Under the Influence - a unique story of Carlisle

I am a professional Blue Badge Guide for Cumbria with an accreditation in eco-tourism, and a wealth of experience in tour planning - itineraries, route planning, help with accommodation and transport. My tours are carefully designed around your particular interests and requirements to ensure you have the best possible experience. I always aim to deliver high-quality tours that never compromise on customer satisfaction. As a result, you will receive an in-depth tour that delivers just the right amount of information in a friendly and engaging manner. Good preparation is essential to ensuring my guests receive the best possible experience. Once I know more about your interests, the time you have available and your levels of fitness, I can then develop an itinerary and a guided tour that is tailor-made for you. I don't bombard you with information from the very first minute. Instead, my aim is to build up your understanding bit by bit so that by the end of the tour you will be fully informed about what you have seen and experienced. Learning should be fun and that is what I want you to experience during our guided tour. By gradually building up your understanding of the history, heritage and breathtaking landscapes of Hadrian's Wall or the Lake District (both World Heritage Sites), you will feel enriched with positive memories that you can share with others. You are not joining a group or having a set tour that is repeated on a daily or weekly basis. This is your tour, and by listening to and understanding your requirements, I can develop the optimum tour that works for you. I am a fully accredited Blue Badge Tourist Guide since 2011, and registered with the Institute of Tourist Guides and Cumbria Tourist Guides. I have an honours degree in Environmental Studies, with a particular interest in historic landscapes, heritage, geology and wildlife. In 2009, I was commissioned by Cumbria Tourism to undertake a 'Sense of Place' project for the whole of Cumbria, which involved identifying the attributes that make different localities distinctive and unique. This bank of research now underpins the GoLakes website and is used for various promotional purposes. As well as guiding, I design interpretation panels on local and natural history, and I am the author of various leaflets and booklets including 'Romans in Cumbria' and 'Solway's Built Heritage'. I am not a driver guide, but I can accompany you in your vehicle or arrange for a separate car and driver. Please note that having a separate driver is perfect for undertaking linear walks - and particularly useful for tours along Hadrian's Wall.