Find My Guide: A Platform Built for the Outdoor Community

 

By Jack Kerr

 

When I first started FindMyGuide.co.uk, the goal was simple: bring guides, instructors, and coaches together in one place—somewhere people could find them easily, and where the guides themselves could actually benefit from being visible, supported, and part of a wider community.

 

But getting guides involved hasn’t been as straightforward as I thought. Even though the service is completely free, and the profile pages are solid and professional, some are hesitant. I think a big part of that is the fact that I ask for proof of qualifications and insurance. It’s not about gatekeeping—it’s about safeguarding the people who might use the platform to book them. That’s my responsibility if I’m putting them out there.

 

The Location Hub

 

Beyond the guide profiles, a big part of the platform is about giving people access to quality information on outdoor locations. I started off with the Munros—Scotland’s 282 mountains over 3,000 feet. Each one has its own page with practical details: parking locations, estimated time to complete, weather apps, and photos. I’ve also started adding this kind of info for hills across England, Wales, and Ireland.

 

But I want to go further. I’m working on brief descriptions for each location, and eventually, I’ll include details like available water sources, whether you can bike in, and so on. The whole idea is that it’s quick and accessible—you land on a page, and everything you need to know is right there.

 

There’s also info for guides on deer stalking seasons and who to contact, which is crucial if you’re taking people into areas where hunts might be active.

 

Water Sports, Biking, and Climbing

 

I’ve built out other sections too—lakes and lochs for paddleboarding or kayaking, bike parks with facility details, and even some wild tracks. Again, the aim is simplicity and usefulness: a few pictures, a brief description, how to get there, and what to expect.

 

Climbing crags are a big one. Usually, you have to buy guidebooks to access that information, and if you’re new or don’t have local knowledge, you don’t even know where to start. So I’ve begun uploading details about crags, including how to get there and beginner-friendly routes. I don’t put every single route on there—just the easier ones to help people get into the sport without being overwhelmed or out of their depth.

 

The Outdoor Gear Shop

 

Because the site doesn’t charge for any of this, I knew I’d need to create a way to support it. That’s where the shop comes in. But I didn’t want to just stock big-brand gear. I’m focused on affordable, functional outdoor gear—stuff that I’ve checked personally to make sure it’s fit for purpose. It’s all about giving people the chance to try a sport, see if they like it, without needing to spend hundreds of pounds up front.

 

The Challenge with Social Media

 

The biggest hurdle I’m facing now is visibility. Social media platforms aren’t showing my content to the right people. I know the content’s good—I’ve put time into it—but the algorithms don’t seem to know who it’s for. They test posts with a few users, but if those users aren’t genuinely interested in outdoor activities, it kills the post before it can grow.
Like and Follow to help us grow!

 

So now, I’m working hard to create content that speaks directly to the right audience—that tells people what the platform is, who it’s for, and why it matters. That’s going to be key to growing this thing, and it’s something I’ll keep working on.

 

Why I’m Doing This

 

A bit about me: I’m ex-military. I was medically retired after being blown up. Since then, I’ve worked in property and as a mechanical and electrical engineer. But throughout all of that, I was doing outdoor sports—it’s been my passion for nearly two decades. In 2020, I decided to go professional with it. That’s when I started logging my experience and building what would eventually become FindMyGuide.

 

This whole site is built on the idea that the outdoors should be accessible, affordable, and community-driven. I’ve done it without asking for anything in return—no fees for guides, no locked content for users. Just real information, real people, and the kind of support that helps everyone grow together.

 

So whether you’re a guide, a first-time hiker, or someone just looking for the next place to explore—I hope you find something here that helps you get out there and enjoy it.

 

Find your next adventure at www.findmyguide.co.uk