James McDonald Hillwalk Tours

James is originally from Laois, a mainly flat landscape, and the most landlocked county in Ireland. James has always been passionate about the outdoors, spending many summers of his youth working on the peat bogs of the midlands and hiking the Slieve Blooms. He has spent the past 15 years in Cork, studying firstly, a BMus in Music, and then a HDip in Geographical Studies in UCC.

James has deepened his outdoor knowledge by completing mountain skills 1 and 2 courses and also expanded his inner knowledge qualifying as a yoga teacher, and certifying as a sound healing practitioner. He discovered his love of travel during this time, adventuring to the wilds of Sri Lanka, Bali and Thailand. He is now a proud Kerryman and delighted to be living in Ireland’s most mountainous county, surrounded by the MacGillicuddy Reeks.

As our Customer Experience Route Manager, James gets to meld his deep connection with the outdoors and his passion for the customer journey. Walking can be the perfect vehicle for wellness through movement and immersion in nature; this is exactly what he aims to create on each walk. James literally walks the customer journey on trails to make sure they deliver the best possible experience for every person, every step of the way.

James is also an endurance sports enthusiast, which means he loves going long distances very slowly, eating constantly and stopping for coffee regularly! He loves to teach yoga, meditation and perform sound baths with a multitude of meditative musical instruments.

The Hillwalk Tour he'd pick Speyside Way Whiskey Trial
The tour grading he'd pick Moderate
The item he'd take on a hiking tour Audible