Meet The Team

Richard Betts

Adventure Director and Co-Founder

After 15 years in the fire service, Richard co-founded Pied A Terre Adventures, with Kirstie, in 2011. His infectious passion for the outdoors shines through his 20+ years of mountain exploration and impressive collection of qualifications that include Walking Group Leader, Hill & Moorland Leader, Nordic Walking Instructor, Level 2 Award in First Aid for Mental Health, NNAS Tutor Award, Mountain Leader and International Mountain Leader (IML). As lead guide, Richard has trained and guided adventurers worldwide, helping people overcome challenges, learn new skills, and find delight in the outdoors.
In the past, Richard has provided first aid in the local community as a volunteer Community First Responder and now volunteers as a Team Leader for Sussex Search Dogs. In his rare spare moments, he savours family time and embraces a slower pace of life with movie nights at home or at the cinema.

Kirstie Betts

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR AND CO-FOUNDER

Kirstie co-founded Pied A Terre Adventures with Richard in 2011. Passionate about connecting people with the natural world, she believes in the transformative power of nature for learning, health, and spiritual well-being
Whether it’s through work or just for fun, Kirstie lives and breathes all things outdoors, immersing herself in the countryside, unearthing new routes, and embracing the wonders of nature. Her love for photography and interest in the weather make for some epic pictures on the occasional storm chase.

Harvey Betts

Business Development Manager

Business Development Manager, Harvey, has an impressive resumé of qualifications in a range of leadership and outdoors skills including an ILM Leadership & Management Level 3, as well as NNAS Bronze/Silver and Level 2* Kayaking & Canoeing, making him the ideal candidate to lead Pied A Terre Adventure’s offerings. However, it’s the new connections that the role enables him to make, both on and off the hill, that really drives him. Most at home in the outdoors, Harvey keeps busy with a range of hobbies, from caving and white water kayaking to climbing and hiking.
Harvey particularly enjoys Pied A Terre’s guided trips and is passionate about giving others the opportunity to experience the unparalleled joy of these locations. Keen to share in the adventure, Harvey is focused on promoting Pied A Terre to a wider audience. If he’s not joining in with the walks, you’ll find him in the gym, playing sports, or travelling.

Andy Heald

Lead Guide

Born and bred in Scotland, mountains are part of Andy’s DNA. Andy has gained unparalleled expertise through his qualifications as a Winter Mountain Leader and International Mountain Leader. As an extremely experienced Lead Guide, he has conquered every British mountain at least once and relishes introducing like-minded individuals to his favourite places and empowering them with the skills to explore untamed landscapes.
Andy’s degree in geology fuels his passion for understanding the natural world, encompassing birds, flowers, culture, history, and language. Gaelic holds a special fascination for him, especially in the context of his Scottish homeland. During his free time, Andy embarks on personal adventures in the wilderness and is always chasing more knowledge about the natural world, currently by studying an Open University course in astronomy.

Ali Rowsell

LEAD GUIDE

Since undertaking a Summer Mountain Leader award in 2005, Ali has since added to her long list of qualifications including certifications as International Mountain Leader, Climber Wall Instructor, Mountain Bike Instructor, and D of E Leader and Assessor. Ali has travelled all over the world and, as a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, she often takes the time to gen up on her knowledge which feeds nicely into her travel writing for outdoor magazines
When not guiding with Pied A Terre, Ali is a full-time Deputy Head of PE at a Sussex school and loves mountain biking, paddleboarding, and exploring hidden trails in the South Downs National Park.

Dave Powell

ASSISTANT GUIDE AND PHOTOGRAPHER

Not only is Dave a qualified trainer and outdoor instructor, but also a remarkably talented professional photographer, videographer, and photojournalist. With a deep wanderlust, he has been privileged to explore numerous breath-taking locations worldwide. Dave loves the chance to connect with new people and nurture their appreciation for the outdoors, imparting wisdom, new skills and a profound understanding of nature.
If you need someone to vouch for a quality cream tea, Dave is your go-to connoisseur as one of his favourite walks is assisting with the Tea Room Guide. If Dave isn’t exploring the outdoors, you can find him in the cinema, visiting model railways or perhaps on his annual storm photography trip to the US.

Mick Lewin

ASSISTANT GUIDE

Mick joined Pied A Terre in 2011, bringing a contagious passion for the outdoors and a wicked sense of humour. With over 18 years of experience as a watch manager and qualified trainer in the Fire Service’s Search and Rescue team, he’s a popular character that enjoys discovering new routes and taking like-minded nature enthusiasts on new adventures.
When not walking on Pied A Terre excursions, Mick spends his spare time exploring the countryside alongside his wife and dog, working out in the gym, trying out the latest dog training techniques or seeking the thrill and freedom of riding motorbikes.

Maggie

COMPANION AND CHIEF SANDWICH TASTER

Pied A Terre Adventure’s loyal companion, Maggie the Rhodesian Ridgeback, often accompanies the team on long walks. Appointed as chief squirrel chaser and an expert in picnic quality control, Maggie is an integral part of the team.
Maggie’s boundless energy and friendly demeanour, alongside her love for football and snuggles, means that she’s a real favourite amongst the team.

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Awards & Accreditations