handled us masterfully. Despite our mismatched personalities and skillsets, we all left feeling like we got a great deal from our time with Lou - both in terms of skills and also because Lou is an inspiring and fantastic instructor. She took the time to get to know each of us individually over the course of the 2 days and was constently but discreetly making sure our (often subconscious) questions were being asked and answered and that we were all comfortable with trickier navigation exercises. Patient, kind, unassuming, and incredibly capable, Lou has developed a "coaching" style that combines people skills and knowledge-sharing beautifully - un-patronising and considerate. I would recommend Lou for ML-related-anything or just for a fun day out learning new things about the mountains, winter or summer mountaineering skills, nav, climbing, scrambling etc. She's great company to boot!read more
Julie Reeves
2017-11-27T10:02:26+0000
I attended the MTA conference in PYB with Louise instructing personal scrambling. I can't recommend her highly enough, her professionalism and passion for the mountains is positively infectious �.read more
Mark Stitson
2017-11-26T21:31:50+0000
Had a great day at the MTA conference learning about instructing scrambling. Lou perfectly managed to work to the mixed expectations of the group and left no one behind. Even the weather couldn't resist.read more
Joanne Wulf
2017-11-26T20:46:09+0000
Louise was a great instructor. I am a summer ML and was on a day's personal Scrambling workshop with Lou. The ratio was 1:4 and everyones' needs /wishes were met and much more! We were all challenged and Lou put her trust in us all with our experience to look after each other as we practised group management whilst she always took care of our safety overall. She did this by questioning our decisions and actions and allowing us to make judgement calls and assess each sticky moment afterwards. We wouldn't have learnt half as much without those sticky moments, nor would we have all been on a high from such an exhilarating day. As an outdoor instructor myself, Lou's patient, thoughtful and unpatronising manner was inspiring and much appreciated.read more
Ian Bowles
2017-11-26T19:44:14+0000
Had a days instruction for scrambling on Tryfan'North ridge from Lou on the MTA Autumn conference, Lou sets you at ease, is enthusiastic and helped to bring on my personal scrambling with new skills and different ideas. Thanks again Lou, see you on the hill! Ianread more
Rachel Lardner
2017-11-16T12:50:52+0000
I joined Lou for a ML refresher weekend recently, and it was more than excellent. First day spent navigating over a variety of terrains, and in the dark too. Second day practicing steep ground management. Lou is just great at her job- calm, encouraging, patient, motivating, and makes it all fun too. Highly recommended!read more
Paul J Burgess
2017-11-12T19:36:46+0000
Louise takes all the white noise away, focussing on what is essentially the big picture and this approach means you actually 'get it'. Recommended.read more
Jenny Dart
2017-10-14T07:43:28+0000
I completed the modular ML assessment with Lou and Tim. As a rather nervous person around assessments I had done my research, got recommendations and heard of Lou's supportive and laid back style - I was not disappointed by my choice! As soon as I met Tim and Lou I could relax, be myself and show my skills and knowledge. Despite the horrendous weather, muttering about becoming a tearoom leader instead and having to sit down when it got too windy I cannot imagine a more nurturing and positive assessment atmosphere. Thankyou.read more
Kevin Roberts
2017-10-12T22:02:43+0000
I did my Mountain Leader training with Lou (and Stu) last week - Lou was incredible - so full of knowledge and information, and a fantastic teacher to boot. The course was well structured, suited to the participants, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend her to anyone looking to advance their skills in the mountains. I will certainly look to Lou for future courses / CPD and ML assessment. Thanks Lou - so much fun! :)read more
Sam Wass
2017-10-09T20:59:27+0000
Just got back from ML trg this Saturday. I’m not normally one for reviews, but felt this couldn’t be ignored. I said the same thing to Lou in person, but it had to be repeated!
Really couldn’t fault any aspect of her instruction, delivery, course content, progression, attitude, value, laidback style (whilst delivering heaps of info), patience, planning, individual mentoring....I could go on and on. The same applies for Stu as well on the days he was involved! I would never have believed there could be so much progression in what basically amounts to 5 and a bit days.
I can’t praise Lou enough for her involvement in what was an outstanding week in the hills. Simply can’t fault- nor can I understand what anyone would gain by going elsewhere!
Faultless week, great people, perfect instruction and all round a laugh. Well played- I will be back!read more
Tony Kettle
2017-10-07T18:00:27+0000
Just had a fantastic 6 days with Lou and Stu on the ML training course. Their skills, knowledge and support have been fantastic allowing me to learn so much. Plenty of information on how to prepare for the assessment.
They also tailored the course to the participants, which were an amazing group of people.
Thanks for a great week.read more
Steve Mitchell
2017-08-26T15:53:20+0000
Just got back from fantastic week in Snowdonia doing my ML assessment. Absolutely loved it, would recommend anyone going up to Snowdonia to use Lou if looking for any mountaineering experience. Incredibly supportive with massive knowledge.read more
Costis Panas
2017-08-25T20:39:11+0000
I would like to thank Lou and Freedom Outdoors for organising and executing the ML Assessment in such a professional and friendly manner. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in Snowdonia with them! Warm people and wet landscape goes well together!read more
Hannah Sellars
2017-07-11T19:04:22+0000
Huge thanks, great climbing and finally got to grip with the ropework!
Murray Lonsdale
2017-05-25T07:41:05+0000
A great day spent reviewing climbing and roping skills with Lou. As ever, Lou is knowledgeable and friendly and instills confidence. Managed 6 pitches during the afternoon and lead 3 of them, setting up 3 belay points. Tryfan Fach (Little Tryfan) is an easy walk in from the A5 and the perfect angle to practice. Thanks Lou!read more
Martyn Clarke
2017-05-21T16:31:54+0000
Amazing week away for my ML training, Lou was fantastic and down to earth making it real easy to learn new skills and refresh on existing knowledge. Would definitely recommend Lou to anyone wanting to do there ML Training.
Thanks Lou (Freedom Outdoors)read more
Sam Gallear
2017-05-20T22:57:59+0000
Booked on with lou for my ML training, her wealth of knowledge is second to none, she helped me develop my skills further and would go out of her way to find the answers if she didn't know. Lou made the course much more enjoyable even in terrible weather. Hands down I would recommend her for anything outdoor related she's amazing.read more
George Clifton
2017-04-19T18:25:29+0000
Wow, what a fantastic weeks climbing instruction with Lou and the best birthday present ever. She looked after myself and my wife in a very professional and friendly manner. Her knowledge and skills in tuition are second to none and we felt more than safe for the whole time. She lets you test your levels gradually to build confidence. The both of have learned so much and too long to list here. What was also good was the variety of climbing situations she managed to set up for us in some beautiful locations. I also got to try out some leading and loved it. Lou has encouraged both of us to have our own adventures now as newbie climbers, so watch out Peak District !! xxread more
Peter Ranstead
2017-04-01T21:37:00+0000
I needed someone who was skilled, current and honest to help me hone my navigation skills for an up and coming assessment. I learnt valuable lessons and the feedback was defined and succinct. Lou instilled rational, calm and confidence by keeping it real, being pleasant and praising.read more
Martyn Dodson
2017-03-28T21:26:18+0000
Just returned from a fantastic 6 days Mountain Leader training course. Lou was very knowledgeable on all aspects of mountain craft and delivered the course in a fun, informative and relaxed way.read more
Steve Williamson
2017-03-25T11:12:50+0000
Just completed ML(T) with Lou. A fantastic course, well structured, fantastically delivered and in a relaxed manner putting everybody at ease. Awesome Lou, keep up the great work and see you at assessment.read more
Sandy Benchetrit
2017-02-01T21:50:53+0000
I have booked two weekend courses with Lou, she is very helpful, friendly and flexible when trying to organise a big group booking. During both weekends she was very approachable and knowledgeable. She managed to cover what each individual wanted while maintaining an overall cohesive theme and catering to different skill levels. Both courses were great fun and very instructive, thank you!read more
Scott Parker
2016-12-19T00:05:03+0000
Another super weekend with Lou and freedom outdoors. This is the second weekend I've spent with Lou. Intent on gearing myself up for future challenges in the mountains, I wanted to build on a previous mountain navigation course, with this introduction to roped lead climbing.
As always, Louise ticked all the boxes and more, and what better way than training on beautiful welsh peaks. Stunning views, some lovely scrambling and great intro to lead climbing and placement setting.
Lou is a personable character you warm to and trust very quickly, with an effective training method. I personally prefer this approach in place of larger groups. In this case, just Lou, my climbing buddy and I. Lou works to your ability and I walk away from the weekend having never lead climbed or set placements before, now confident in my ability to choose and use the right gear for the job, while making myself and my climbing partner safe along the way.
Another solid bit of teaching and training directly from the rock face. I walked away from the weekend salivating over the prospect of honing these skills on local outcrops before i return for guidance on some more challenging multi pitch climbs.
A big thanks and a strong recommendation for anyone else looking to buff up on their skills.read more
Emily Pitts
2016-10-22T07:14:29+0000
Lou did a navigation course for our climbing club and the course was brilliant. She tailored it to suit our needs and to match exactly what we wanted to get from the course. I really enjoyed it and learnt everything I needed about navigation. Thanks Lou.read more
Melanie Ades
2016-09-10T14:39:42+0000
Enjoyed a fantastic weekend of scrambling instruction from Louise. The perfect mix of being informative whilst allowing us to try stuff out on our own. Now know enough rope work that I would feel confidant going out by myself.read more
Stephen Rush
2016-09-06T19:17:09+0000
Had a really great experience, Lou's training style is calm and relaxed with an amazing attention to detail, at no point did you feel under any pressure. The purpose of the ML course is to learn the skills required to become a safe and competent mountain leader/walker, in every respect Lou achieved this and has given me a great deal of hints and tips to go away and practice. If anyone is thinking of doing a course with Lou you won't be disappointed I can't recommend her highly enough Thanks Louread more
Dominic Brown
2016-05-15T19:34:22+0000
I had a great week with Lou on my ML training week.
I would highly recommend Lou to anyone.
I expect to be back in the not too distant future.read more
Jessica Moncrieff
2016-01-12T10:41:42+0000
Fantastic weekend with Lou and Sam doing winter skills in Snowdonia. Really enthusiastic instructors and very happy to cater the weekend to what the group wanted to learn. Could not recommend more highly!read more
Jeremy Williams
2015-07-04T17:41:56+0000
Two really good prep sessions with Lou, one for ML(S) and another for IML. Good preparation, good tips, good practice and highly recommended.read more
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