Meet the Team

Neil Kedward – Chief Executive

I have always been an adventurer at heart. My father always encouraging me to go and see the world. Our family holidays were invariably in these isles so I have fond memories of our time by the seaside in Bournemouth and Cornwall or staying on farms in the Wye valley. My first international adventure was as a seventeen year old in Canada with my inspiring older cousin who innately understands the idea of creating magical experiences. It was this trip that gifted me the travel bug and so my backpacking days began focusing on the less trodden parts of Central America, South East Asia and Africa.

As I have moved through my professional career, my appreciation of what these extraordinary small isles have to offer has grown. I feel blessed to have explored throughout these lands, bagged many Munros, discovered pristine deserted beaches, wonderful hideaways and being continually enlightened by the stories and rich history that make the experience of travelling here so special. My passion for adventure, great food and warm hospitality means that that I love giving clients the little insights that I know will make their journey an exceptional one. In my spare time you will find me walking the Pembrokeshire Coastal path with my wife and my mischievous labradoodle.

To contact Neil, please email neil@routescape.com

Zoe Kedward – Director

As a Forces child, I enjoyed the variety of living across the British Isles including Scotland, Norfolk, and Dorset. I went to university in Exeter, Devon, and then moved east to Sussex for my first job in travel and leisure with American Express where I was lucky enough to work both in Paris and London . I come from a family of explorers, so have had over the years every opportunity to hike the hills, forests, and villages, explore beautiful gardens, ancient castles, and splendid mansions. I love discovering the secrets and history of a place, finding out how and why it’s changed.

Although I have lived in Scotland, England and now beautiful Wales, my origins are from Ireland. All my family live there, and my earliest holiday memories were formed travelling the Emerald Isle with my father tracing his ancestors. I fondly recollect days spent on the empty beaches west of Galway and travelling the length of misty Lough Corrib sprinkled with old stone cottages in low walled fields. The evocative smell of peat fires will always transport me back there. It’s probably why I feel so at home in Wales, where the landscapes mirrors and echo those earliest memories. Even the Bara Brith competes with Irish tea brack.

Rachel Coffey – Chief Operating Officer

My passion for travel began in childhood, on family caravan trips around the British Isles, especially in Devon and the New Forest. Days spent walking in the countryside, exploring castles and visiting historic sites sparked a lifelong interest in history, culture and the stories that shape each place. A defining moment came when I was seven and saw a photograph of Easter Island in a book. I was captivated by the idea that such extraordinary places existed, and from that point on, I wanted to see them for myself. Some of my most memorable travel experiences include finally visiting Easter Island many years later, living in South Africa and Nigeria, and exploring the ancient Silk Road cities of Central Asia. I have also visited almost 300 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Today, I live in Wales and continue to be inspired by its rich heritage, dramatic landscapes and strong sense of identity.

I have the privilege of leading our hugely talented team at Routescape, and working with like-minded partners who share a passion for creating thoughtful, meaningful travel experiences across the British Isles and mainland Europe. What I enjoy most about my role is bringing together people, ideas and experiences to help create journeys that genuinely connect travellers with the places they visit. I love seeing the care, insight and creativity of the team come together, from the first spark of an idea through to the final details of a journey.

To contact Rachel, please email rachel.coffey@routescape.com

Tom Blakey – Head of Travel Design

My passion for travel began in childhood, growing up in Oxford and spending family vacations exploring the UK. From walking Cornwall’s rugged coastal paths to hiking in the Lake District and discovering the Yorkshire Dales, I quickly developed a love for the outdoors, great storytelling and the sense of adventure that travel brings.

Some of my most memorable travel experiences include seeing wildlife on safari in Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park, hiking through Jamaica’s Blue Mountains while volunteering overseas, and exploring the wild coastlines, castles and hidden corners of Wales, where I now live with my wife and three young children. What I love most about the British Isles and mainland Europe is the incredible variety. Within one journey, you can experience dramatic landscapes, fascinating history, vibrant cities, charming villages and unforgettable food and culture. I am especially passionate about creating trips that combine iconic highlights with authentic local experiences that travellers will still be talking about years later.

As Head of Travel Design at Routescape, I bring more than a decade of experience in luxury tailor-made travel. What I enjoy most is working closely with clients to design journeys that feel personal, exciting and completely seamless from start to finish. Clients can expect enthusiasm, honesty, creativity, strong attention to detail and a genuine commitment to making every trip exceptional.

To contact Tom, please email tom.blakey@routescape.com

Alex Rawson – Senior Travel Designer

It may sound cliché to say that I grew up travelling, but moving from England to Hong Kong at the age of nine meant adventure quickly became a way of life. Growing up in one of the world’s most multicultural cities sparked a lifelong curiosity about people, places and the stories that connect them. From exploring the tropical islands of Southeast Asia to skiing in British Columbia, journeying overland through Central America and taking on an ultramarathon through the deserts of Arizona, travel has always been closely tied to discovery, challenge and connection.

Some of my most meaningful travel memories include working on a game reserve in South Africa, staying alongside nomadic families in the vast and beautiful Gobi Desert, and spending much of my childhood exploring the coastal villages of Cornwall. Each experience has shaped the way I see the world, with a deep appreciation for authenticity, local insight and sense of place. I love the British Isles for their diverse landscapes, layered history and exceptional local food culture, while mainland Europe continues to inspire me with its depth, variety and culture.

As a Senior Travel Designer, I see travel planning as far more personal than simply building an itinerary. For me, it is a collaboration and a conversation, centred around understanding what truly excites each guest. Each client who works with me can expect a thoughtful, curious and highly personal approach, with journeys shaped around meaningful experiences, carefully chosen places and a genuine connection to the destination.

To contact Alex, please email alex.rawson@routescape.com

Eleanor Whitticombe – Senior Travel Designer

My love for travel and food was first inspired by family holidays to Cornwall and the unforgettable seafood restaurants we discovered along the coast. Those early experiences sparked a fascination with the way a truly special trip can stay with you long after returning home. I later studied Tourism Management at the University of Plymouth, where living in the southwest of England deepened my appreciation for the UK’s history-rich coastline, characterful harbour villages and local culture.

After my studies, I spent a year in Canada, skiing throughout the winter and hiking in the mountains during summer, before embarking on a road trip across the USA, exploring iconic cities and breathtaking national parks. One of my most vivid travel memories is enjoying a picnic lunch high in the Swiss Alps before paragliding into the valley below, a moment that perfectly captured the sense of adventure and freedom that travel can bring. Closer to home, I love exploring beautiful Wales with my family, discovering hidden beaches, countryside walks and wonderful local food along the way.

As part of the team at Routescape, I create bespoke travel experiences tailored to each client. I enjoy taking the time to truly understand what excites each traveller, what matters to them and the type of experience they want to take away from their journey. My empathetic approach allows me to add thoughtful personal touches that make every itinerary feel seamless, memorable and completely unique.

To contact Eleanor, please email eleanor.whitticombe@routescape.com

Carolyn Ransome – Senior Travel Designer

Family holidays when I was growing up first sparked my love of travel, but it was not long before I had itchy feet and was ready for adventures of my own. Those early trips soon turned into summers working in Spain, backpacking through Asia and Australasia, and later a career in travel that allowed my explorations to continue. Some of my most memorable experiences include travelling through Central America and immersing myself in the local culture, living la dolce vita during a sabbatical in Italy, watching the sunrise over Angkor Wat in Cambodia, driving through the vine-covered hills of Tuscany, and spotting puffins on Skomer Island in Wales.

What I love most about the UK and mainland Europe is the incredible variety of landscapes, culture and traditions. From pretty English villages and medieval Italian towns to the dramatic peaks of the Scottish Highlands and the wild coastal scenery of Wales, there is always something new to discover. I also love the small moments that bring a place to life, from the sound of bagpipes in Scotland to the evening passeggiata in Italy.

As a Senior Travel Designer at Routescape, I love creating unique journeys filled with memorable experiences. It is genuinely exciting to shape a proposal and imagine the moments that await each client along the way. Clients can expect clear communication, careful attention to detail and a journey designed with genuine passion, insight and care.

To contact Carolyn, please email carolyn.ransome@routescape.com 

Kayleigh Gainfort – Travel Designer

From a young age, travel has been a huge part of my life. Whether it was weekends exploring the UK and Ireland or longer stays along the Spanish coast, I loved planning routes, researching hidden gems and bringing trips to life for family and friends. That passion naturally led me into a career in travel, beginning with European package holidays before progressing into the world of fully bespoke travel.

Over the years, I have been fortunate to explore some incredible destinations and experience travel in a more immersive way. Some of my most memorable travel experiences include backpacking through Northern Italy and Switzerland, cycling between hidden beaches in Croatia, and taking spontaneous ferry trips to Dublin. I am always inspired by the small moments that make a journey feel personal, authentic and unforgettable. Although I love discovering new places, I am constantly drawn back to the British Isles and mainland Europe for the incredible variety they offer, from the elegance of Paris to the energy of London and from the honey-stone villages of the Cotswolds to the peace of the UK’s national parks.

As a Travel Designer at Routescape, I love helping to create personalised journeys filled with meaningful details, unique experiences and lasting memories. While working with me you can expect a thoughtful and enthusiastic approach, with genuine care taken to shape trips that feel seamless, exciting and completely your own.

To contact Kayleigh, please email kayleigh.gainfort@routescape.com

Kirsty Cook – Travel Design Executive

My passion for travel began long before I studied International Travel and Tourism Management, but that experience helped me understand that unforgettable journeys are shaped by far more than the destination alone. For me, travel has always been about discovering different cultures, embracing the atmosphere of a place and sharing those moments with the people around you. I love how the right setting, carefully chosen experiences and seamless planning can transform a trip into something truly special.

Some of my favourite travel memories reflect the variety of experiences I enjoy. The South of France remains one of the most memorable, with its blue coastline, luxury yachts and glamorous sporting events creating the perfect balance of relaxation and sophistication. In winter, I love escaping to the mountains for ski trips filled with crisp alpine air and adventure. Closer to home, Pembrokeshire will always hold a special place in my heart. Growing up surrounded by dramatic coastlines and unspoilt landscapes gave me a deep appreciation for nature and the beauty of the British Isles.

As a Travel Design Executive at Routescape, I support the creation of personalised itineraries that feel seamless, immersive and thoughtfully tailored to each client. The most rewarding part of my role is helping bring journeys to life through carefully chosen details, knowing that each trip has the potential to create memories that last long after clients return home.

To contact Kirsty, please email kirsty.cook@routescape.com

Kim Cohen – Travel Care Manager

Travelling and exploring have shaped my life from a young age. Growing up in Pembrokeshire, weekends were often spent walking the coastline of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and enjoying the landscapes close to home. My interest in art and literature later drew me to study near the Georgian city of Bath, where I enjoyed exploring the city’s cobbled streets, independent shops and historic setting. I then moved to London to pursue a career as a professional dancer, where the energy of the West End and Covent Garden gave me a real sense of possibility. That same sense of adventure led me to a career on cruise ships, allowing me to combine my love of travel and dance while visiting destinations across Europe and beyond. Some of my most memorable travel experiences include spending time in Rome, visiting the South of France and sailing through the Norwegian Fjords as far as the Arctic Circle.

As Travel Care Manager at Routescape, I enjoy supporting our clients in the lead up to their journey and helping them feel excited, reassured and well prepared. My role is all about clear communication, careful attention to detail and thoughtful problem solving. While working with me you can expect a calm, empathetic and highly organised approach, with genuine care taken to make each trip feel seamless from start to finish.

Luke Beattie – Travel Care Executive

My passion for travel has been shaped by family holidays spent exploring hidden corners of Europe and places slightly off the usual path. Those experiences inspired my love for discovering authentic destinations and understanding how thoughtful details can turn a trip into something truly memorable.

One of my favourite travel memories is a family trip to Naples and Sicily, where we visited Pompeii, explored the Amalfi Coast, admired the volcanic landscapes, relaxed in the coves of Sicily and wandered through the hilltop town of Taormina. Closer to home, I am proud to call Britain home and never tire of discovering its unique towns, beautiful countryside, coastal paths and welcoming pub culture. In my free time, I enjoy playing golf on some of the UK’s most scenic courses and making the most of the beaches on my doorstep in Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

As a Travel Care Executive at Routescape, I enjoy contributing to incredible journeys and building genuine relationships with clients as their trip approaches. My role is about helping each traveller feel informed, supported and excited, while ensuring the final details are handled with care. Clients working with me can expect a reliable, approachable and attentive travel expert who genuinely cares about delivering exceptional service and helping create unforgettable experiences.

Brandon Williams – Travel Care Executive

My passion for travel began on the beaches of Tenby, a charming seaside town in Pembrokeshire, Wales. Growing up in such a popular coastal destination gave me an early interest in tourism, hospitality and customer service. Later, working at a summer camp in the United States gave me the chance to connect with people from North America and around the world, and ignited my love for travel.

Some of my most memorable travel experiences include watching my first live soccer match at Camp Nou, the home of FC Barcelona, swimming with manta rays in Barbados and climbing Yr Wyddfa, the highest mountain in Wales. I am delighted to be part of a team that welcomes travellers to Great Britain, Ireland and mainland Europe. These destinations offer such rich variety, from deep history and local traditions to landscapes, cities and cultures shaped by influences from around the world.

As a Travel Care Executive at Routescape, I help finalise each trip once it has been designed with the Travel Specialist. My role is to make sure the itinerary is booked to the client’s specification, the details are carefully checked and the trip is ready to operate smoothly. Clients can expect an attentive, caring and transparent approach, with clear communication and genuine enthusiasm for helping bring their travel plans to life.

Sukyoung Kim – Travel Care Executive

Growing up in South Korea, I never fully appreciated the richness of the world’s cultures until I first travelled overseas as an exchange student to the West Coast of Canada. It was in Vancouver that I realised how much there was to explore – new sights, sounds, languages, and flavours that opened my eyes to the diversity of the world. Since then, my passion for discovering and embracing different cultures and languages has only grown.

After graduating from university, I worked as an English language teacher in South Korea, teaching young students while venturing around the globe and exploring the USA, Australia, and various parts of Asia. Whilst holidaying in Melbourne, I met my husband, and now, together, we’ve settled on the stunning coastline in Pembrokeshire, where we are building our cabin in a peaceful woodland setting. I’m excited for the next chapter of our journey and the adventures that lie ahead.

Nicholas Howells – Operations Manager

I’ve been fortunate to spend much of my life close to the Pembrokeshire coast, a place that made dramatic scenery, open space and exhilarating outdoor experiences part of daily life.  Family holidays to France and Spain then introduced me to the excitement of discovering new places, while hiking and kayaking in Wales and Ireland helped develop my lasting interest in adventure-focused travel.

Some of my standout travel memories reflect this love of the outdoors, from sea kayaking along the Pembrokeshire coastline to snorkelling with sea turtles in Indonesia’s Gili Islands and hiking on New Zealand’s Franz Josef Glacier after flying in by helicopter. Each experience offered something different, but all have shaped the way I think about travel and how highly I value time spent exploring somewhere in depth. What I enjoy most about the British Isles is the variety they offer within a relatively small area. Every journey offers the opportunity to discover rugged coastlines, mountain landscapes, historic cities, quaint villages and rich local culture.

As an Operations Manager at Routescape, I enjoy helping each client’s journey feel smooth, well organised and stress free. My role focuses on the important details behind the scenes, helping ensure that travel arrangements are carefully prepared and ready for each trip. I take pride in supporting the wider team and contributing to memorable travel experiences that feel seamless from start to finish.

Shakira Everett-Evans – Travel Operations Assistant

My passion for travel began with family trips to Ireland and France, as well as exploring closer to home in Pembrokeshire. These experiences gave me an early appreciation for discovering new places and finding the character that makes each destination unique. Over time, this has grown into a real love of exploring cities on foot, discovering their history and getting to know them through their local food, art and culture.

Some of my favourite travel experiences have been exploring Prague, from the Strahov Library to the Lennon Wall, and wandering along the canals of Amsterdam. I have also enjoyed time exploring in Paris, London and Barcelona, each offering something completely different to discover. One of my favourite parts of travelling is visiting museums and galleries, learning more about the history and culture of a destination, and finding independently owned restaurants and cafés where you can experience a more authentic side of a place.

As Travel Operations Assistant at Routescape, I support the wider team in delivering exceptional journeys for our clients. I enjoy being part of the process that turns a carefully planned itinerary into a seamless and memorable journey.

Owen Davies – Product & Systems Manager

My passion for travel began when I was 17, during a trip to Japan that opened my eyes to the excitement of experiencing a completely different culture and way of life. Since then, travel has shaped both my personal and professional life, inspiring me to seek out places with rich history, distinctive traditions and a strong sense of identity. Growing up in the West Country of England, and having since lived in Bristol, Liverpool, Southeast Asia, London and now on the Welsh coastline in Pembrokeshire, I have experienced first-hand the remarkable variety found across the British Isles. Many of my childhood holidays were spent exploring Britain and Northern France, from the beaches of Devon and Cornwall to the standing stones of Carnac in Brittany and the fishing villages of the northern French coast.

Some of my most memorable travel experiences include searching for fossils along the Jurassic Coast at Lyme Regis, ballooning over the landscapes of the Atacama Desert in Chile, and learning about Viking history in York, the old capital of the Danelaw. As an archaeology graduate, I have always been drawn to the stories behind a destination, and what I love most about the British Isles and mainland Europe is the depth of history and variety of cultures found within such a compact region.

As Product and Systems Manager at Routescape, I enjoy helping shape the tools, processes and experiences that support the wider team in creating seamless, thoughtful journeys. It is hugely rewarding to contribute behind the scenes to trips filled with meaningful experiences, memorable landscapes and moments that stay with clients for a lifetime.

Alix White – Director of Communications & Marketing

Donna Jenkins – Marketing & Communications Manager

I have always loved the great outdoors. As a farmer’s daughter, the land, sea, clifftops and close-knit communities of West Wales that were ever-present in my childhood crafted my appetite for authentic adventures in nature. I fled Pembrokeshire to study languages in the architecturally charming city of Bath where I explored the cobbled streets, meandering waterways and delicious eateries. The next decade was filled with international and cultural adventure. I studied History of Art in Italy, taught English in rural villages in Argentina and Mexico, road-tripped through Paraguay and Brazil, and island hopped around Scandinavian archipelagos. Always attracted to the less-trodden paths, I find that this is where culture, history and authentic recipes come alive and lifelong memories are made.

Since firmly rooting myself back in the UK, I have fallen in love all over again with the impressive variety that these small isles have to offer. Our cities are iconic; brimming with history, excellent food, character and charm and our landscapes are rolling, dramatic and wild, changing with every season. Once back on home turf I spent several years as a languages teacher near London inspiring students to challenge themselves and travel the world. I loved the hybrid of attractions that bustling London and the restorative countryside had to offer but when the opportunity arose to move my family back to West Wales I couldn’t resist.

Now, working for Routescape, I support the wider team in designing tailor-made trips for clients to travel this corner of the world which we know best. I take great pride in striking a balance behind the scenes which enables every trip to be authentic, seamless and undeniably special.

Mark Harvey – Finance Director

I was born in Canada, which perhaps explains why the open road has always felt like home. Growing up, the world felt vast and full of possibility, and a love of exploring came naturally. Over the years, that curiosity has taken me across the British Isles, Europe and beyond, from the ancient streets of Rome and the sun-warmed coastline of Portugal to the ski slopes of Italy and much more.

Wales is my favourite place to spend time, and I feel very fortunate to call it home. Cornwall runs in at a close second, particularly for its dramatic coastline, unhurried atmosphere and the kind of hospitality that stays with you. The Minack Theatre is one of those places I find myself recommending to almost everyone. Some of my most treasured experiences have been walking the historic streets of Edinburgh, a city that never stops surprising, and exploring London with my wife and children, discovering the city through their eyes in a way that makes even the most familiar landmarks feel new again. As for favourite international cities, Rome is hard to beat. The atmosphere, the architecture, the food and the sense that history is alive in every corner make it somewhere I return to whenever I can.

Beyond travel, my career has been spent in senior finance and leadership roles across hospitality, property, construction and international business. That background has given me a deep appreciation for what makes a premium experience truly exceptional. The details, the thinking behind them and the people who deliver them with genuine care.

Tim Pollard – Finance Manager

Many of my childhood holidays and weekends were spent on the North Wales coast. Although I may not have fully appreciated it at the time, I now look back fondly on family walks through the hills and along the coastline, enjoying open spaces and time away from the crowds. Those early experiences sparked my interest in places with a strong sense of character, culture and natural beauty.

Later, my university years and the early part of my finance career were spent in Manchester, where I enjoyed the art, culture, music and energy of the city. I then had the opportunity to live in Switzerland, which opened the door to travelling across mainland Europe by bike, bus, train and car. Exploring different countries, meeting new people and experiencing local food and traditions only deepened my love of travel. What I love most about the British Isles and mainland Europe is the variety they offer within relatively short distances, from rugged coastlines and rolling countryside to vibrant cities rich in history and culture.

I joined the Seren Collection and Routescape in 2019, drawn by the company’s focus on sustainability and responsible tourism. As Finance Manager, I enjoy contributing to the smooth running of the business and supporting a team that shares a genuine passion for hospitality, travel and protecting the remarkable destinations we are fortunate to work within.

Oliver de Koning – People Manager

I have always been fascinated by people, places and the stories that connect them. Growing up on the edge of Dartmoor in Devon sparked an early interest in landscapes, history and the unique character that different destinations hold. I went on to study Geography at university, driven by a curiosity about how people interact with the places they live, work and travel through. What interests me most is understanding the stories behind communities, cultures and landscapes, and how these shape our sense of identity and belonging.

My professional journey has taken me through a variety of roles within hospitality, including five-star hotels, Michelin-starred settings and managing a safari lodge in Zambia. These experiences gave me the chance to meet people from all walks of life and reinforced my belief that the most memorable experiences are built around genuine human connection. Outside of work, I have a longstanding passion for history and enjoy exploring how heritage, geography and culture influence the character of a place.

At Routescape, I bring together my experience in luxury hospitality, Human Resources and my passion for travel, history and geography. My role focuses on supporting our team, helping people grow and contributing to a positive culture where individuals can thrive. I believe the best travel experiences are shaped by people, and it is rewarding to work with a team that genuinely want to enable clients to better understand the places they visit.

Polly Wainwright – Payroll Manager

Originally from Cardiff, Wales, I have been fortunate to live in different parts of the UK, including Manchester, Bolton and Swindon, before returning to Wales and settling in Pembrokeshire. Travel has always been something I have loved, from exploring different countries and cultures to enjoying hotels, food and memorable shared experiences. Some of my most special travel memories include walking along the banks of the Seine in Paris, exploring Game of Thrones filming locations in Northern Ireland, visiting Stonehenge and swimming in Iceland’s Blue Lagoon. Further afield, Australia holds a special place in my heart, especially a nine-day camping trip from Adelaide to Alice Springs, sleeping under the stars and experiencing the vast beauty of the outback. For me, travel is about more than seeing new places. It is about connecting with people, places and moments that stay with you.

I have always enjoyed discovering places with character, whether that is a historic landmark, a beautiful coastline, a memorable hotel or a great meal shared with others. Living in Pembrokeshire means I am surrounded by places to explore, from coastal walks and beaches to local spots that are perfect for days out with my family. Outside of work, my favourite thing is spending time with my lovely grandson, and we are spoilt for choice with things to do together in this beautiful corner of Wales.

As Payroll Manager at Seren and Routescape, I am delighted to be part of a team working in hospitality and travel, supporting the people behind the scenes who help create exceptional guest experiences.